Senior Project Engineer - Queenstown

About the Role

McConnell Dowell is seeking a seasoned Senior Project Engineer to join its Southland/Otago team based in Queenstown. The successful candidate will report to the Project Manager and will be pivotal in delivering infrastructure projects throughout Otago and Southland while cultivating strong client ties in Queenstown, Dunedin, and Invercargill.

This position involves both project execution and business development. The engineer will manage multiple engineering tasks across projects, engage with clients to uncover new opportunities, assist with tender processes, and support the expansion of McConnell Dowell's footprint in the lower South Island region. Although based in Queenstown, the role requires regular travel across the region depending on workload.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning and delivery of civil infrastructure projects in Otago and Southland.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and site supervisors.
• Build and sustain robust client relationships across Queenstown, Dunedin, Invercargill, and the wider southern region.
• Collaborate with clients to identify upcoming project opportunities and nurture long-term partnerships.
• Prepare and contribute to tender documents, cost estimates, methodologies, construction programming, and delivery strategies.
• Support business development through client presentations, tender interviews, and contractor involvement initiatives.
• Coordinate subcontractors, consultants, and suppliers to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality project completion.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, procurement processes, and commercial outcomes.
• Review engineering designs, construction methods, temporary works, and documentation.
• Ensure adherence to contractual, quality, and company standards.
• Promote Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality (HS&E) excellence on all projects.
• Encourage a collaborative team environment while mentoring junior staff.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent tertiary qualification.
• At least 10 years of civil infrastructure project experience within New Zealand.
• Proven experience in a senior project engineering role, delivering complex infrastructure projects.
• Extensive knowledge of NZS3910 contracts, construction techniques, and project delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, programs, procurement, and commercial project aspects.
• Experience preparing tenders, methodologies, pricing, and bid documentation.
• Strong client relationship skills with aptitude for identifying new business prospects.
• Experience collaborating with local authorities, consultants, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership skills with capacity to mentor engineering teams.
• Sound commercial judgement and contractual understanding.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Proactive problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Thorough knowledge of HS&E requirements.
• Valid New Zealand Driver Licence.

About McConnell Dowell

McConnell Dowell aims to enhance lives through infrastructure projects that support and connect communities. With over 60 years of delivering high-quality, complex projects in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia, the company offers diverse roles and development opportunities to its people.

McConnell Dowell fosters a supportive, inclusive workplace encouraging diversity and individual impact, with commitment to community-shaping projects and employee growth.

Additional Information

This role is based in Queenstown but requires travel throughout Otago and Southland regions. Successful candidates must hold valid work rights for New Zealand and/or Pacific Islands and pass a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol screening.

Applications from all demographics are encouraged. The position is hired directly by McConnell Dowell, with no involvement from recruitment agencies.