Lead Engineer – Water Infrastructure Strategic Planning

Overview

Water plays an essential role in maintaining global health, and as extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and storms become more frequent and severe, the water sector must enhance resilience and lead innovation. Joining a diverse team of water professionals, you will leverage a wide network of expertise and experience to foster positive water-related outcomes that balance environmental respect and community wellbeing.

Role Summary

This position serves as a lead engineering role focused on strategic planning for water infrastructure, working primarily in New Zealand and the Pacific regions. The role emphasizes upfront strategy, shaping how infrastructure is planned, financed, and implemented amidst climate change pressures, regulatory reforms, and evolving community expectations. The role involves collaborating with clients to influence investment decisions and deliver long-term benefits instead of simply producing plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead comprehensive infrastructure strategies for stormwater, water supply, and wastewater systems at a system-wide level.
• Guide early-phase decisions including preparing business cases, designing programs, and setting investment priorities.
• Forge long-term partnerships with clients solidifying the company's reputation as a preferred collaborator.
• Work in coordination with a global team to provide integrated solutions throughout strategy formulation to project delivery.
• Contribute to business development by identifying and cultivating new opportunities within the water sector.
• Provide leadership and mentorship, enhancing team capabilities and performance.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and trusted advisor with 15 or more years' experience in water infrastructure planning and strategy, preferably including hands-on project delivery. They have a proven track record of influencing infrastructure investment and planning decisions and possess strong systems thinking skills that link technical, environmental, and economic factors. Experience engaging senior stakeholders across local government, utilities, or government agencies is essential, along with an in-depth knowledge of the New Zealand water sector and reforms. A commercial approach to identifying opportunities and fostering client relationships, combined with clear and compelling communication skills capable of distilling complex information, is required. Commitment to delivering sustainable, long-term benefits to communities and the environment is fundamental.

Work Environment

This role operates within a hybrid work model, combining in-office collaboration (minimum three days weekly) with flexibility to support a vibrant and dynamic workplace culture.

Diversity and Inclusion

The company embraces cultural and identity diversity, invites applications from all nationalities, genders, and cultural backgrounds, and ensures equitable employment opportunities.

About the Employer

The employer is a global professional services organization with expertise in engineering, architecture, and construction. Operating as an employee-owned firm with over 11,000 professionals in more than 200 offices worldwide, its core mission is addressing critical global challenges related to sustainable water, energy, and urbanization solutions through commitment and collaboration.