Lead Engineer – Water Infrastructure Strategic Planning

About the Role

Water plays an essential role in maintaining the health of our environment. In the context of increasing floods, droughts, and storms, the water sector must build resilience and lead proactively. Join a diverse, dedicated team of water specialists developing innovative solutions to predict and prepare for future challenges.

This Lead Engineer position is based in New Zealand and involves strategic planning for water infrastructure across the region. The role focuses on shaping how water systems are planned, financed, and implemented amid climate challenges, regulatory reforms, and evolving community needs. You will collaborate with clients to influence investments and long-term infrastructure outcomes beyond just creating plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead infrastructure strategy development at a systems level for stormwater, potable water supply, and/or wastewater sectors.
• Guide early-stage decision-making including business case creation, programme development, and investment prioritization.
• Establish and maintain strong, long-term partnerships with clients, positioning the organization as a trusted partner.
• Work collaboratively with a global network to deliver integrated solutions spanning strategy through to project delivery.
• Drive market development by identifying and pursuing new opportunities within the water sector.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the team, enhancing overall capability.

Candidate Profile

• More than 15 years of experience in water infrastructure planning and strategic advisory roles, with preferred background in project delivery and implementation.
• Demonstrated influence over infrastructure planning and investment decisions.
• Strong systems thinking skills that integrate technical, environmental, and economic perspectives.
• Experience engaging senior stakeholders in councils, utilities, and government agencies.
• Thorough understanding of New Zealand's water sector and ongoing reform landscape.
• Commercial acumen to identify opportunities and cultivate client relationships.
• Excellent communication skills with an ability to simplify complex ideas into clear insights.

Additional Information

The work environment embraces a hybrid setup, combining onsite collaboration three days a week with flexible arrangements. The organization promotes diversity and inclusive employment practices welcoming applications from all nationalities, genders, and cultural backgrounds. Agency resumes are not requested at this stage.

This is a unique chance for a professional aiming to work at an upstream point in project lifecycles, actively shaping pivotal infrastructure decisions that affect communities and ecosystems alike.

About the Company

The employer is a global professional services firm specializing in engineering, architecture, and construction, with an employee-owned structure featuring over 11,000 staff across 200+ offices worldwide. Their commitment focuses on sustainable solutions in water, energy, and urban development to meet urgent global challenges.