Civil Program Lead - NSW

Tonkin; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Tonkin in Sydney seeks a Civil Program Lead to steer planning, coordination and delivery of civil engineering programs across NSW. You’ll work with the Operations Manager, discipline leads, and project teams to balance strategic oversight with hands-on delivery during growth.

You’ll ensure safety, quality and on-time, on-budget outcomes while growing leadership capability, shaping program strategy, and fostering client and stakeholder relationships for sustainable infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering required.
• CPEng status or equivalent professional recognition highly desirable.
• Proven leadership experience in civil infrastructure projects.
• Experience leading teams in a consultancy environment.
• Strong understanding of civil design standards and construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead the successful delivery of civil infrastructure projects, providing hands-on technical and project management support during early program growth.
• Develop and implement business strategies and program delivery frameworks with robust controls and metrics.
• Monitor and report delivery performance, schedule, budget, risks and quality with proactive issue resolution.
• Foster a culture of safety, collaboration and accountability across all delivery teams.
• Mentor and coach project leaders and engineers to build team capability and drive growth.

Skills

Leadership

Client engagement

Strategic planning

Communication

Team coaching

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering

CPEng status

Tools

12d

Civil 3D

AutoCAD

MUSIC

Job description

When you join Tonkin, you become part of a team that thrives on delivering exceptional outcomes, creating lasting value for people, communities, and the environment.

Founded in 1955, Tonkin is a proudly employee‑owned engineering consultancy on a strong, sustained growth journey. Our creative and progressive national team, located across seven offices throughout Australia, provides engineering, design and advisory services to public and private sector clients. We deliver imaginative, dependable and technically excellent solutions across water, waste, transport, natural resources management, buildings, public works and land development.

With a growing portfolio of high‑profile, impactful, and complex projects, we’re seeking exceptional professionals who share our vision to be Australia’s infrastructure consultant of choice.

You’ll be joining a close‑knit and collaborative team that values professional excellence and a communicative, multidisciplinary approach, ensuring our clients always receive the best possible outcomes.

About The Role

As Civil Program Lead/Civil Lead, you will play a pivotal role in leading the planning, coordination, and successful delivery of Tonkin’s civil engineering program in NSW. Working closely with the Operations Manager, discipline leads, team leads, and individual project delivery teams, you will oversee all aspects of program performance—balancing strategic leadership with hands‑on project involvement, particularly during the initial growth phase.

You’ll be responsible for ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, on budget, and to the highest technical and quality standards. As the team expands, your focus will progressively evolve from direct project delivery to broader program oversight, strategic growth, and leadership development.

Key Responsibilities

Program and Project Delivery

• Lead the successful delivery of civil infrastructure projects, providing hands‑on technical and project management support during the early stages of the program.
• evelop and implement business strategies aligned with Tonkin’s strategic direction, along with program delivery frameworks, project controls, and performance metrics to drive consistency, quality, and efficiency.
• Monitor and report on project delivery performance, schedule, budget, risks, and quality, ensuring proactive issue resolution.
• Foster a strong culture of safety, collaboration, and accountability across all delivery teams.
• Champion innovation in project delivery through the application of new technologies, digital tools, and improved processes.

Leadership and People Development

• Mentor and coach project leaders and engineers, building team capability and supporting career growth.
• Champion a high‑performance culture that values teamwork, professional excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Support workforce planning and recruitment as the program and team expand.

Client and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong, trust‑based relationships with current and prospective clients and key stakeholders.
• Leverage existing client relationships to win work for Tonkin
• Ensure transparent communication, proactive issue management, and delivery of value‑driven outcomes.
• Contribute to business development by identifying new opportunities, preparing proposals, and supporting client presentations.
• Shape and influence the program’s culture, reputation, and brand through authentic leadership and collaboration.

Financial and Strategic Management

• Oversee program financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and profitability.
• Align program and business strategies with Tonkin’s broader strategic objectives.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for operational improvement and service innovation.

About You

You may currently be a Senior Engineer ready to take the next step into a leadership role, or an already established leader. You’re comfortable operating at both a strategic and delivery level, bringing a balance of technical knowledge, client engagement, and team leadership to every project.

You Will Have

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (postgraduate qualifications desirable).
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status with Engineers Australia, or equivalent professional recognition.
• Proven leadership experience in civil engineering across infrastructure and/or building projects.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in a local consultancy or engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, and practical design delivery.
• Strong financial management and business planning experience.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and drive business growth.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative leadership style that builds trust, capability, and engagement.
• Proven experience in civil design and project delivery across one or more of the following areas: Tansport infrastructure (roads, intersections, active transport, car parks), Land development (subdivisions, urban development, grading and drainage design), Water infrastructure (stormwater, wastewater, or potable water systems), Public works and community infrastructure
• Strong understanding of civil design standards, codes, and guidelines (Austroads, Australian Standards, local authority requirements).
• Proficiency with design and modelling software such as 12d, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, MUSIC, or similar.
• Experience in project planning, scheduling, and controls.
• Knowledge of quality management systems, risk assessment, and safety in design principles.
• Understanding of contract administration and procurement processes (AS2124, AS4000, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with digital engineering, BIM, or emerging delivery technologies is highly regarded.

Why Tonkin?

This is the ideal position for someone who is passionate about advancing their career within a high‑performing team recognised for technical excellence, creative problem‑solving, and a human‑centred approach to delivering impactful infrastructure solutions.

Good people. Challenging projects. Caring environment. That’s Tonkin.

At Tonkin, we know people perform at their best when they enjoy coming to work. We offer you the opportunity to collaborate with leading industry experts in a genuinely supportive and caring environment. We value flexibility and trust – empowering you to build your skills, progress your career quickly, and work in a way that suits you.

For this role, you must have the right to live and work permanently in this location.

Tonkin will only consider applications submitted directly by candidates. We will not accept or consider any applications from recruiters or recruitment agencies for this position unless requested.