Chief Environmental Engineering & Consenting Lead

WM; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression

Training and development

Job summary

WM New Zealand Ltd is seeking a strategic leader to head Environmental Engineering & Consenting in Auckland. You will oversee environmental engineering projects, manage resource consent applications under the RMA, and drive compliant, sustainable outcomes.

Lead a team of engineers and consenting specialists, develop best-practice processes, and build strong relationships with regulatory agencies and project teams to unlock project potential and deliver high-impact environmental outcomes.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in environmental engineering or environmental consenting.
• Proven expertise in New Zealand Resource Management Act (RMA) processes and consent applications.
• Strong knowledge of environmental impact assessment (EIA) methodologies and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience managing environmental engineering projects from conception through regulatory approval.
• Extensive stakeholder management experience, including engagement with regulatory agencies and local authorities.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing technical teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess complex environmental issues.
• Excellent project management capabilities with demonstrated ability to deliver on time and within budget.
• Proficiency in environmental assessment tools and software relevant to the industry.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with New Zealand environmental legislation and planning frameworks.
• Experience with P&L management and strategic business planning (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a talented team of environmental engineers and consenting specialists, cultivating a culture of professional excellence, continuous innovation, and career development.
• Champion strategic initiatives that advance our environmental engineering capabilities and establish best-practice regulatory consenting processes.
• Direct the preparation and submission of resource consent applications, leveraging your deep knowledge of the RMA and local planning requirements to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
• Provide expert technical leadership on environmental assessments, translating complex data into strategic recommendations that unlock project potential and identify optimal regulatory pathways.
• Build and nurture collaborative relationships with regulatory agencies, local authorities, and project teams, positioning our organisation as a trusted partner in the consenting process.
• Oversee the delivery of high-impact environmental impact assessments (EIA) and environmental management plans that set industry standards.
• Establish and champion quality standards for all environmental engineering work and consenting documentation, ensuring excellence across all deliverables.
• Stay ahead of regulatory evolution, proactively monitoring legislative changes and positioning the organisation to exceed compliance requirements.
• Strategically manage project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation, maximising efficiency and delivering exceptional value.
• Mentor and develop team members, investing in their professional growth and creating pathways for career advancement within the organisation.
• Collaborate across departments to embed environmental considerations into project planning and delivery, amplifying our sustainability impact.
• Represent the organisation with authority and credibility in meetings with regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders, enhancing our market reputation.

Skills

Environmental engineering

RMA processes

EIA methodologies

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Project management

Environmental assessment tools

Regulatory knowledge of NZ legislation

Communication skills

P&L / business planning (preferred)

Education

Professional registration or membership with relevant environmental or engineering bodies

Job description

WM New Zealand Ltd is seeking a strategic leader to head Environmental Engineering & Consenting in Auckland. You will oversee environmental engineering projects, manage resource consent applications under the RMA, and drive compliant, sustainable outcomes.

Lead a team of engineers and consenting specialists, develop best-practice processes, and build strong relationships with regulatory agencies and project teams to unlock project potential and deliver high-impact environmental outcomes.