Head of Environmental Engineering & Consenting

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

Head of Environmental Engineering & Consenting

• Full-time

Unlock Your Potential with Waste Management NZ Limited!
At WM New Zealand Ltd, we're on the lookout for passionate individuals with passion for the environment to join our team and shape the future of waste management technology and processes. We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can contribute their unique skills and ideas.

Who are we?

WM is New Zealand's leading resource recovery, recycling, and waste management provider. We’re committed to safeguarding our beautiful environment through sustainable management of our valuable resources. Put simply, sustainability is what we do.

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Environmental Engineering & Consenting to lead our environmental engineering team in Redvale, Auckland. In this strategic leadership role, you will champion innovative environmental solutions whilst overseeing all environmental engineering projects, regulatory consenting processes, and stakeholder engagement. You will drive organisational excellence, ensure compliance with New Zealand environmental legislation, and position our company as a recognised leader in sustainable infrastructure development. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise with decisive leadership capabilities and a genuine passion for delivering transformative environmental outcomes.

• 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 Resource Management Act (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

Requirements

• Minimum 10+ years of experience 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)
• Background in change management and organizational development (preferred)
• Professional registration or membership with relevant environmental or engineering bodies (preferred)

What’s in it for You?

• Valid and rewarding career path
• Ongoing training and skill development, with clear career advancement pathways.

If you are results-driven with exceptional communication skills, we want to welcome you to our team. At WM New Zealand, we're committed to investing in your professional growth, offering unparalleled career prospects within a supportive company culture. Collaborate with a team of passionate individuals collectively driving sustainable change.

WM is an equal opportunity employer, promoting drug and alcohol-free workplaces. Applicants must be in New Zealand and hold a current work visa/residency or NZ citizenship.