Lead Civil Engineer

GHD; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity for broadening experience across New Zealand

Supportive team culture

Access to varied and meaningful projects

Job summary

A global professional services company is seeking an experienced Lead Civil Engineer to join their Palmerston North team. The successful candidate will lead complex civil projects, providing mentorship to engineers and ensuring high-quality delivery across New Zealand. This role requires a degree in Civil Engineering and 10-20 years of experience, with a focus on technical expertise and client engagement.

Qualifications

• 10 to 20 years of professional engineering experience.
• Proven capability in leading and delivering civil infrastructure projects.
• Strong technical design experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the planning, design, and delivery of civil projects.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers.
• Monitor project delivery to ensure quality and safety.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project management

Client relationship management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Common engineering tools and software

Job description

Job Description

Bring your curiosity and determination to make a positive impact on the future of transport, and we’ll help you on your journey.

Join our team of globally connected specialists to help solve complex transport challenges and experience groundbreaking projects from idea to delivery, and beyond.

We’re seeking an experienced Lead Civil Engineer to join our Palmerston North team and help deliver diverse, high-profile projects across New Zealand.

This leadership role offers the ideal blend of technical expertise, team mentoring, and client engagement within a globally connected, well-established consultancy known for its quality, collaboration, and strong regional presence.

The Role

• Lead and oversee the planning, design, and delivery of complex civil and infrastructure projects from concept to completion.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and designers, fostering professional growth within the team.
• Monitor project delivery to ensure quality, safety, schedule, and budget expectations are consistently achieved.
• Manage contract and project activities including design coordination, client liaison, and engagement with subcontractors and stakeholders.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in design processes, digital delivery, and sustainability outcomes.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of engineering standards, codes, and emerging technologies within the infrastructure sector.

About You

• A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (or related discipline).
• 10 to 20 years of professional engineering experience, ideally holding or working toward CPEng certification.
• Proven capability in leading and delivering civil infrastructure projects across multiple sectors.
• Demonstrated technical leadership skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and develop others.
• Strong technical design experience and sound understanding of project and contract management.
• Excellent client relationship management, you’re trusted by clients and skilled at identifying opportunities to add value.
• A proven project delivery focus, with a track record of achieving high-quality, collaborative outcomes.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with proficiency in common engineering tools and software.
• A team-oriented approach with a commitment to learning, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

What Does GHD offer

Join a high-performing team delivering a diverse range of civil infrastructure projects across New Zealand.

As part of our growing team, you’ll work on a broad portfolio of civil infrastructure projects, from local developments to large-scale initiatives within our global network.

We operate nationally, so you’re not limited by location. You can be based in any of our offices across New Zealand, with opportunities to contribute to projects outside your region, ideal for broadening your experience and professional network.

With a strong pipeline of work, a supportive team culture, and access to varied and meaningful projects, this is a great opportunity to grow your technical skills, take on new challenges, and shape a long-term career in civil infrastructure.

Click ‘Apply’ to submit your CV.

Ki GHD, ka ākina te kaimahi e mātou kia tutuki ōna ake moemoeā. Nā te mea, ko te kaha o te tangata te tuarā o te pakihi. Nā reira, he hiahia nō mātou ki te whiwhi kaimahi nō ngā ahurea tuakiri maha, nō whenua rerekē, tane mai, wahine mai.

At GHD we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunities and invites applications from people of all nationalities, genders, and cultural backgrounds.

Office Shutdown Period

During our office shutdown from Thursday 25th December 2025 to Friday, 9th January 2026, we will reopen on Monday, 12th January 2026. During this period, there will be delays in processing applications and responding to enquiries. We appreciate your understanding and patience. We respectfully ask that no agency resumes be presented at this stage.

About Us

Come together and make a meaningful impact.

We bring our people together to create something bigger and solve some of the world's most complex problems. Come and experience the power of commitment and see strategy and ideas come to life when you join GHD.

Our Pledge to You

At GHD, we don’t just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day.

That’s why we pledge to empower our people to make a positive impact. Combining our deep technical expertise with the capabilities of our clients and partners, we respond to some of the most complex challenges facing our planet today.

See where your commitment could take you.

That’s the #PowerOfCommitment

Who We Are

GHD is a global professional services company that leads through engineering, architecture, and construction expertise. We are an employee-owned company with over 11,000 diverse and skilled individuals, across more than 200 offices spanning five continents.

The Power of Commitment is our brand promise. It’s what makes us different. We are bound to our stated vision and determination to address humanity’s most urgent needs: to make water, energy and urbanisation sustainable for generations to come.