Lead Civil Engineer

JobSpace; Palmerston North; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

GHD in Palmerston North seeks a Lead Civil Engineer to oversee complex civil and infrastructure projects from concept through delivery. You will mentor engineers, coordinate design, and engage with clients and subcontractors across New Zealand.

The role demands a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering with 10–20 years’ experience; CPEng is preferred. A strong track record in project delivery, leadership, and collaboration is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering required.
• 10–20 years of professional civil engineering experience.
• CPEng certification preferred.
• Strong leadership and client-management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee planning, design, and delivery of civil/infrastructure projects from concept to completion.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and designers.
• Monitor project delivery to meet quality, safety, schedule, and budget targets.
• Manage design coordination, client liaison, and subcontractor engagement.
• Drive innovation in design processes, digital delivery, and sustainability.
• Maintain knowledge of standards, codes and emerging technologies.

Skills

Team leadership

Mentorship

Client engagement

Project delivery

Analytical thinking

Communication

Civil design

Engineering tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

CPEng certification (preferred)

Tools

Engineering design software

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

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 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.

Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in office, three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

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.

We respectfully ask that no agency resumes be presented at this stage.