Lead Civil Engineer

Grada Recruitment; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Grada Recruitment in Tauranga is partnering with a leading land development consultancy to hire a Senior Lead Civil Engineer. You’ll take ownership of complex land development projects from concept to construction and mentor a growing team.

Chartered or progressing toward CPEng, you’ll influence client relationships, engage with local authorities, and drive technically excellent design across three waters and subdivision schemes.

Qualifications

• NZ civil engineering experience in land development.
• Chartered or progressing toward CPEng.
• Strong knowledge of civil design and three waters infrastructure.
• Proven ability to lead projects and mentor others.
• Client-facing experience and relationship building.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of land development and subdivision projects.
• Prepare and review civil designs, reports, and documentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and grow the team.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and local authorities.
• Manage projects from feasibility through construction support.
• Develop and maintain client relationships and business growth.
• Contribute to business leadership and strategic direction.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Client-facing

Civil design

Education

CPEng (Chartered Professional Engineer)

Job description

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Lead Civil Engineer | Shape the Future of Land Development

This is the kind of opportunity that doesn't come around often.
An established land development consultancy is looking for a senior Civil Engineer ready to step into a genuine leadership position.

With highly respected industry veterans transitioning into retirement, the foundations have been laid for someone ambitious to take the reins, build their reputation, and help lead the next chapter.

If you're looking for more influence, greater autonomy, and the chance to leave your mark on significant developments across the Central North Island, this is worth a conversation.

About the company

Our client is a well-established, privately owned consultancy with a long history of delivering land development projects throughout the Central North Island. Their reputation has been built over decades through strong client relationships, technical excellence, and a collaborative approach to solving complex development challenges.

With a healthy pipeline of residential, commercial, mixed-use and rural developments, they're now investing in the future of their engineering team and creating an opportunity for an emerging leader to help shape both the business and the region.

About the role

Based in Tauranga, you'll take ownership of a diverse portfolio of land development projects from concept through to completion.
You'll lead the technical delivery of civil design, provide trusted advice to clients, work closely with local authorities, and mentor a growing team of engineers and designers. Your role will be project focused and you'll also play an important role in developing people, strengthening client relationships, and helping drive the business forward.

This role offers exposure to large-scale residential subdivisions, commercial developments, mixed-use projects and rural developments, giving you genuine variety and the opportunity to work on projects that shape communities.
Whether you're already Chartered or actively working towards CPEng, the business has the support, project exposure and leadership to help you reach the next level.

What's on offer

• Opportunity to step into a genuine leadership role with long-term career progression.
• Work alongside experienced leaders who are committed to mentoring and developing future principals.
• A diverse pipeline of high-profile residential, commercial, mixed-use and rural developments.
• Significant autonomy, trust and influence over projects and client relationships.
• Support towards CPEng if you're on the pathway.
• Strong, collaborative culture where your ideas are valued and your contribution recognised.
• Highly competitive salary package aligned with experience.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of complex land development and infrastructure projects.
• Prepare and review civil engineering designs, reports and technical documentation.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, contractors and local authorities.
• Deliver practical engineering solutions across three waters, infrastructure and subdivision developments.
• Manage project delivery from feasibility through construction support.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the continued growth of the engineering team.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across clients, consultants and council stakeholders.

What you'll need

• NZ civil engineering experience within land development and subdivision projects.
• Experience working with, or alongside, Bay of Plenty local authorities.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), or actively progressing towards chartership.
• Strong technical capability across civil design and three waters infrastructure.
• Proven client-facing experience and the confidence to lead projects.
• A collaborative leadership style with a genuine desire to mentor others.
• Ambition to build your career and make a lasting impact within a growing consultancy.