Lead Engineer - Wastewater Treatment

GHD Group; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and architecture firm is seeking a Lead Engineer for Wastewater Treatment Plants to lead key projects within New Zealand. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in the industry, demonstrating strong design management and leadership skills. You will manage complex projects and build relationships with clients while contributing to the growth of junior engineers. This role offers the opportunity to make significant positive impacts in the water sector.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of industry or consulting experience.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) is an advantage.
• Experience managing large, complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery from feasibility to commissioning.
• Provide design management and technical oversight.
• Work closely with clients to ensure project success.

Skills

Design management

Leadership skills

Multitasking

Communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Relevant university degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

BoWin

Sumo

Plant3D

Job description

Overview

The importance of water to the health of our world can’t be overstated. As the frequency and intensity of floods, droughts and storms increases, the water industry must continue to build resiliency and lead from the front. Together with our clients, we are thinking and doing things differently to help pre-empt and prepare for what's next. Be a part of this dynamic and committed team of diverse water specialists and drive change for your community. You’ll be able to apply our powerful global network of skills and decades of experience to create positive water outcomes that respect nature and nurture communities.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Lead Engineer for Wastewater Treatment Plants to join our high-performing Water team, based in Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington. This role involves leading key plant projects within New Zealand and working on significant projects across the APAC region, ensuring that GHD brings innovation and strong technical skills to the New Zealand market.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery from feasibility through to commissioning for both new and existing plants
• Provide strong design management and technical oversight, including QA/QC and peer reviews
• Work closely with clients, building trusted relationships and ensuring project success
• Support business development through proposal preparation and repeat work generation
• Mentor and coach junior engineers, contributing to team growth and capability
• Maintain high standards in quality assurance, documentation, and knowledge sharing

About you

• Relevant university degree in Civil Engineering with 10+ years of industry or consulting experience
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) an advantage but not a requirement
• Proven design management and leadership skills
• Experience taking ownership of large, complex projects including multidisciplinary impacts and risks
• Effective multitasking and ability to manage competing priorities to meet deadlines
• Skilled HAZOP and Safety in Design workshop facilitator
• Strong teamwork and mentoring abilities to develop high-performing professionals
• Business-minded with a focus on growth and growing client relationships
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and technical software such as BoWin, Sumo, and Plant3D
• Living the GHD Values – Safety, Teamwork, Respect and Integrity
• Self-motivated, energetic, and committed to delivering high-quality results

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ to submit your CV or contact Zen Chua at [e-mail] for more information.

About us

Visit our GHD New Zealand Water page to explore our work, projects, and opportunities in the water sector.

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 mōtu 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.

About Us continued: 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, addressing humanity’s most urgent needs: to make water, energy and urbanisation sustainable for generations to come.

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