Principal Civil Engineer - Water

Stantec; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in New Zealand is seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to lead water projects. The role requires over 10 years of experience in civil engineering and a strong track record of delivering water-related projects. The successful candidate will manage client relationships and lead technical teams. The position offers a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible Working Arrangements

Learning and Talent Development Programs

Health and Life Insurance

Service Recognition Awards

Qualifications

• Proven track record delivering stormwater, water, and wastewater projects.
• 10+ years of experience in civil engineering.
• Ability to manage own workload and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the team’s technical capabilities.
• Project technical lead on various projects.
• Prepare cost estimates and tender documents.

Skills

Stormwater management

Water and wastewater projects

Client relationship management

Project management

Communication

Education

Tertiary engineering qualification

Job description

Overview

Principal Civil Engineer - Water. Communities are fundamental. At Stantec we design with community in mind and connect engineering with community growth and well‑being. We are designers, engineers, scientists and project managers innovating at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to deliver projects that improve quality of life worldwide.

About The Role

We have an outstanding opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team and lead significant projects across New Zealand and Australia. As a Principal Civil Engineer, you will be based in one of our New Zealand offices and join an established multi‑discipline team with technical support from resources in New Zealand and globally. You will apply your technical knowledge to deliver sustainable and commercially viable engineering solutions for clients across New Zealand.

You will contribute to development of proposals for clients as well as developing business from a local client base. In this role you will:

• Project technical lead on a variety of projects to ensure outputs are delivered on budget, on time and to quality standards.
• Work closely with key clients, understanding their needs and challenges, and influence outcomes for successful team results.
• Lead and develop the team’s technical capabilities.
• Produce quality project outputs, monitor scope changes, and ensure design work is resourced, reviewed and programmed.
• Plan, programme, co‑ordinate and write reports for specific projects.
• Prepare cost estimates for project design and construction.
• Prepare tender documents and specifications for projects.

About You

You will be an experienced Civil Engineer with a proven track record delivering stormwater, water and/or wastewater projects and working collaboratively with clients and colleagues across the country.

You’ll be a confident communicator with a tertiary engineering qualification and 10 or more years’ experience, able to develop strong internal and external client relationships, and oversee all aspects of project delivery including client and stakeholder consultation and negotiation where required.

Your ability to manage your own workload, maintain strong client and colleague relationships locally and across the broader Stantec network, and balance priorities is essential.

What We Offer

Along with a competitive salary we offer benefits to support your professional development and wellbeing:

• Flexible Working Arrangements including the option to purchase up to 4 weeks additional leave and school term contracts
• Learning and Talent Development Programs including global programs, online learning and on‑the‑job learning
• Mentoring for your development
• Professional Memberships
• Health Insurance – Income Protection Insurance – Life Insurance
• Service Recognition Awards
• Employee Assistance Program

About Us

The Stantec community unites approximately 30,000 employees across 450 locations on six continents. We collaborate across disciplines to bring water, transport and infrastructure projects to life. Our work spans from initial concept through design, construction and commissioning, backed by a nearly 200‑year history. We see opportunities to make lasting connections with the people and places where we live and work.

How To Apply

Please apply directly online. No Agency CVs will be accepted.

Qualifications

Primary Location: New Zealand-Auckland-Auckland

Other Locations: New Zealand-Waikato-Hamilton, New Zealand-Nelson-Nelson, New Zealand-Canterbury-Christchurch, New Zealand-Tauranga-Tauranga, New Zealand-Otago-Dunedin, New Zealand-Wellington-Wellington

Organization: BC-3101 Water-NZ New Zealand

Employee Status: Regular

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Travel: No

Schedule: Full-time

Job Posting: Oct 1, 2025, 3:24:12 PM

Req ID: 250002E7

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec complies with local, state, and federal laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. EEO including Disability/Protected Veterans