Principal Engineer – Water

Salt Digital Recruitment; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary (~$200K)

Flexible, supportive work environment

Opportunity to shape practice

Job summary

Salt Digital Recruitment is seeking a Principal / Director Water Engineer Lead in Auckland, New Zealand. This senior leadership position offers the chance to shape a growing water practice within a respected consultancy.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in water engineering and proven leadership skills. The role includes leading complex projects, mentoring engineers, and building client relationships while providing a supportive and flexible work environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in water engineering, focusing on 3 Waters.
• Leadership and project delivery experience.
• Strong client engagement and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex 3 Waters projects.
• Provide technical direction and quality assurance.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers.
• Contribute to business strategy and growth.
• Potentially establish and lead a new water practice.

Skills

Water engineering expertise

Leadership skills

Client engagement

Communication skills

Education

CPEng or equivalent

Job description

Principal / Director Water Engineer Lead

Build. Influence. I am seeking a highly experienced Principal or Team Lead to spearhead my clients Water capability in Auckland. This is a unique opportunity to take the reins of a growing practice within a respected consultancy, known for delivering quality outcomes and maintaining strong client relationships.

About Us

They're a nimble, well-connected consultancy of 20-30 professionals, working across infrastructure, environmental, and water sectors. Their clients include leading councils, developers, and infrastructure providers. With a solid pipeline of work and a reputation for excellence, we're now ready to expand our offering—and we need the right leader to make it happen.

The Role

This is a senior leadership position with scope to shape and grow a practice. You'll lead multidisciplinary projects, mentor engineers, and work closely with clients and directors. You'll also have the opportunity to establish and build a dedicated water team, with full support from the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex 3 Waters projects (stormwater, wastewater, potable water)
• Provide technical direction and quality assurance
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Mentor and develop junior engineers
• Contribute to business strategy and growth
• Potentially establish and lead a new water practice

About You

• 10+ years' experience in water engineering, with a focus on 3 Waters
• Proven leadership and project delivery experience
• Strong client engagement and communication skills
• CPEng or equivalent preferred
• Entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for team building

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary (~$200K) + benefits
• Flexible, supportive work environment
• Opportunity to shape a practice and make a lasting impact
• Great clients, meaningful projects, and a strong pipeline of work

If this opportunity is of interest, or you would like to know more, please contact Liam on 022 400 4144, or apply now.