Project Management Commercial Lead - Water

Stantec; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development and support

Flexible leave options

Global learning programs

Health insurance and income continuanc

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Mentorship and wellbeing programs

Job summary

Stantec is seeking a Project Management Commercial Lead for the Water business in New Zealand. You will enable PM delivery, lead commercial oversight, and drive profitability across multi-disciplinary water projects, working with Project Managers and regional leaders to standardise processes and improve outcomes.

You will partner with business leaders on pricing, risk management and bid reviews, while supporting development of proposals and maintaining strong client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Monitor project performance across scope, budget, schedule, risk, quality, WIP and financial metrics, working closely with Project Managers to identify issues and drive timely resolution.
• Drive consistent application of Stantec’s Project Management Framework, business processes, controls and procedures, identifying opportunities to improve project execution and commercial performance.
• Review and approve project forecasts, EACs, revenue recognition, project plans, budgets and schedules, ensuring appropriate governance, financial controls and compliance requirements are met.
• Support risk reviews, audits and distressed projects, coordinating corrective actions and providing guidance on complex, high-risk or first-of-a-kind projects.
• Partner with Business Leaders on pricing strategies, forecasting, budgeting, go/no-go decisions, commercial risk, change management and overall project and business performance
• Support key bids and proposals by reviewing scope, deliverables, risk, commercial requirements and pricing, ensuring opportunities are achievable and aligned with business objectives.
• Provide leadership, coaching and support to Project Managers, Project Leaders and Project Controls teams, including resource allocation, capability development, succession planning and performance feedback.
• Lead PM forums, training and knowledge-sharing initiatives, promoting best practice, continuous improvement and consistent use of project management tools, systems and processes.
• Work closely with Business Leaders, Project Managers and teams across disciplines, as well as Finance, Legal and other corporate functions, to resolve issues and enable effective project delivery.
• Support client relationships, cross-business-line collaboration, business development and industry engagement, while maintaining a strong focus on client service and delivering successful project outcomes.

Job description

Project Management Commercial Lead - Water - ( 260000N2 )

Description

Project Management Commercial Lead

Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure.

We are designers, engineers, scientists, project managers, and strategic advisors. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible.

About the role:

Stantec’s Water team in New Zealand has an impressive portfolio of successful projects that benefit communities nationwide and beyond, with significant contributions to international work. Our water focus covers the management of drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and groundwater as a collective resource. Dams and hydropower are a key focus, driving resilience and renewable energy solutions. Tackling our water challenges is crucial, and our diverse local network includes over 360 water specialists dedicated to innovation.

As the Project Management Commercial Leader (PMCL), you are the trusted person for project delivery across the Water business, enabling Project Managers to deliver successful, commercially sound projects for our clients. You’ll strengthen project management capability, provide commercial, risk and performance oversight, support proposals and contract reviews, and identify opportunities to improve project outcomes and profitability.

Working closely with our Business and Regional Leaders, you’ll champion consistent project management practices, provide practical support to Project Managers and Project Management Leads, and help make project delivery simpler, more effective and efficient.

Key responsibilities include

• Monitor project performance across scope, budget, schedule, risk, quality, WIP and financial metrics, working closely with Project Managers to identify issues and drive timely resolution.

• Drive consistent application of Stantec’s Project Management Framework, business processes, controls and procedures, identifying opportunities to improve project execution and commercial performance.

• Review and approve project forecasts, EACs, revenue recognition, project plans, budgets and schedules, ensuring appropriate governance, financial controls and compliance requirements are met.

• Support risk reviews, audits and distressed projects, coordinating corrective actions and providing guidance on complex, high-risk or first-of-a-kind projects.

• Partner with Business Leaders on pricing strategies, forecasting, budgeting, go/no-go decisions, commercial risk, change management and overall project and business performance

• Support key bids and proposals by reviewing scope, deliverables, risk, commercial requirements and pricing, ensuring opportunities are achievable and aligned with business objectives.

• Provide leadership, coaching and support to Project Managers, Project Leaders and Project Controls teams, including resource allocation, capability development, succession planning and performance feedback.

• Lead PM forums, training and knowledge-sharing initiatives, promoting best practice, continuous improvement and consistent use of project management tools, systems and processes.

• Work closely with Business Leaders, Project Managers and teams across disciplines, as well as Finance, Legal and other corporate functions, to resolve issues and enable effective project delivery.

• Support client relationships, cross-business-line collaboration, business development and industry engagement, while maintaining a strong focus on client service and delivering successful project outcomes.

What we offer

At Stantec, we take your growth and fulfilment seriously. We’re proud to offer many supportive benefits, including;

Professional development and support

Flexible working arrangements, including purchasing up to an extra four weeks of leave and provision for school term contracts, part-time, and job sharing

Learning and talent development programmes, including global, online, and on-the-job opportunities

Professional memberships

Service recognition awards

Mentorship

Wellbeing and connection opportunities

Health insurance, income continuance insurance, and life insurance

Employee assistance program

Developing Professionals Group, a global network for those with under 10 years of experience

About us

We’ve been serving our clients and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand for over 125 years. With almost 900 professionals, our team is based in the main cities and throughout the regions. We collaborate across disciplines and sectors to bring buildings, energy, water, environmental, and transport projects to life.

Globally, Stantec unites approximately 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across six continents. Our work from initial project concept and planning through design, construction, and commissioning begins at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships.

Applications close Friday 6th November 2026

Qualifications

.

Primary Location

New Zealand-Auckland-Auckland

Other Locations

New Zealand-Otago-Dunedin, New Zealand-Canterbury-Christchurch, 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 6, 2026, 6:45:28 PM

Req ID:

260000N2

#additional

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit 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 is in compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. EEO including Disability/Protected Veterans