Strategic Lead, Water Infrastructure Planning

GHD; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

GHD is seeking a Lead Engineer – Water Infrastructure Strategic Planning to shape future water systems across Aotearoa. This role focuses on strategy, funding and delivery amid climate pressure and reform, partnering with clients to influence long‑term outcomes beyond just plans.

Ideal candidates have 15+ years in water infrastructure planning, strong stakeholder engagement, and a commercial mindset to drive opportunities and excellence across the NZ network.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in water infrastructure planning and strategy.
• Proven ability to influence infrastructure planning and investment decisions.
• Strong systems thinking connecting technical, environmental, and economic considerations.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders across councils, utilities, or government.
• Commercial mindset with ability to shape opportunities and build client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead system‑level infrastructure strategies across stormwater, water supply, and/or wastewater.
• Influence early‑stage decisions, including business cases, programmes, and investment priorities.
• Build enduring client partnerships, positioning GHD as a partner of choice.
• Collaborate across GHD’s global network to deliver integrated solutions from strategy through to delivery.
• Contribute to market growth by identifying and shaping new opportunities in the water sector.
• Provide leadership, mentoring others and lifting capability across the team.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Systems thinking

Client relationship management

Leadership / mentoring

Communication

Job description

GHD is seeking a Lead Engineer – Water Infrastructure Strategic Planning to shape future water systems across Aotearoa. This role focuses on strategy, funding and delivery amid climate pressure and reform, partnering with clients to influence long‑term outcomes beyond just plans.

Ideal candidates have 15+ years in water infrastructure planning, strong stakeholder engagement, and a commercial mindset to drive opportunities and excellence across the NZ network.