Technical Director - Water Quality

Pattle Delamore Partners Ltd; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Parental leave top-ups

Additional annual leave purchase

Hybrid working arrangements

Professional development

Job summary

Pattle Delamore Partners (PDP) in Auckland invites an experienced Water Quality Scientist to lead our Auckland water team. This senior appointment provides technical direction, people leadership and opportunities to shape the future of water quality services across Aotearoa.

You will mentor engineers, grow client relationships, and deliver high‑impact projects that improve communities and the environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in water quality, stormwater or related environmental disciplines.
• Experience leading teams and developing employees in a consulting or technical environment.
• A track record of delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Strong client relationship building and winning work.

Responsibilities

• Leading, mentoring and developing a team of water quality scientists and engineers, supporting their technical growth, career development and day-to-day success.
• Creating a positive, high-performing team culture where people are supported, challenged and encouraged to reach their potential.
• Growing and leading our stormwater and surface water quality services.
• Building trusted relationships with clients, councils, iwi and key stakeholders.
• Leading complex water quality investigations, assessments and remediation projects.
• Providing technical direction, quality assurance and expert advice across multidisciplinary projects.
• Developing new business opportunities and helping shape the future direction of our water practice.
• Identifying opportunities for early-career employees to gain experience, build capability and develop consulting skills.
• Managing project delivery, commercial performance and risk.
• Providing expert evidence where required for hearings and court proceedings.

Skills

Water quality

Team leadership

Client relationships

Project management

Technical writing

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Pattle Delamore Partners Ltd – Auckland, North Island

Lead People. Shape Technical Excellence. Grow Careers.

At Pattle Delamore Partners (PDP), we know that experienced professionals are looking for more than just the next technical challenge. They want meaningful work, the opportunity to lead and influence, flexibility to enjoy life outside work, and to be recognised and rewarded for their expertise.

We're looking for an experienced Water Quality Scientist to join our growing Auckland water team. This is a senior appointment suited to someone with the experience and capability typically associated with Associate, Principal or Technical Director level in the consulting industry.

Working alongside some of New Zealand's leading environmental scientists, hydrologists, hydrogeologists and ecologists, you'll provide technical and people leadership, build trusted client relationships, and help expand our water quality services. You'll lead and develop a team of talented scientists and engineers, creating opportunities for them to learn, grow and build rewarding consulting careers. At the same time, you'll lead projects that make a lasting difference to communities and the environment across Aotearoa.

What you'll be doing

As a senior member of our water team, you'll provide technical, strategic and people leadership by:

• Leading, mentoring and developing a team of water quality scientists and engineers, supporting their technical growth, career development and day-to-day success.
• Creating a positive, high-performing team culture where people are supported, challenged and encouraged to reach their potential.
• Growing and leading our stormwater and surface water quality services.
• Building trusted relationships with clients, councils, iwi and key stakeholders.
• Leading complex water quality investigations, assessments and remediation projects.
• Providing technical direction, quality assurance and expert advice across multidisciplinary projects.
• Developing new business opportunities and helping shape the future direction of our water practice.
• Identifying opportunities for early-career employees to gain experience, build capability and develop consulting skills.
• Managing project delivery, commercial performance and risk.
• Providing expert evidence where required for hearings and court proceedings.

What you’ll bring

You’ll be an established water quality professional with the credibility and experience to lead people, projects and clients.

• 10+ years' experience in water quality, stormwater or related environmental disciplines.
• Proven experience leading teams, developing employees and building capability within a consulting or technical environment.
• A strong technical reputation and track record of delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Experience coaching and mentoring early-career professionals and helping future leaders develop.
• A track record of building client relationships and winning work.
• Strong commercial judgement and project management experience.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.
• A genuine interest in supporting others to learn, grow and succeed.

Why join PDP?

We believe that great careers shouldn’t come at the expense of life outside work. At PDP you’ll enjoy:

• Work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working arrangements that genuinely support your lifestyle and commitments.
• A competitive remuneration package aligned with your experience and the value you bring.
• A high degree of autonomy with the support of a collaborative national team.
• The opportunity to build and shape a team, while helping develop the next generation of environmental professionals.
• The opportunity to influence the technical direction and continued growth of one of New Zealand’s leading environmental consultancies.
• Professional development through funded training, conferences, professional memberships and ongoing learning.
• A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, income protection, parental leave salary top-ups and the option to purchase additional annual leave.
• A collaborative, employee-owned culture where your ideas are valued, your expertise is respected and your success is shared.

About PDP

PDP is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading environmental science, engineering and advisory consultancies.

Guided by our purpose, Today Shapes Tomorrow, we care deeply about delivering solutions for our clients and communities that meet today’s needs, while providing for the future.

Join our multi-disciplinary team, and help create innovative and enduring outcomes for people, place, economy, and environment.

Ready for your next chapter?

If you’re looking for a role where you can lead, continue to grow professionally, enjoy genuine flexibility, and help shape the future of water quality services in New Zealand, we’d love to hear from you.