Lead Civil Engineer- Transport

• Global Expertise, Local Insight: With a presence in over 40 countries, SMEC combines global knowledge with local understanding to deliver tailored solutions that meet Australia and New Zealand's unique needs. 

• Technical Excellence: Our team of specialists is renowned for their technical prowess and reliable delivery. From transport infrastructure to energy projects, we tackle the most complex challenges with precision and creativity. 

• Be an integral part of a global engineering design consultancy present in NZ for 13+ years looking to grow rapidly, providing plenty of local and international career opportunities and upward mobility. 

About SMEC 

At SMEC, we shape the future of infrastructure through technical excellence, collaboration and innovation, delivering transformative transport, energy, water and urban development projects across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific. 

As part of SJ Group, SMEC draws on a global network of 16,000+ specialists across engineering, planning, design, project management and advisory, combining local insight with international capability to deliver integrated infrastructure solutions. 

That capability is backed by strong international recognition, including ENR rankings of #24 among the Top 225 International Design Firms and #5 in Australia/Oceania, giving our teams access to leading clients, major projects and specialist expertise worldwide. 

SMEC is seeing strong transport growth across Australia and New Zealand, with expanding opportunities in resilient networks, sustainable mobility and major city-shaping projects.

At SMEC, you’ll join a collaborative, inclusive culture that supports technical excellence, professional growth and leadership, with opportunities to work on nationally significant projects, partner with global specialists and help shape the future of our Queensland and New Zealand business. 

The Role

We’re seeking an experienced Lead Civil Engineer to join our team and play a key role in the delivery of complex transport infrastructure projects across New Zealand.

This is a senior opportunity for a technically strong and client-focused engineer who can lead design delivery, guide multidisciplinary teams, and help grow our civil capability and project pipeline in the local market.

You’ll bring leadership across technical delivery, design management, mentoring, and business development, while contributing to high-quality outcomes for clients and supporting the continued growth of our New Zealand business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the civil design and delivery of urban road, rural highway, and broader transport infrastructure projects
• Provide technical leadership across project phases from concept through to detailed design
• Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams to deliver quality, timely, and integrated outcomes
• Build and maintain strong client, contractor, and industry relationships that support successful project delivery and business growth
• Contribute to and lead proposals, commercial activities, and project planning in support of a win-and-do model
• Mentor and support junior engineers, helping to build capability within the team
• Apply sound engineering judgement, innovation, and quality focus to improve design solutions and client outcomes
• Support the growth of SMEC’s civil engineering capability and forward workload in New Zealand

About You

You’re a respected civil engineering leader with deep technical capability, strong commercial awareness, and a collaborative leadership style. You are equally comfortable delivering technical work, leading teams, working with clients, and helping shape opportunities that strengthen the business.

You will bring:

• 15+ years’ experience in civil engineering, with a strong background in transport infrastructure projects
• A degree qualification in Civil Engineering
• Chartered Engineer status in New Zealand, or the ability to obtain it quickly
• Demonstrated experience leading technical delivery and multidisciplinary design teams
• Experience across public sector transport projects in urban road and/or rural highway environments
• Strong client-facing, commercial, and consulting skills, including proposal and business development experience
• Experience in one or more collaborative or alternative delivery models such as ECI, D&C, PPP, or alliance projects
• A commitment to mentoring others and contributing to team and business growth
• Well-developed technical and commercial writing skills, along with a broad appreciation of the social, cultural, environmental, and regulatory context shaping infrastructure projects

We understand that no candidate will meet every single requirement. If this role interests you and you feel you can bring value to the team, we encourage you to apply—we’d love to hear from you.

Wrap up 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and actively encourage candidates from all backgrounds to join our team across engineering and technical disciplines. SMEC aims to provide a supportive professional environment that promotes career growth, recognises and rewards individual contribution, and offers opportunities to work on meaningful projects that help shape the future of SMEC in the industry. 

With gender-balanced and diverse representation across technical, project delivery, and leadership roles within our business, team members have access to strong professional networks, role models, and mentorship and sponsorship programs that support career progression and foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture. 

Learn more about SMEC: http://smec.com/infocus/  

How to apply  

All applications must be submitted online. To apply, click on the "Apply Now" link below and follow the prompts. 

For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact Carl Thiedeke – [email protected] 

To find out more about SMEC, please visit our careers page at www.smec.com/careers 

All recruitment activities go through our Resourcing function and currently, this role doesn’t require agency input. Please do not forward resumes directly to SMEC employees/managers; we do not accept unsolicited resumes and are not responsible for any associated fees. 

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