Lead strategic geotechnical engineering projects across New Zealand, ensuring technical excellence and client growth

Technical Director - Geotechnical Engineering

Delivering resilient infrastructure in complex ground conditions requires deep technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration across disciplines. From major transport routes to water, energy, and civil projects, our Geotechnical team helps clients solve some of the most technically challenging projects across New Zealand and around the world.

At AECOM, we work with clients across the entire project life cycle — from feasibility and concept design through to construction support and asset optimisation.

Provide strategic technical leadership and practice direction as a Technical Director – Geotechnical Engineering, leading the delivery of complex geotechnical infrastructure projects across Auckland and New Zealand. You will contribute senior-level geotechnical expertise across transport, energy and water infrastructure projects while strengthening client relationships, growing market presence, and mentoring technical teams across the business.

This is a highly client-facing leadership role focused on technical excellence, business development, and growing AECOM's Ground Engineering capability across New Zealand.

  • Lead the technical delivery of major geotechnical projects across New Zealand
  • Provide specialist expertise across soft ground engineering, slope stability, retaining structures, deep excavations, foundations and ground improvement.
  • Deliver technical advice across transport, water and power infrastructure projects
  • Lead geotechnical design development and co-ordination, and construction support activities across the full project lifecycle
  • Provide technical leadership across numerical modelling approaches for earthquake and wider geotechnical engineering applications
  • Be a senior reviewer and technical verifier for complex geotechnical deliverables
  • Build and strengthen key client relationships and identify future opportunities
  • Lead business development activities including proposals, tender interviews, and strategic pursuits
  • Mentor and develop technical teams, supporting professional growth and knowledge sharing across local and global teams

The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don't tick all the boxes you could still be a great fit for this role. Please apply — all applications will be considered.

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related discipline
  • Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status, or eligibility to obtain CPEng
  • 20+ years' experience in geotechnical engineering or related consulting environments.
  • 10+ years leading geotechnical design of preferably NZTA and other major infrastructure projects
  • Proven experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across transport, water and energy sectors
  • Strong technical expertise across soft ground engineering, slope stability and earthworks, retaining structures and deep excavations, ground improvement, earthquake engineering, numerical analysis, and foundations
  • Demonstrated capability as a lead reviewer, verifier, or specialist technical advisor on major projects
  • Strong technical leadership, commercial acumen, and client relationship skills
  • Proven success managing complex projects, including technical quality, programme delivery, budget, and client outcomes
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
  • Knowledge of New Zealand geotechnical design practices and infrastructure delivery environments
  • Active industry profile through technical leadership, professional networks, publications, or conference presentations

Why you'll love working with us

  • Flexible work arrangements available, aligned with the market and client facing role requirements
  • Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year
  • Volunteer and representation leave
  • Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better

Ready to push the limits of what's possible? We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Apply Now
Save