Ground Engineering & Tunnelling - Sector Leader

Job Description

This is your opportunity to shape the future of Ground Engineering & Tunnelling in New Zealand.

AECOM is looking for an exceptional leader to drive the strategic growth of our Ground Engineering & Tunnelling (GET) business, building on an already strong foundation to create the next chapter of our success. Come be a part of a team working on the best and biggest projects in New Zealand, and enjoy the variety of projects and clients we work with, from major infrastructure projects with NZTA and Watercare, to remote adventures deep in beautiful New Zealand with DOC, Transpower and regional Councils.

This isn't a traditional leadership role. It's an opportunity to define a market, influence nationally significant infrastructure, build lasting client partnerships and develop a team that will shape New Zealand for decades to come. We’ve secured some awesome projects and need your help to grow and maintain this pipeline into the future while providing technical oversight and leadership on projects we already have won. Our current team leaders will work with you to grow our geotechnical capability, giving you freedom to focus on our clients and markets.

Working alongside some of the industry's most respected technical specialists, you'll have the autonomy to set the vision, identify new opportunities and grow our national GET capability. From major infrastructure programmes and water projects to transport and energy, you'll help position AECOM at the forefront of one of the country's fastest-evolving markets.

As the face of our GET business, you'll represent AECOM across the industry, strengthen relationships with key clients and partners, and help shape conversations that influence the future of geotechnical engineering in New Zealand.

Success in this role isn't measured solely by the projects you deliver—it's about the legacy you create. You'll mentor the next generation of technical leaders, foster a collaborative and high-performing culture, and build a business that continues to grow long into the future.

If you're looking for a role where you can combine technical excellence with strategic leadership, commercial influence and genuine market impact, this is an opportunity to make your mark.

What you’ll do

• Define and execute AECOM's national strategy for GET, driving sustainable growth and market leadership.
• Build trusted partnerships with clients, industry bodies and key stakeholders while representing AECOM as a recognised thought leader.
• Lead strategic pursuits and major bids, developing innovative, commercially strong solutions that differentiate AECOM in the market.
• Identify emerging trends, market opportunities and new service offerings that position our business for long-term success.
• Collaborate across New Zealand and the wider ANZ business to connect expertise, strengthen capability and deliver integrated solutions for our clients.
• Champion technical excellence, innovation and quality across our GET projects.
• Grow and inspire a high-performing national team through mentoring, recruitment, succession planning and capability development.
• Create an environment where people thrive, innovation is encouraged and great ideas become lasting outcomes.

Qualifications

What you’ll bring

The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don't tick every box, we still encourage you to apply so that you can grow your career with us. At AECOM, we value diverse experience, leadership potential and a passion for delivering exceptional outcomes.

We're looking for someone who brings:

• Significant experience leading geotechnical and/or tunnelling projects within a consulting environment.
• A recognised technical reputation within the New Zealand infrastructure market.
• Demonstrated success developing trusted client relationships and winning major projects.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience balancing technical excellence, growth and project performance.
• A collaborative leadership style with a genuine passion for mentoring and developing people.
• International experience that brings lessons from innovative design solutions from other parts of the world.
• Experience influencing multidisciplinary teams and delivering integrated solutions across complex infrastructure projects.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build credibility across clients, industry and internal teams.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline, with Chartered Professional Engineer (or equivalent) status preferred

Additional Information

Why you'll love working with us

This is more than a leadership role—it's an opportunity to shape the future of GET in New Zealand. You'll have the platform to influence major infrastructure, grow a nationally recognised capability, mentor future industry leaders and make a lasting impact on both our business and the communities we help build.

Alongside meaningful work, you'll enjoy a range of benefits designed to support your career and lifestyle, including:

• 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?

If you're excited by the opportunity to shape a growing national practice, influence the future of critical infrastructure and build a legacy that extends beyond individual projects, we'd love to hear from you.

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. Learn more about life at AECOM: LinkedIn, Facebook , Instagram, X, YouTube - explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects, and much more!

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.