Lead Water Engineer / Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Water Engineer / Design Manager

Company: Aurecon

Location: Wellington, New Zealand

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-04-29

Experience Level: Senior / Lead (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design delivery of critical three-waters capital projects, encompassing network renewals, resilience upgrades, pump stations, pipelines, storage assets, and treatment infrastructure.

• Own the end-to-end design process from concept through to detailed design, integrating inputs from civil, hydraulic, structural, geotechnical, mechanical, and electrical disciplines to deliver safe and buildable solutions in operational environments.

• Drive technical excellence by managing design scope, programme, quality, and technical risk, ensuring project outcomes are achieved through to construction handover.

• Coordinate and guide multi-disciplinary engineering teams, effectively resolving interfaces and complexity to set high standards for practical design delivery.

• Serve as a trusted day-to-day technical partner to key water clients, leading collaborative workshops, optioneering sessions, and design reviews within integrated delivery models.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior engineering leadership position with a strong emphasis on design management and client-facing responsibilities within the water infrastructure sector. The "Lead Water Engineer / Design Manager" title signifies a blend of deep technical expertise and project execution oversight, crucial for complex capital projects. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for both on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, typical for senior roles requiring deep engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design delivery for three-waters capital projects, including but not limited to network renewals, resilience upgrades, pump stations, pipelines, storage assets, and treatment-related infrastructure.

• Take comprehensive ownership of the design lifecycle, from initial concept development through to detailed design packages, ensuring seamless integration of civil, hydraulic, structural, geotechnical, mechanical, and electrical engineering inputs.

• Deliver safe, constructible, and operationally sound solutions, particularly within live, operational environments that require meticulous planning and execution.

• Assume accountability for design scope, adherence to programme timelines, quality assurance, and proactive management of technical risks, ensuring clear ownership of all project outcomes up to construction handover.

• Effectively coordinate and guide multi-disciplinary engineering teams, proactively resolving complex interface challenges and setting the benchmark for high-quality, practical design delivery.

• Act as a trusted, primary technical partner for Aurecon's water clients, leading essential client engagement activities such as collaborative workshops, optioneering studies, and design reviews within collaborative delivery frameworks.

• Produce clear, high-quality design documentation, including comprehensive design management plans, technical reports, detailed drawings, robust specifications, and critical risk and safety-in-design outputs, to support confident construction and efficient asset operation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a strong focus on end-to-end project ownership and team leadership. The emphasis on "three-waters" projects (potable water, wastewater, stormwater) and "operational environments" indicates a need for practical, experienced engineers familiar with the complexities of existing infrastructure. The requirement to produce detailed design documentation and manage technical risk underscores the senior nature of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent).

Experience:

• 10–15 years of progressive experience delivering water infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrated leadership in managing design delivery and multi-disciplinary teams.

• Proven track record in the water sector, with extensive experience across three-waters assets.

• Familiarity with council or utility clients in New Zealand or comparable international markets.

Required Skills:

• Advanced technical capability in civil and hydraulic design.

• Strong ability to integrate, review, and challenge inputs from structural, geotechnical, mechanical, and electrical disciplines.

• Robust project management skills with a focus on design delivery and risk mitigation.

• Excellent stakeholder management and client relationship-building capabilities.

• Proficiency in developing comprehensive design documentation, including reports, drawings, and specifications.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Autodesk Construction Cloud and Civil 3D for design and project management.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365 suite, including advanced features and capabilities of Copilot for enhanced productivity and collaboration.

• Experience in optioneering and leading technical workshops.

• Understanding of network renewals, resilience upgrades, pump stations, pipelines, storage assets, and treatment infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 10-15 years, combined with the need for CPEng or progress towards it, clearly positions this as a senior-level role requiring significant proven expertise. The specific mention of Autodesk Construction Cloud, Civil 3D, MS 365, and Copilot points to a modern, tech-enabled engineering environment where digital tools are integral to workflow and collaboration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience leading the design delivery of complex water infrastructure projects, showcasing end-to-end project lifecycle management from concept to construction handover.

• Case studies highlighting successful integration of multi-disciplinary engineering inputs (civil, hydraulic, structural, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical) to achieve cohesive and constructible solutions.

• Evidence of managing design scope, programme timelines, and quality assurance for capital projects, with a focus on risk mitigation in operational or brownfield environments.

• Examples of client engagement, including leading workshops, optioneering sessions, and collaborative design reviews, demonstrating strong stakeholder management and partnership capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow designs and optimization strategies for managing multi-disciplinary design teams and complex project interfaces.

• Implementation and automation methods for design delivery processes, leveraging digital tools for efficiency and collaboration.

• Measurement and performance analysis frameworks for design quality, programme adherence, and technical risk management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage complex processes, lead teams, mitigate risks, and deliver high-quality documentation for multi-disciplinary water infrastructure projects. The emphasis on "process documentation" suggests a need for candidates who can articulate their methodologies for design management and team coordination.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Lead Water Engineers/Design Managers with 10-15 years of experience in Wellington, New Zealand, the estimated salary range is NZD $150,000 - $200,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the critical nature of water infrastructure projects, the cost of living in Wellington, and Aurecon's standing as a major engineering consultancy.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package reflecting expertise and experience.

• Opportunities for professional development, including support for CPEng accreditation and ongoing training.

• Participation in a dynamic and collaborative multi-disciplinary team environment.

• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of significant three-waters capital projects.

• Health and wellness programs designed to support employee well-being.

• Generous leave entitlements and flexible working arrangements.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility between office-based collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on market data for similar roles in New Zealand. The benefits mentioned are typical for a large engineering consultancy like Aurecon and are tailored to attract experienced professionals. The hybrid nature of the work arrangement is also factored into the overall compensation and work-life balance considerations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consultancy / Professional Services. Aurecon operates within the global engineering, design, and consultancy sector, specializing in infrastructure, property, and resources. Their work directly impacts urban development, community resilience, and economic growth.

Company Size: Aurecon is a large, global organization with thousands of employees across numerous countries. This scale provides access to extensive resources, diverse expertise, and opportunities for international collaboration.

Founded: Aurecon was formed in 2009 through the merger of Africon and Connell, with roots tracing back much further through its predecessor companies. This history provides a strong foundation of experience and established methodologies.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Land & Water team in Wellington, which is technically strong and focused on growth-related and renewal projects.

• This team likely comprises a mix of civil engineers, hydraulic engineers, project managers, and potentially specialists in related fields.

• Collaboration is expected across multiple disciplines (civil, hydraulic, structural, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical) for project delivery.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and technical rigor are core to engineering consultancy.

• Emphasis on collaborative delivery models and strong client partnerships.

• Focus on innovation and sustainable solutions within infrastructure development.

• Commitment to safety, quality, and technical excellence in all project phases.

Company Website: https://www.aurecongroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Aurecon's global presence and long history suggest a well-established, professional, and process-driven culture. The specific mention of the Land & Water team in Wellington indicates a focused operational unit within the broader organization, likely characterized by strong technical expertise and a collaborative approach to solving complex infrastructure challenges.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Lead/Senior role, signifying a position of significant responsibility and influence within the engineering and design management sphere. It requires not only deep technical expertise but also the ability to manage projects, teams, and client relationships effectively.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Water Engineer / Design Manager will likely report to a Practice Leader or a Director within Aurecon's Water or Land & Water business line. They will, in turn, lead and mentor junior engineers and design teams on their projects.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the successful delivery of critical public and private infrastructure projects that are vital for community well-being, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Effective design management ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest technical standards, directly contributing to Aurecon's reputation and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water engineering (e.g., advanced hydraulic modeling, water treatment technologies, network resilience strategies).

• Leadership Development: Progress into broader management roles, such as Practice Leader, Sector Lead, or Business Unit Manager, with increased strategic and commercial responsibilities.

• Project Portfolio Expansion: Take on larger, more complex, and potentially international projects, broadening experience and exposure.

• Mentorship and Training: Develop leadership and mentoring skills by guiding and developing junior engineers within the team.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to industry best practices, standards development, and thought leadership within Aurecon and the wider engineering community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Lead Water Engineer/Design Manager at a firm like Aurecon typically involves a progression from technical expert to a role with significant project and people leadership. The opportunities highlight a structured approach to career development within a large, sophisticated organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, indicating a blend of work from a physical Aurecon office in Wellington and remote work. This suggests a modern office environment designed to facilitate collaboration, innovation, and focused work.

Office Location(s): Wellington, New Zealand. Specific office details would likely be provided upon further inquiry or during the interview process, but it can be assumed to be a professional, accessible city-center location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office will likely serve as a hub for team meetings, design reviews, client consultations, and cross-disciplinary coordination, fostering a strong team dynamic.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to advanced engineering software (Civil 3D, Autodesk Construction Cloud), communication tools (MS 365, Copilot), and robust IT infrastructure to support both office-based and remote work.

• Professional Atmosphere: A supportive and professional environment conducive to focused engineering work, client interaction, and continuous learning.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with flexibility inherent in a hybrid model.

• The nature of design management may require some flexibility to meet project deadlines and client demands, particularly during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key aspect of the work environment, suggesting a balance between the benefits of in-person collaboration and the flexibility of remote work. This is common for senior roles where individual focus time is as important as team interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter, focusing on alignment with the required experience (10-15 years in water infrastructure, design leadership, CPEng).

• Technical Interview: A discussion with senior engineers or practice leaders to assess your technical expertise in civil and hydraulic design, your understanding of multi-disciplinary coordination, and your approach to risk and quality management. Expect questions related to specific project challenges and solutions.

• Design Management & Leadership Interview: Focus on your experience leading design teams, managing project scope, programme, and technical risk. This may involve situational questions about conflict resolution, stakeholder management, and client engagement.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, showcasing key projects, design methodologies, and demonstrated outcomes. This is an opportunity to elaborate on your contributions and impact.

• Cultural Fit & Values Alignment: An assessment of how your working style, collaboration approach, and professional values align with Aurecon's culture and the team's ethos.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your leadership in water infrastructure design, multi-disciplinary coordination, and successful project delivery.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, responsibilities, and decision-making authority within each project.

• Showcase Process & Methodology: Explain your approach to design management, team coordination, risk mitigation, and quality assurance. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate project success (e.g., delivered on time/budget, achieved specific performance improvements, reduced technical risks).

• Address Client Engagement: Include examples of how you managed client relationships, led workshops, and incorporated feedback.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical challenges and solutions in detail, especially regarding civil and hydraulic design and integration with other disciplines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential case studies or scenario-based questions related to managing complex design interfaces, resolving technical disputes within a team, or addressing unforeseen project challenges.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, demonstrating your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking.

• Consider how you would leverage tools like Civil 3D, Autodesk Construction Cloud, and MS 365/Copilot to enhance efficiency and collaboration in a design context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role like this will be rigorous, likely involving multiple stages and a strong focus on practical experience and demonstrable results. The portfolio is a critical component, and candidates should prepare to present their experience in a structured, impactful manner that highlights their leadership and technical capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Autodesk Construction Cloud: Essential for managing project documentation, collaboration, and workflows across the design and construction phases. Proficiency in its integrated features is expected.

• Civil 3D: The industry standard for civil infrastructure design, including grading, drainage, and utilities. Advanced skills in creating and managing design models and drawings are crucial.

• Microsoft 365 Suite: Comprehensive use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams for documentation, analysis, presentations, and team communication.

• Microsoft Copilot: Proficiency in leveraging AI-powered assistance within MS 365 for tasks such as drafting documents, summarizing information, and generating insights, indicating a forward-thinking approach to productivity.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for hydraulic modeling and analysis (specific software may vary but could include InfoWorks, EPANET, or proprietary client systems).

• Data analysis tools for performance metrics, risk assessment, and project tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with client management systems or project delivery platforms is beneficial.

• Automation tools within design software or project management platforms to streamline repetitive tasks and improve efficiency.

• Integration tools or APIs might be relevant for connecting different software systems used in project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Autodesk Construction Cloud, Civil 3D, MS 365, and Copilot highlights Aurecon's commitment to leveraging modern digital tools for efficient and collaborative engineering design. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and proficiency with these specific platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, robust, and innovative engineering solutions.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-disciplinary work is seamless.

• Client Focus: Building strong, trusted relationships with clients by understanding their needs and delivering exceptional value.

• Safety & Sustainability: Prioritizing safe design practices and considering environmental impact in all project solutions.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to solve complex engineering challenges.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all professional dealings.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with various engineering disciplines and project stakeholders to ensure integrated design outcomes.

• Proactive Communication: Open and frequent communication is essential for managing interfaces, resolving issues, and keeping clients informed.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across teams to drive continuous improvement.

• Constructive Feedback: An environment where feedback is welcomed and used to refine designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Aurecon's values emphasize a blend of technical proficiency, client-centricity, and a forward-thinking approach to engineering. The collaboration style is expected to be highly integrated and communicative, reflecting the complex nature of large-scale infrastructure projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interfaces: Effectively coordinating diverse engineering disciplines (civil, hydraulic, structural, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical) to ensure seamless integration and avoid clashes in design.

• Working in Operational Environments: Delivering projects within live, operational water infrastructure sites requires meticulous planning, risk management, and minimal disruption to essential services.

• Balancing Project Demands: Juggling multiple project responsibilities, client expectations, and team leadership demands while maintaining high standards of quality and timeliness.

• Navigating Stakeholder Needs: Integrating the varied requirements and expectations of different clients, regulatory bodies, and internal teams.

• Adopting New Technologies: Staying abreast of and effectively integrating new design tools and methodologies, such as AI assistance (Copilot), into established workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to enhance expertise in specialized areas of water engineering, hydraulic modeling, or asset management.

• Leadership and Management Programs: Development pathways for honing project management, team leadership, and strategic business skills.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in conferences, workshops, and professional bodies to stay current with industry trends and expand professional networks.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced senior leaders within Aurecon for guidance and career development support.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of projects across different sectors and scales, offering broad experience and skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges outlined are typical for senior engineering and design management roles in infrastructure. The growth opportunities reflect Aurecon's commitment to developing its talent pool through continuous learning, leadership training, and exposure to diverse project experiences.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex multi-disciplinary water infrastructure project you led from concept to construction handover. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you ensure integration and quality?"

• "How do you approach managing technical risk and quality assurance in a design delivery process, particularly in brownfield or operational environments?"

• "Walk me through your process for coordinating and guiding multi-disciplinary engineering teams, including how you resolve interface issues and set performance standards."

• "How do you build and maintain trusted relationships with clients in the water sector? Provide an example of a challenging client interaction and how you managed it."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Aurecon and this specific Lead Water Engineer / Design Manager role in Wellington?"

• "How do you see your skills and experience contributing to Aurecon's Land & Water team and its clients?"

• "How do you ensure your design solutions are safe, buildable, and sustainable?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your career trajectory, then dive into 2-3 key projects. For each project, use a consistent structure: Project Overview, Your Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges, Design Solutions/Methodology, Outcomes & Impact, Client Engagement.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals – project maps, design schematics, photos, flowcharts – to illustrate your points. Avoid overwhelming slides with text.

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative, highlighting your problem-solving approach and leadership.

• Metrics: Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., scope managed, budget adherence, schedule impact, performance KPIs met).

• Tool Proficiency: Weave in how you leveraged tools like Civil 3D, Autodesk Construction Cloud, and MS 365/Copilot to achieve project goals.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about technical details, decision-making processes, and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of technical engineering acumen, robust design management capabilities, and effective leadership and client management skills. The portfolio is a crucial element for showcasing practical experience and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Water Engineer / Design Manager position at Aurecon:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the Aurecon careers portal via the provided URL and submit your application. Ensure your resume and any requested supporting documents are uploaded.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your 10-15 years of experience in water infrastructure projects, specifically mentioning three-waters assets, design leadership, and client engagement. Use keywords from the job description such as "design delivery," "multi-disciplinary teams," "hydraulic design," "risk management," and "CPEng."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant projects that demonstrate your expertise in leading design delivery, managing complex technical challenges, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams. Focus on showcasing your problem-solving skills and quantifiable achievements.

• Research Aurecon: Familiarize yourself with Aurecon's projects, values, and recent news. Understand their approach to engineering consultancy, sustainability, and innovation. Prepare to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and this specific role in Wellington.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on providing specific examples from your experience that align with the responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description. Be ready to discuss your technical approach and leadership style.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.