We’re partnering with a highly respected advisory and engineering consultancy known for tackling complex infrastructure challenges across Aotearoa. Their work spans public and private sector clients where clarity, judgment, and experience are critical to success.

Due to growth, they are now seeking a Principal Civil Engineer to play a key role in both leading delivery and driving new business opportunities in the Southern region. This is a senior, visible role where your reputation, relationships, and technical credibility will directly influence project wins and client outcomes.

This is an opportunity to work on complex transport, infrastructure, and advisory projects where stakeholders are diverse and expectations are high, requiring sound judgment and the ability to bring clarity to challenging situations. This role is centred on your ability to apply deep technical expertise, provide trusted client advice, and shape outcomes from definition through to delivery. Your presence in the Queenstown and wider Southern market will be instrumental, with your existing relationships and professional reputation playing a key role in opening doors, building trust, and securing new opportunities.

What You’ll Bring:

• A recognised engineering qualification (BE or equivalent, ideally CPEng)
• Principal-level experience within the civil sector
• Proven ability to lead complex projects from strategy through to delivery
• Strong commercial acumen and experience contributing to bids, proposals, and client growth 
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining client relationships and identifying opportunities
• Established professional network in Queenstown/Otago/Southland (essential)
• Strong written communication skills, including business cases, procurement documentation, and reporting
• Deep understanding of NZ infrastructure delivery frameworks (e.g. NZS3910/3915)

Critical Requirement:

• Be currently based in Queenstown or
• Have a strong existing network in the region and genuine intent to relocate

This role requires someone who can step into the market with credibility from day one and actively contribute to building a sustained pipeline of work.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Leading and delivering high-quality infrastructure and advisory projects
• Acting as a trusted advisor to clients on complex challenges
• Driving business development through your network and reputation
• Supporting and leading proposals, tenders, and client pursuits
• Helping grow and shape the organisation’s presence in the South Island

What’s on Offer:

• A genuinely influential Principal-level role with autonomy and impact
• The opportunity to shape a regional market presence
• A collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment
• Flexibility and a modern approach to consulting
• Competitive remuneration aligned to level and contribution

Ready to Make an Impact? If you’re a well-connected Principal Civil Engineer looking for a role that combines technical leadership with market influence, this is a rare opportunity to step into a position where your voice and network will truly matter.