Technical Director - Geotechnical Engineering

About the Role

Join Mott MacDonald NZ in Auckland as a Technical Director specializing in Geotechnical Engineering. This senior leadership role involves expanding and leading our geotechnical team across New Zealand, ensuring the delivery of high-quality technical services, growing client relationships, and driving business success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and expand a team of approximately 10 geotechnical engineers.
• Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative team environment and build capability.
• Engage with clients to develop and secure new business opportunities.
• Maintain and grow relationships with senior clients across public and private sectors.
• Take charge of bid processes including proposals and presentations.
• Drive commercial performance and ensure project profitability.
• Manage project resourcing, risk, and pricing strategies.
• Ensure all project deliveries meet client expectations and business goals.
• Offer expert technical leadership on complex geotechnical projects.
• Review and approve important deliverables and Producer Statements.
• Advise on ground risk assessments, design, and construction practices.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with transportation, water, building, and structural divisions.
• Leverage global expertise and contribute to leadership within the geotechnical practice.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) designation or equivalent.
• Authorization or eligibility to obtain Auckland Council Producer Statement (PS1).
• Extensive geotechnical engineering experience of 15+ years.
• Proven expertise in client management, business development, and team leadership.
• Strong commercial acumen in project financial management.
• Technical proficiency in ground characterisation, geotechnical design, foundations, earthworks, slope stability, and infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with software tools such as Plaxis, Rocscience, or GeoStudio is preferred.
• Effective communicator with pragmatic, solution-oriented approach.

About Mott MacDonald

We are a global consultancy with deep local roots, employee-owned and driven by a culture of trust, growth, and well-being. We offer a flexible, agile work environment that supports personal and professional development, competitive compensation with performance-linked bonuses, enhanced retirement contributions, and meaningful projects that challenge technical skills. Diversity and inclusion are at our core, including support for part-time and job share roles where feasible.

Additional Benefits

• Competitive salary complemented by discretionary personal and group performance bonuses.
• Flexible work options to support both career ambitions and life commitments.
• Enhanced KiwiSaver contributions.
• Comprehensive insurance coverage including life, personal accident, and salary continuance.
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave for greater work-life balance.
• Employee resource groups promoting inclusion, corporate social responsibility, and diversity.
• Employee ownership model ensures a voice in business direction and shared success rewards.

Location and Employment Details

Based in Auckland, New Zealand, this permanent full-time position operates onsite within the transport market sector, focusing on geotechnical and tunnelling discipline.