Company Description
Join New Zealand's forefront in resource recovery and waste management with WM New Zealand! As the nation's leading provider in sustainable solutions, we're dedicated to preserving our stunning environment while maximizing the potential of our resources.
At WM New Zealand, sustainability isn't just a goal—it's our way of life!
Job Description
We're on the lookout for a highly capable Senior Project Engineer to join our close-knit engineering team based at Kate Valley. This is a senior-level role with real impact, leading critical waste infrastructure projects, guiding a team of engineers, and supporting the Senior Project Manager in driving project success.
You’ll manage the planning and delivery of capital works across landfills, transfer stations and remediation sites. From running toolbox meetings to presenting board-level reports, this is a hands-on leadership role that blends technical expertise with team development, financial oversight, and stakeholder management.
This is a Monday to Friday role with the flexibility to work the occasional Saturday when needed
About You:
You’re a seasoned engineer with a solid civil or environmental background who thrives on ownership, accountability, and delivering great work through others. You’re confident leading multidisciplinary teams, managing high-value projects, and bringing people along with you—from site staff to board-level executives.
You’re the type who spots risks early, solves problems fast, and builds strong, respectful relationships. You know how to keep multiple plates spinning, are comfortable in a high-trust environment, and you care deeply about safety, compliance, and quality.
Key Responsibilities:
You will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of landfill construction and development projects. This includes overseeing cell construction, capping works, leachate and gas management systems, and site infrastructure upgrades. You will be responsible for ensuring that all works are delivered in accordance with design specifications, environmental regulations, and health and safety standards, while maintaining project timelines and budgets.
Your role will involve close collaboration with contractors, consultants, and internal teams to ensure seamless project delivery. You will also oversee procurement processes, contract administration, and quality assurance, ensuring that construction activities align with operational and environmental objectives.
In addition, you will play a key role in long-term site planning, including landfill airspace optimization, whole of life estimates and infrastructure plans, capital expenditure applications, long term site and closure planning. Your leadership will be critical in driving innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement across all landfill engineering and construction activities.
Qualifications
- 10+ years’ engineering experience (civil/environmental/construction).
- BE (Civil) or similar, Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) (preferred).
- Proven project management experience across large infrastructure builds.
- Strong communicator - able to lead meetings and present at board level.
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies, site development, and project lifecycle management.
- Familiarity with health, safety, and quality assurance standards in construction environments.
- Strong capability with Excel, CAD, MS Project and reporting tools.
- Experience with budgeting, cost estimation, and capital expenditure planning.
- Demonstrated experience in contract administration, procurement, and managing contractors and consultants.
- Working knowledge of NZS 3910 (or similar) conditions of contract, contract administration and project cost management systems. Proficiency in reviewing technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, and construction schedules.
- Experience mentoring junior engineers and leading contractors.
Additional Information
What we offer:
- Make a real impact – Lead regionally significant projects across NZ.
- Autonomy and trust – Step up and support the Senior PM directly.
- Strong culture – Down-to-earth, professional team where your voice is valued.
- Ongoing development – Grow your leadership skills while developing others.
- Attractive package – Competitive salary, vehicle, and career progression.
How to Apply:
To apply for this role, click "I'm Interested" now.
Please note, we may begin reviewing applications as they are received, so apply early to be considered.
WM New Zealand is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and promotes a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.
You must be based in New Zealand and hold a valid work visa, residency, or New Zealand citizenship to apply.