Associate Director | Design & Engineering Leadership

AECOM · Wellington, , New Zealand

  • Junior
  • Full-time
  • Posted 2026-09-23
  • Confirmed live on 25 September 2026

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Job description

Job Description
You've built your career in engineering. Now lead the bigger picture.
AECOM is looking for an experienced Associate Director to join our Auckland Buildings & Places team.
This is an opportunity for a senior engineering or building-services professional who has moved into design leadership, project management and multidisciplinary delivery — and is ready to have a bigger influence on projects, clients and people.
You'll lead some of the most complex building projects across healthcare, aviation, defence, education and commercial, bringing together engineers, architects and specialist teams to deliver integrated solutions.
You'll have the scale of AECOM's New Zealand, Australian and global network behind you, while having genuine influence over how projects are delivered and how our people develop.
What you'll be doing

• Lead multidisciplinary design and delivery on complex building projects.

• Bring together engineering, architectural and specialist disciplines to solve complex challenges.

• Lead design outcomes, programme, commercial performance, quality and risk.

• Work directly with clients and build long-term relationships.

• Lead, mentor and develop senior engineers and emerging leaders.

• Support major bids, proposals and business development.

• Connect clients and project teams with AECOM's wider technical expertise.

Qualifications
What we're looking for
You might currently be a Mechanical / Electrical / Building Services Engineering Manager, Principal Engineer, Design Manager, Project Manager, Project Director or Associate Director.
What's important is that you've moved beyond your individual discipline and have experience leading people, coordinating multiple disciplines and taking ownership of complex project outcomes.
You'll bring:

• Significant experience in a building-services, engineering consultancy or multidisciplinary environment.

• Experience leading complex building projects and multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong client, commercial and project management skills.

• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and bring people together.

• A genuine interest in developing people and growing a high-performing team.

• A relevant engineering or built environment qualification. Chartered status is advantageous.
You don't need to tick every box.
If you're a senior engineering leader who is ready to step into a broader role — or already operating at this level and looking for greater scale and opportunity — we'd like to hear from you.

Additional Information
Why you’ll love working with us

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, part-time, job-sharing and hybrid work options

• Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year

• Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better

• Continuous learning and growth - lunch and learns, professional development courses, financial study assistance, 5 days paid study leave, global career opportunities
Everyone belongs at AECOM
We’re committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging - because great ideas come from diverse perspectives. AECOM is proud to be a Fortune 500 Most Admired Company, a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, #Work180 Equitable Workplace Awards 2025 Winner and an AWEI Bronze Tier LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer.

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 shap

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