NZ Planning Lead

Job Description

NZ Planning Lead – Auckland (Wellington, Hamilton or Christchurch locations considered)

Shape a thriving future for Aotearoa New Zealand

At Mott MacDonald, we believe infrastructure is more than just physical assets—it’s about creating resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities. Our Advisory team is growing, and we’re looking for an experienced and well-connected industry leader, to join us as NZ Planning Leader of our purpose-driven Planning Team.

Why Join Us?

Mott MacDonald is a vibrant and forward-thinking engineering, management, and development consultancy. Working together as a global team we plan, design, deliver and maintain the transport, energy, water, buildings, and wider infrastructure that is integral to people’s daily lives. We value excellence in every dimension of our business and continuously seek opportunities to improve what we do and how we do it.

We employ brilliant people who combine their diverse skills and experiences to achieve brilliant things. Whether you want to specialise or broaden your experience, you'll be supported by global specialists eager to share their expertise. With numerous opportunities to learn and grow, the possibilities are as diverse as our people. Working as a connected global team, we deliver impactful projects that shape the future.

Our Planning Team is united by a shared vision: a thriving Aotearoa New Zealand that is well-planned and supports a sustainable environment for future generations. We work across sectors—Water, Transport, Energy, Built Environment, and Advisory—on projects that span the country, from one-off planning initiatives to large-scale, multidisciplinary infrastructure and environmental developments.

This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Your Role and Purpose

A rare opportunity has arisen for a NZ Planning Lead to join our Planning Team.

As NZ Planning Lead you’ll have a strategic leadership role at Mott MacDonald guiding and developing a close collaborative NZ Planning team.

You’ll have industry experience and be relationship focused, building enduring relationships with clients and colleagues, contribute to transformative projects and help shape the future of planning in NZ.

You’ll be an industry-leader and technical strong in delivery your team and clients will look for your direction through statutory processes, strategic planning advice, management of consenting process on large-scale infrastructure projects throughout NZ.

What You’ll Bring S

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about infrastructure and planning, with a strong understanding of the New Zealand planning system and resource management legislation. You’ll bring:

• A degree in resource management planning or other relevant degree

• 20+ years’ experience in planning and resource management

• Experience in leading and managing planning teams

• Experience leading the consenting of large-scale multidisciplinary infrastructure projects

• A client-focused mindset and collaborative spirit

• NZPI full membership and expert witness/hearing experience

Responsibilities

As the leader of the Motts planning team you will be responsible for the following:

• Identifying and supporting business development opportunities to drive growth and ensure continued success for our people and teams.

• Managing the consenting process for major infrastructure projects.

• Fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing culture.

• Building and maintaining strong working relationships with clients, colleagues, and professionals across Mott MacDonald.

• Working closely with other Technical Directors and Sector Leads to manage resources and support team development.

• Reviewing and approving planning reports to ensure quality and consistency.

• Staying informed on industry trends, legislative changes and best practices.

What We Offer

At Mott MacDonald, we celebrate achievements, promote teamwork, and value diversity. We offer:

• A supportive and caring work environment

• Opportunities for professional growth and career development

• Access to global expertise and innovative projects

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Discretionary Group and Personal Performance Bonuses for eligible employees

• A culture that prioritises wellbeing and work-life balance

Make a Difference

Join us in shaping a better future—where your work contributes to regenerative outcomes, climate resilience, and community wellbeing. Be part of a team that’s trusted, inclusive, and driven by purpose.

There’s no time like the present to make a change.

Apply today and help us build a thriving Aotearoa New Zealand.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

Agile working

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team and personal commitments. We embrace agility, flexibility and trust.