Senior Planning Consultant

Job Description

Senior Planning Consultant

Helping shape resilient and sustainable outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand

Our Environment and Society team continues to grow, and we’re looking for a Senior Planning Consultant to join our New Zealand planning team, with a focus on the consenting of infrastructure projects.

This role offers the opportunity to lead the consenting of projects, work closely with clients and stakeholders, and contribute technical leadership within multidisciplinary teams—while continuing to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

The role

As a Senior Planning Consultant, you’ll play a key role in delivering resource management planning services across a range of projects throughout New Zealand. You’ll operate with a high degree of independence, supporting and leading components of planning work, contributing to consenting strategies, and providing sound planning advice within complex project environments.

You’ll work closely with Principal Planning Consultants and Technical Directors, while also mentoring junior planners and helping to raise the overall capability of the planning team.

What you’ll be responsible for

• Leading and coordinating multi-disciplinary teams to deliver resource consent applications and other resource management approvals for sectors such as water, transport, energy and the built environment
• Preparing and reviewing planning reports to a high professional standard
• Providing informed planning advice to project teams and supporting client decision‑making
• Supporting consultation processes, stakeholder engagement and coordination with regulators, as appropriate
• Mentoring and guiding early‑career planners, providing technical oversight and day‑to‑day support
• Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, preparing proposals, and engaging in industry networking
• Actively contributing to project quality, programme and risk management
• Upholding Mott MacDonald’s PRIDE values and commitment to safety, quality and sustainable outcomes

What you’ll bring

• A relevant tertiary qualification in planning, resource management, environmental studies or a related discipline
• Mid‑career experience (typically 8+ years) in environmental or infrastructure planning, gained within consulting, local government or a similar professional environment
• Strong working knowledge of the New Zealand planning system and relevant legislation as well as local and regional council resource management documents
• Experience contributing to, or leading components of, complex planning approvals and infrastructure projects
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with senior colleagues, clients and stakeholders
• Well‑developed written and verbal communication skills, with confidence contributing to client‑facing outputs
• A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to support others and manage competing priorities
• NZPI membership (or progress toward it) would be great to have.

Why join us

At Mott MacDonald, you’ll be trusted to do meaningful work that makes a difference. We offer:

• Competitive renumeration
• Exposure to large scale infrastructure projects across Aotearoa
• Opportunities to grow technical depth and leadership capability without needing to operate at a principal level
• A supportive planning discipline embedded within a multidisciplinary consultancy
• Flexible and agile working arrangements
• A culture shaped by Progress, Respect, Integrity, Drive and Excellence
• Clear pathways for future career progression, including toward Principal roles over time

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences

Employee ownership

• Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success.
• Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.
• As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution.
• Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future.

Our benefits package is designed to enhance your experience:

• A flexible and agile work atmosphere that caters to your professional journey and life's special moments
• A competitive salary complemented by Discretionary Group and Personal Performance Bonuses for eligible employees
• Comprehensive coverage including life, personal accident, and salary continuance insurance, providing peace of mind during uncertain times
• Opportunities to enhance your work-life balance through the option to purchase extra annual leave
• Employee resource groups including the Inclusive Network for Women, Corporate Social Responsibility and more

You've got this!
We endorse a diverse and inclusive workplace and look to provide suitable opportunities for employees including the opportunity for part time and job shared roles where possible. If you are interested in this role and looking for a part time permanent opportunity, please apply!