Technical Director Geotechnical

Technical Director – Geotechnical, Auckland

At Mott MacDonald NZ, we’re more than an engineering, management and development consultancy — we’re a purpose-led, employee-owned business where people are empowered to lead, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact.

Lead, grow and win work

We’re looking for a Technical Director – Geotechnical to join our Auckland team and play a pivotal role in shaping and growing our geotechnical capability across Aotearoa.

This is a senior leadership role with a strong focus on ensuring high quality, accurate technical delivery, pursuing and winning work,, and driving commercial performance. You’ll lead a high-performing team, build trusted client relationships, and actively drive the pipeline of work that sustains and grows the business.

You’ll combine technical expertise with strategic leadership to deliver high-quality outcomes while positioning Mott MacDonald as a go-to partner for geotechnical solutions.

What you’ll be doing

As a senior leader in our business, you will:

• Lead and grow a team of ~10 geotechnical engineers
• Provide technical direction, coaching and career development
• Build capability and create a strong, collaborative team culture
• Drive client engagement and work winning
• Develop and maintain senior client relationships across public and private sectors
• Lead bids, proposals and presentations
• Identify and convert opportunities into secured work
• Own commercial performance
• Oversee project profitability, resourcing and risk
• Support pricing strategies and commercial decision-making
• Ensure delivery is aligned with client expectations and business outcomes
• Provide technical leadership
• Lead geotechnical input on complex and high-profile projects
• Review and sign off key deliverables and Producer Statements
• Provide expert advice on ground risk, design and construction
• Collaborate across the business
• Work closely with transport, water, buildings and structural teams
• Leverage global expertise and contribute to wider practice leadership

What you’ll bring

• A degree in geotechnical or civil engineering
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) (or equivalent)
• Auckland Council Producer Statement Author (PS1) or ability to obtain
• Significant experience (typically 15+ years) in geotechnical engineering
• Proven track record in:
• Client relationship management and work winning
• Leading teams and developing people
• Commercial management of projects
• Strong technical capability across:
• Ground characterisation and geotechnical design
• Foundations, earthworks, slope stability and infrastructure projects
• Experience with tools such as Plaxis, Rocscience or GeoStudio (preferred)
• A pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset with strong communication skills

Why Mott MacDonald?

We’re a global consultancy with a strong local presence — and we’re growing. As an employee-owned business, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We trust our people, support their growth, and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
• Flexible working through our Agile Work Policy
• Enhanced KiwiSaver contributions
• Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities
• A pipeline of meaningful, technically challenging projects
• A culture that values wellbeing, inclusion and sustainability

Make your mark

This is an opportunity to step into a true leadership role — shaping a team, strengthening client partnerships, and driving the future of our geotechnical business in New Zealand.

If this role interests you — even if you don’t tick every box — we’d love to hear from you.

You’ve got this.

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!