Chief Engineer

Job Overview

Welcome to Heretaunga, the area renowned for its rich and fertile landscape that is sustained by its life‑giving dews and waterways. Welcome to Heretaunga, whose beauty is observed by the sharp eye of the harrier hawk; a landscape rich in history and with an esteemed legacy of caring and providing for its inhabitants.

Hastings District Council is delivering one of the most significant capital programmes in its history—driven by long‑term growth, resilience, and recovery following Cyclone Gabrielle. We’re looking for a visionary Chief Engineer to lead the technical delivery of this ambitious infrastructure programme across Transport and 3 Waters.

This senior leadership role sits within our growing Programme Delivery Office (PDO) and provides strategic engineering oversight, expert guidance, and technical leadership across all phases of project delivery—from planning and design to construction and commissioning.

You’ll ensure projects meet the highest standards of quality, safety, sustainability, and community value, while aligning with Council’s long‑term infrastructure goals and regulatory frameworks. You’ll champion innovation, mentor engineering talent, and foster collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, iwi, contractors, and national agencies.

Key Responsibilities

If you’re a Chartered Professional Engineer with deep infrastructure expertise, strong leadership capability, and a passion for delivering enduring outcomes for communities—this is your opportunity to shape the future of Hastings.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status.
• Membership to Engineering NZ, Society of Construction Contract Practitioners (SCCP).
• NZTA Engineer to Contract OR Engineers Representative accreditation (preferred).

You’re a qualified civil engineer with Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status, backed by deep expertise in transport or 3 waters infrastructure. You bring proven experience delivering complex capital works programmes—leading design, procurement, construction, and commissioning with confidence.

You understand the regulatory landscape (LGA, RMA, NZS standards), and you’re skilled in financial and contract management, including NZS3910. You’ve worked on large‑scale projects, know how to manage risk and quality, and bring a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.

You’re a strategic thinker and a natural leader—someone who builds strong relationships across teams, iwi, contractors, and agencies. You communicate clearly, solve problems effectively, and thrive in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment.

Above all, you’re community‑focused, culturally aware, and committed to delivering infrastructure that enhances wellbeing, resilience, and long‑term value for Hastings.

About the Team

This role is part of the Infrastructure Group. The Group includes 3 Waters, Transportation, a Delivery Office and a professional services panel of consultants.

About the Location

Situated in the heart of Ngāti Kahungunu, the Hastings district and Hawke’s Bay offer an enjoyable environment in which to live, work and play.

We are an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity.

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