There comes a point in some engineers’ careers where the next step isn’t necessarily about becoming more technically proficient or managing bigger projects.

It’s about having greater influence over the direction of a business, building a team around you and developing something you can genuinely take pride in.

I’m working with a growing multidisciplinary engineering consultancy in Christchurch that offers exactly that opportunity.

The business

Having recently spent time with the Director responsible for the Christchurch operation, I came away particularly impressed by what he’s managed to achieve.

Having established the Christchurch office from the ground up, he’s built a strong foundation in what can be a difficult market to break into.

The team has grown to approximately 10 people, they’ve outgrown their existing premises, and there are ambitious plans to grow the Christchurch operation to around 20 staff while expanding into additional areas of civil infrastructure.

What I particularly like about this business is that, despite its national presence, it hasn’t lost the entrepreneurial approach that helped it grow in the first place.

They’re commercially minded, invest in technology and aren’t afraid to challenge conventional ways of doing things.

Importantly, there’s a genuine opportunity for the right person to influence what comes next.

The opportunity

We’re looking for a Civil Engineering Team Lead who can take ownership of the civil engineering function in Christchurch and play a central role in its next phase of growth.

You’ll have the backing of an established national business, an existing client base and a team of engineers, surveyors and planners around you.

However, you’ll also have the autonomy to develop client relationships, influence recruitment decisions, shape the team’s technical capability and help determine the direction of the business locally.

Projects span residential and commercial land development, three waters, earthworks, roading and civil infrastructure, with the opportunity to become increasingly involved in a broader range of public-sector projects.

This isn’t a role where you’ll simply inherit a team and be expected to maintain the status quo.
It’s an opportunity to help build something bigger.

Who would suit this opportunity?

I can see this appealing to two types of engineers.
Perhaps you’re already leading a small team and have reached a point where progression within your current consultancy is limited.

Alternatively, you might be a technically strong Senior Civil Engineer who’s ready to take that next step, with the ambition and commercial awareness to build a team and develop client relationships.

Either way, you’ll ideally bring:

• A strong background in civil engineering consultancy, particularly land development and/or three waters.
• The technical credibility to lead design delivery and support other engineers.
• Experience managing projects, clients and competing priorities.
• A practical understanding of how civil engineering projects are delivered, ideally including construction or site experience.
• Familiarity with 12d and/or Civil 3D.
• An interest in business development, mentoring and growing a team.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and the motivation to make a meaningful contribution to a growing business.

CPEng would be advantageous, although I’m equally interested in speaking with engineers who have the right technical background, attitude and leadership potential.

Why consider it?

The attraction here is the combination of autonomy, opportunity and support.

You’ll be joining an established consultancy with a national project pipeline, complementary disciplines and a genuine appetite for growth.

At the same time, you’ll have the opportunity to make your mark on the Christchurch operation rather than becoming another layer of management in a large corporate structure.

For someone who’s thought about establishing their own consultancy one day, this could offer many of the same professional challenges and rewards, without having to start entirely from scratch.

Interested in finding out more?

I’m working closely with the Director responsible for this appointment and would welcome a confidential conversation with engineers who might see themselves in this sort of opportunity.

You don’t necessarily need to be actively looking.

If you’re starting to think about what the next five to ten years of your career could look like, I’d be happy to share more about the business and what they’re looking to achieve.

Hugh Miller
Redpath Partners
hugh@redpathpartners.com