Technical Director - Flood Modelling
- Full-time
- State/Province: Auckland
- Business Group: DCS
- Legal Entity: AECOM New Zealand Limited
- Business Line: Water
- Work Location Model: Hybrid
- Operating Group: International
- Primary Location: NZ - Auckland
Company Description
Come grow with us.
Balancing the world’s need for safe, reliable water with protecting this critical natural resource for the future requires a deep understanding of interconnected systems.
We work with clients across the entire project life cycle — from initial planning studies through final construction and operations and maintenance services — on both traditional and alternative project-delivery options (design-build, public-private partnerships and financing).
Everyone belongs at AECOM
We’re committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging - because great ideas come from diverse perspectives. AECOM is proud to be a Fortune 500 Most Admired Company, a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, #Work180 Equitable Workplace Awards 2025 Winner and an AWEI Bronze Tier LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer.
Job Description
Provide strategic technical leadership and practice direction as a Technical Director – Flood Modelling, leading the delivery of complex flood modelling, stormwater, and water infrastructure projects across Auckland and New Zealand. You will contribute the highest level of hydraulic and hydrological modelling expertise across catchment analysis, flood assessments, infrastructure planning, and major project delivery while strengthening client relationships, growing market presence, and mentoring technical teams across the business.
This is a highly client-facing leadership role focused on building trusted client relationships, identifying and converting business development opportunities, and positioning AECOM as a market leader in flood modelling across New Zealand. You will provide senior technical advice to project teams, technical oversight across the flood modelling portfolio, and act as the lead verifier and lead reviewer for complex flood modelling projects.
- Lead the technical delivery of major catchment-scale flood modelling, rainfall analysis, flood assessments, and stormwater infrastructure projects across New Zealand
- Provide strategic flood level outputs to support civil design, including floor levels, site levels, and development controls
- Oversee the flood modelling portfolio, ensuring technical quality, consistency, and alignment with best practice standards
- Act as the lead verifier and reviewer for complex flood modelling projects, providing technical assurance across major deliverables
- Provide senior technical advice to project teams on modelling methodology, design decisions, and flood risk outcomes
- Guide technical standards, delivery frameworks, and quality assurance processes across the business
- Lead hydraulic and hydrological analysis across catchments, stormwater networks, pipelines, and drainage systems
- Review modelling outcomes relating to infrastructure such as catch pits, manholes, pipelines, detention systems, and wider stormwater assets
- Collaborate with civil, water, and infrastructure teams to optimise design outcomes and assess flood behaviour impacts
- Drive technical excellence using industry tools including InfoWorks ICM, TUFLOW, HEC-RAS, and ArcGIS
- Facilitate Technical Approach Reviews and major project kick-off meetings to ensure strong technical governance
- Build and strengthen key client relationships while providing trusted technical advice and identifying future opportunities
- Lead business development activities including proposals, tender interviews, and strategic pursuits across New Zealand
- Mentor and develop technical teams, supporting professional growth and knowledge sharing across local and global teams
Qualifications
The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don’t tick all the boxes you could still be a great fit for this role. Please apply — all applications will be considered.
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or similar
- 20+ years’ experience in flood modelling, stormwater, water resources engineering, or related consulting environments
- Strong experience with hydraulic and hydrological modelling software including InfoWorks ICM, TUFLOW, HEC-RAS, and ArcGIS
- Proven delivery of complex catchment modelling, flood estimation, stormwater analysis, and infrastructure resilience projects
- Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status, or eligibility to obtain CPEng
- Experience providing technical oversight across multiple projects and leading flood modelling portfolios
- Demonstrated capability as a lead verifier, reviewer, or independent reviewer for major flood modelling projects
- Strong technical leadership with the ability to guide standards, mentor teams, and provide senior technical advice
- Proven success managing complex projects, including technical quality, programme delivery, budget, and client outcomes
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to grow client relationships and drive business development opportunities
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and client-facing skills, with a track record of winning and retaining work
- Strong communication and influencing skills across clients, teams, and senior stakeholders
- Knowledge of New Zealand stormwater and flood management practices, council requirements, and regulatory frameworks
- Active industry profile through technical leadership, professional networks, publications, or conference presentations
Additional Information
Why you’ll love working with us
- Flexible work arrangements available, aligned with the market and client facing role requirements
- Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year
- Volunteer and representation leave
- Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better
Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.
Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
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About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.