Are you a seasoned engineer with a passion for leading and inspiring teams? We're looking for an experienced Engineering Manager to lead our Wellington office. If you're a dedicated engineer looking to advance in a company renowned for its commitment to innovation, this might just be the perfect fit for you!
Who are we?
Cook Costello is a New Zealand family-owned company with more than 40 years' experience of providing Land Development, Design and Engineering Consulting. Operating from Whangarei, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch our technical team of more than 50 serve local and national clients. Our multi-disciplinary teams of consulting engineers, surveyors and professionals are known for their commitment to integrity and innovation.
Our dedication to excellence drives us to achieve outstanding results with every project. We are passionate about surpassing expectations and delivering exceptional outcomes that stand the test of time.
Our values drive us to challenge convention, collaborate without barriers, and operate with the utmost respect for one another and our clients. Our high trust environment means we know we have each other’s backs and you’re given the autonomy to do great meaningful work. We are accountable to each other, to our clients, to our communities, and to our environment.
About the Role
We’re looking for a highly experienced Engineering Manager to lead and grow our Wellington team. This is a pivotal leadership role suited to someone who thrives on technical excellence, team development, and strategic business growth.
You’ll be responsible for overseeing complex geotechnical projects—from site investigations and design through to reporting and delivery. You’ll also play a key role in mentoring junior staff, driving quality, and expanding our service offerings across civil, structural, and related disciplines.
As part of the leadership team, you’ll work closely with other technical leads and contribute to business planning, project delivery, and client engagement. The role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of our technical capability and make a meaningful impact across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure and land development projects.
You will:
Lead and manage geotechnical investigations, analysis, and design across a variety of projects.
Mentor and develop junior engineers and technical staff.
Manage project delivery, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management.
Provide technical oversight to ensure high-quality, consistent deliverables.
Build and maintain strong client relationships, including proposal development and contract negotiations.
Drive business development opportunities and support service expansion across civil and structural engineering.
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental requirements.
Contribute to strategic planning and long-term growth initiatives.
Collaborate closely with internal teams and external stakeholders including architects, planners, and councils.
Why you'll love it here
You'll have access to industry leading engineering professionals across a multitude of disciplines. In addition, you'll have access to a diverse network that includes architectural designers, surveyors, and other industry experts.
Receive health and wellness benefits to support both your physical and mental well-being.
Join a team dedicated to fostering an environment where curiosity is encouraged, and where every team member has the chance to reach their full potential.
You'll be rewarded with an industry-competitive salary.
Regularly scheduled company-funded social events and excursions.
Mobile phone handset and phone plan paid for by Cook Costello.
High quality noise cancelling headphones.
Receive sponsored CPD hours, sponsorship opportunities, and the chance to attend seminars, conferences and training events as part of your career development.
Support with professional memberships.
Opportunity to travel domestically and visit stunning locations.
Family friendly office environment – we love pets too
Access to site vehicles and our futuristic Tesla.
A true work/life balance: leave work at the office, so it won’t creep into your home life.
What we need from you
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) registration in New Zealand (or ability to obtain within 6 months), specialising in geotechnical engineering would be strongly preferred.
At least 8–10 years of hands-on geotechnical engineering experience, including design, site investigations, and reporting.
Proven leadership skills, with a minimum of 4 years experience managing and mentoring a geotechnical team.
Demonstrated track record in business development, with an ability to develop the team and grow other services beyond geotechnical into civil, structural, and related disciplines.
In-depth knowledge of New Zealand building codes and geotechnical standards.
Strong project management capability: budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management across multiple concurrent projects.
Managing finances and the ability to drive profitability and sustainable growth for the engineering consultancy.
Excellent client-relationship skills, including proposal development, stakeholder presentations, and contract negotiations.
Strategic-planning aptitude: develop and implement clear roadmaps for service expansion and market positioning.
Collaborative mindset, able to coordinate effectively with structural, civil, environmental engineers, architects, and planners both across the business and with external stakeholders.
Up-to-date understanding of health, safety, and environmental requirements.
Familiarity with quality-assurance/quality-control systems to ensure consistent, high-quality technical deliverables.
Proficiency in industry software and business tools.
Active engagement with professional institutions and industry networks (NZGS, ENZ, regional engineering forums).
Apply now!
If you're ready to take your career to the next level and lead our Wellington office, apply now to join our Cook Costello family!
Please email your expression of interest with a cover letter and a CV to our Talent Team at careers@coco.co.nz !
ALL APPLICATIONS ARE TREATED AS CONFIDENTIAL
Please note that you must have a valid New Zealand work or residency visa to be considered for this position
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