Are you a seasoned engineer with a passion for leading and inspiring teams? We're looking for an experienced Engineering Manager to lead our Whangarei 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!
Our Whangarei head office has a large team with decades of experience working locally on challenging projects, and developing a reputation for smart practical solutions, quality work, and listening to client needs.
The opportunity to gain experience working with other disciplines is also part of our culture, and we have several staff with dual specialties. Understanding each other’s work and expertise means we’re able to deliver best results for our clients, with truly joined up efforts between disciplines in our engineering solutions, reports, and advice.
Come and see for yourself what the beautiful far north has to offer!
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 an experienced and motivated Civil or Structural Engineering Manager to lead our team in Whangārei. This is a key leadership role for someone who’s ready to take the next step—balancing technical delivery, team development, and strategic growth within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
You’ll oversee the successful delivery of civil or structural engineering projects across the region, ensuring technical quality, client satisfaction, and commercial performance. You'll also be responsible for mentoring junior staff, supporting cross-disciplinary collaboration, and driving business development opportunities.
This role offers the chance to grow a high-performing team, influence regional development, and help shape the future of our civil or structural capability in Northland.
You will:
Lead the delivery of infrastructure or building projects from concept through to construction.
Manage and grow a team of engineers, technicians, and graduates.
Provide technical leadership and review to ensure high-quality outcomes.
Build strong, lasting relationships with clients, councils, and key project stakeholders.
Identify and pursue business development opportunities across public and private sectors.
Support tendering, pricing, and proposal development.
Oversee project performance including budgets, timelines, and resource planning.
Contribute to regional strategy and help drive the growth of the Whangārei office.
Foster a strong team culture and uphold health, safety, and environmental best practices.
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 civil or structural engineering would be strongly preferred.
At least 8–10 years of hands-on civil or structural engineering experience, including design, site investigations, and reporting.
Proven leadership skills, with a minimum of 4 years experience managing and mentoring a civil or structural team.
Demonstrated track record in business development, with an ability to develop the team and grow other services beyond civil or structural, into geotechnical and related disciplines.
In-depth knowledge of New Zealand building codes and 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 (SESOC, ENZ, regional engineering forums).
Apply now!
If you're ready to take your career to the next level and lead our Whangarei 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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