Independent Certifier

About the role

Based in the Auckland office, you will take senior Independent Certifier and Engineer to the Contract appointments on building and civil engineering projects across New Zealand. You will exercise independent judgement on complex commercial and contractual matters, contribute to the development of Rawlinsons' certification capability, and provide guidance to colleagues working across post-contract services.

Key responsibilities

• Acting as Independent Certifier under NZS 3910:2023 and, where appointed, as Engineer to the Contract under NZS 3910:2013 and other applicable contract forms, exercising those functions fairly, impartially, and independently of the contracting parties.
• Assessing payment claims and issuing well-reasoned Payment Schedules within contractual timeframes.
• Determining entitlement to and valuation of variations, extensions of time and other contractual claims.
• Assessing progress, completion status and contractual compliance, including issuing Practical Completion and Final Completion certificates.
• Assessing the factual basis of claims by reviewing programmes, notices, records, and supporting evidence before reaching a determination.
• Preparing clear, concise, and defensible written instructions, notices and decisions that explain the contractual and factual basis for the outcome.
• Maintaining appropriate role separation and independence, particularly where services interface with the Principal, Contract Administrator, advisers, and Contractor.
• Identifying emerging commercial, programme and contractual risks early and supporting timely resolution before matters escalate.
• Building trusted working relationships with principals, contractors, consultants, and legal advisers while preserving professional objectivity.
• Supporting the development of Rawlinsons' Independent Certifier and contract advisory services, systems, and templates.

About you

• At least 10 years of combined experience acting as Engineer to the Contract, Employers Agent, Independent Certifier or similar
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Project Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong working knowledge of NZS 3910 and NZS 3916, ideally including both the 2013 editions. Strong working knowledge of the respective 2023 and 2025 editions is also considered advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience assessing payment claims, variations, extensions of time, Engineer's reviews, formal decisions (or similar), practical and final completion, and final accounts.
• The ability to interpret contract documents, assess evidence and reach balanced, contractually sound conclusions.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare structured reviews and decisions with clear reasons.
• Confidence collaborating with senior client representatives, contractors, consultants, and legal advisers, particularly on contentious or complex matters.
• Experience across vertical construction, civil infrastructure, or both. Experience with public-sector projects would be advantageous.
• Professional membership or chartered status with a relevant body such as NZIQS, RICS, Engineering New Zealand or PMI, and/or having Panel Member status at SCCP would also be advantageous.
• New Zealand residency or a valid work visa, and a current driver licence.

Benefits

• A senior specialist role with the autonomy to help shape, grow and lead a nationally relevant Independent Certifier and contract advisory service, in conjunction with (and support from) the Managing Director.
• A genuinely independent consultancy environment where sound judgement, professional objectivity and practical contract advice are valued and supported by experienced Quantity Surveyors and project professionals.
• Involvement in a varied portfolio of significant building, infrastructure, and public-sector projects
• Competitive remuneration aligned with the experience and responsibility of the role.
• Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options and a 9-day fortnight.
• Support for professional development, industry engagement, and relevant professional recognition, including opportunities to contribute to emerging practice around the NZS suite of contracts
• A collaborative, practical and supportive team culture that values quality, clear thinking, professional integrity, and sustainable work-life balance.
• The chance to build a visible specialist profile in an area of growing importance to clients, contractors, and the wider construction sector.

About us

Rawlinsons is an independent New Zealand construction consultancy with offices in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington. Our national reach, local market knowledge and practical understanding of project design, procurement and delivery provide a strong platform for independent certification and contract advisory work.