Infrastructure Development Engineering Manager

Infrastructure Development Engineering Manager

Live, work and play in Aotearoa New Zealand’s most spectacular setting.

No two days at Queenstown Lakes District Council are the same.  Every day we provide services, facilities and programmes essential to the health and wellbeing of our people and environment, while stepping up to the challenges and opportunities that come with being New Zealand’s fastest growing territorial authority.

We’re proud to be QLDC.  Our people are motivated by a shared purpose driven by care, connection and community.  All our roles are at the heart of a dynamic and diverse set of communities where you will be making a genuine difference every day. Join us.

We’re looking for an Infrastructure Development Engineering Manager to join our Property & Infrastructure directorate in a permanent full-time role, based in Queenstown. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth and includes relocation assistance for eligible candidates

What you’ll be doing / He aha te mahi

The Infrastructure Development Engineering Manager is responsible for leading and managing the Development Engineering Team to strategically plan, negotiate, manage, and provide technical assurance for developer-led infrastructure projects that are to be vested in Council. The role ensures our development engineering activities support Council's growth and infrastructure objectives through effective stakeholder engagement, robust developer agreements, maintenance of the QLDC Subdivision and Land Development Code of Practice, and the provision of expert technical advice that delivers compliant, sustainable, and integrated infrastructure outcomes. 

The role will involve:

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing Development Engineering team, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and technical excellence.
• Provide technical leadership and assurance for developer-led infrastructure projects, ensuring assets meet Council standards before vesting.
• Oversee the review and approval of subdivision, land development and infrastructure engineering plans, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and legislation.
• Lead the development, negotiation and management of developer agreements, balancing risk, quality outcomes and long-term community benefits.
• Partner with developers, consultants, contractors and internal teams to deliver robust infrastructure solutions that support growth across the district.
• Contribute to spatial growth planning, master planning and the delivery of QLDC's 30-Year Infrastructure Strategy through expert infrastructure advice.
• Drive continuous improvement of development engineering processes, standards and the QLDC Subdivision and Land Development Code of Practice.
• Identify, manage and escalate infrastructure, development and compliance risks while ensuring timely, high-quality technical advice and decision-making

What you’ll bring to the role / Ko wai to Pukeka

We're looking for a highly experienced infrastructure engineering leader who combines strong technical expertise with commercial acumen and a collaborative leadership style. You'll bring a deep understanding of infrastructure planning, development engineering and growth-related infrastructure delivery, along with the ability to build trusted relationships across the development community, consultants, elected members and internal stakeholders. Equally comfortable providing strategic advice as you are making technical decisions, you'll be passionate about shaping sustainable growth outcomes while leading and developing a high-performing team.

To best succeed in this role, you’ll have:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field (Engineering, Planning or a related discipline).
• At least 10 years' experience delivering infrastructure projects and engineering outcomes within a consultancy, developer or client-side environment.
• Proven experience in senior leadership, management or principal engineering roles, including mentoring and developing technical teams.
• Strong expertise in infrastructure planning, contracts and contract management, including working knowledge of IPENZ Shortform, CCCS, NZS 3910 and NZS 3916 contracts.
• Demonstrated experience working with the development community, with a strong understanding of the Resource Management Act, spatial planning, master planning, growth infrastructure and major development proposals.

What we offer / Ko a matou whakaratoka

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth, including:

• Southern Cross Wellbeing One Plan (Full time, permanent only)
• Discounted membership to our health and fitness facilities
• Hybrid working practices
• Genuine commitment to your training and career development

To apply, please follow the link or for any questions prior, please contact Anna McCarthy, Programme Manager Community Services at [email protected]

Applications close: 25th September 2026.

Please note we will review and process applications as they come through; we encourage your early application.