Associate Director | Water Planning and Advisory

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

We’re looking for an experienced and commercially minded Associate Director – Water Planning & Advisory to join our Hamilton-based Water team.

This is a strategic client-facing role positioned at the forefront of AECOM New Zealand’s water business, helping shape and grow our Water Advisory capability while strengthening relationships with key clients across the Waikato and broader New Zealand market.

You’ll work closely with organisations such as IAWAI, Waikato Waters, local government, and public sector stakeholders to understand emerging challenges, translate water strategies into actionable programmes, and position AECOM to support long-term infrastructure delivery.

Working alongside national water leaders, you’ll help drive sector strategy, build trusted client partnerships, identify future opportunities, and contribute to the continued growth of our advisory offering across New Zealand.

This role combines strategic advisory, client engagement, business development, and technical leadership within one of New Zealand’s fastest-evolving infrastructure sectors.

In this role, you will:

• Lead strategic engagement with key water sector clients and stakeholders
• Support the growth of AECOM’s Water Advisory and Planning capability
• Translate three waters strategies into prioritised and investable programmes
• Shape and execute client and sector growth strategies alongside national leaders
• Lead or support strategic pursuits and positioning activities for emerging opportunities
• Provide advisory and planning expertise across infrastructure and service delivery challenges
• Build strong relationships across local government, CCOs, and public sector organisations
• Mentor and support technical professionals across the business
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated client outcomes

The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don’t tick all the boxes you could still be a perfect fit for this role. Please apply, all applications will be considered.

• 15+ years’ experience within the water sector
• Strong experience in water planning, advisory, infrastructure strategy, or programme development
• Experience working with local government, CCOs, or public sector clients in New Zealand
• Strong understanding of the three waters sectors and infrastructure delivery environment
• Proven ability to build trusted client relationships and influence senior stakeholders
• Strong commercial acumen and business development capability
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking skills
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Planning, Environmental Science, or similar
• Chartered or professional membership preferred

Why you’ll love working with us

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, part-time, job-sharing and hybrid work options
• 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.

Learn more about life at AECOM: LinkedIn, Facebook , Instagram, X, YouTube - explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects, and much more!

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.