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- Tasks: Lead and grow the engineering team while shaping strategic direction.
- Company: Patersons is a trusted South Island institution in land development and engineering since 1900.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, leadership opportunities, and influence in a growing firm.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a respected firm with a strong legacy and clear vision.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in engineering, ideally with Chartered Professional Engineer status.
- Other info: Position available in Christchurch, Queenstown, or Dunedin; apply via SEEK.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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About Patersons
Patersons is a South Island institution offering a comprehensive range of services across land development, surveying, planning, and engineering. With a proud history dating back to 1900, and offices across Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell, and Alexandra, Patersons reputation is built on trusted expertise and advice.
Patersons has experienced significant growth and has strengthened its position as a market leader through transitioning to a more cohesive and integrated discipline based structure. This transformation is underpinned by a collaborative one-firm culture and a rigorous focus on client service.
As Patersons moves forward, the firm is investing in the next generation of leadership — and now seek a talented and visionary executive to lead the newly established engineering practice.
The Role
Patersons are seeking to appoint a commercially driven and strategic leader to take on the newly created role ofGeneral Manager – Engineering .
You will be responsible for leading the growth and direction of Patersons Engineering business while playing a key role in the broader leadership of the firm. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of a firm with a proud past, significant momentum, and a clear long-term vision.
Key responsibilities include:
- Shaping and implementing the strategic direction of the Engineering practice in collaboration with the CEO and Board.
- Leading and growing a high-performing, multidisciplinary engineering team across multiple offices.
- Driving business development efforts and expanding Paterson’s presence in large-scale land development and infrastructure projects.
- Championing technical excellence, quality assurance, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Contributing to broader organisational planning, succession, and culture-building across the firm.
- Driving innovation and leading change in a complex, evolving professional services environment.
The Person – What You Bring
You are a respected and experienced leader in the engineering profession, with a strong technical foundation and a commercial mindset. You bring a background that includes senior leadership responsibility in a professional services or consultancy environment — ideally with Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status or an equivalent level of experience.
Your leadership style is collaborative, people-focused, and outcomes-driven. You have a proven ability to build engaged, high-performing teams, lead through change, and lift both financial and cultural performance. Your commercial acumen is strong — you understand how to win work, manage delivery, and align operations with strategic goals.
You are a credible communicator and relationship-builder who engages well across all levels — from technical staff and clients to Board members and stakeholders. You thrive in a dynamic, evolving environment and are comfortable with the ambiguity that comes with professional services leadership. Most importantly, you bring integrity, ambition, and a deep commitment to delivering results and contributing to Patersons long-term success.
If you\’re ready to take on a senior leadership role with real influence, strategic scope, and opportunity. The position can be based inChristchurch, Queenstown,or Dunedin . This search is being led byTakon Leadership Search on behalf of Patersons.
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter via SEEK. For a confidential discussion contactSean Brunner at021 712 891 or email for some background information.
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General Manager Engineering employer: Engineering New Zealand
Contact Detail:
Engineering New Zealand Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the engineering field, especially those who have experience in leadership roles. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into Patersons' culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Patersons' recent projects and initiatives to understand their strategic direction. This knowledge will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs during discussions and interviews, showcasing your commitment to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it fosters collaboration and high performance. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through change and driven innovation in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commercial acumen by being prepared to discuss strategies for business development and expanding market presence. Think about how you can contribute to Patersons' growth in large-scale land development and infrastructure projects.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the General Manager – Engineering position at Patersons. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only introduce yourself but also demonstrate your understanding of Patersons' vision and how you can contribute to their engineering practice. Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your leadership and commercial acumen.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your senior leadership roles in professional services or consultancy environments. Emphasise your achievements in building high-performing teams and driving business development efforts, as these are key aspects of the role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a credible communicator, it's essential to convey your ability to engage with various stakeholders. Include examples in your application that demonstrate your relationship-building skills and your capacity to lead through change.
How to prepare for a job interview at Engineering New Zealand
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Patersons' culture and values. They emphasise a collaborative one-firm approach, so be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with this ethos.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for General Manager, it's crucial to highlight your previous leadership roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've built high-performing teams and driven change in a professional services environment.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Patersons is looking for someone with a strong commercial mindset. Be ready to discuss your experience in business development and how you've successfully aligned operations with strategic goals in past roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Given the technical nature of the role, brush up on relevant engineering principles and practices. Be prepared to discuss how you champion technical excellence and ensure compliance within your teams.
