Technical Director - Coastal Lead

Flowstate Consulting

Grey Lynn, Auckland Full-Time
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Overview

Are you a Coastal Engineer looking for a change, This is a strategic invitation to join a high-performing, NZ-owned company as our founding Coastal lead.

In a post-2023 storm environment, Auckland’s coastal landscape is changing. With the notification of PC120, the intersection of housing intensification and coastal hazard management has become one of the most complex challenges in the industry. We are looking for a heavy-weight expert to own this space—someone who wants to move away from the corporate grind and into a role where their expertise directly shapes the built and natural environment of Aotearoa.

Why Join

  • Direct Influence: You won't just be a technical reviewer; you will be the architect of our coastal division. You define the standards, choose the tech stack, and set the technical direction.
  • Mastery of PC120: We are positioning ourselves as the "go-to" for navigating the new Plan Change 120 requirements. You will lead the charge in helping clients understand the immediate legal effects on coastal erosion and inundation hazard areas.
  • Zero Red Tape: We operate with a flat structure. Decisions are made in minutes, not months. If you have a vision for how coastal engineering should be delivered, you have the green light to execute it.
  • Strategic Growth: As a foundational senior hire, you are in the box seat. You aren't just an employee; you are a pillar of the company’s future leadership.

Your Impact

  • Technical Authority: Lead the delivery of complex coastal hazard assessments, shoreline management plans, and the design of both hard and soft coastal protection structures.
  • PC120 Navigation: Act as the subject matter expert on Auckland Council’s new risk management framework, helping clients move through the shifted activity classifications (Sensitive vs. Less Sensitive) and new sea-level rise (SLR) modeling requirements.
  • Strategic Mentorship: Build a high-performing team from the ground up, mentoring the next generation of engineers in coastal processes and climate change adaptation.
  • Client Advocacy: Act as an expert witness and lead consultant on high-stakes coastal developments, representing the firm at the highest levels.

What You Bring

  • The Experience: ~15 years in Coastal Engineering, with a significant portfolio of work in the New Zealand coastal environment.
  • Regulatory Expertise: A deep, working knowledge of the Auckland Unitary Plan, the NZCPS, and specifically the implications of PC120 on coastal erosion and inundation overlays.
  • Technical Breadth: Proficiency in coastal modeling (DHI/MIKE, SWAN, etc.) and a practical understanding of seawall, revetment, and nature-based solution design.
  • The Credentials: CPEng status is essential. You should be comfortable providing high-level technical sign-offs and peer reviews.
  • The Startup Mindset: You are a "player-coach"—someone who loves the deep technical work but is equally excited by the challenge of building a brand and a team.

The Package

  • Salary:  A competitive salary, negotiated to reflect experience and impact.
  • Autonomy: A workplace built on trust, results, and the flexibility to work in a way that suits your life.
  • The Vision: A genuine opportunity to have skin in the game as a foundational member of a values-led consultancy.

Skills Required

  • Stormwater Management
  • Catchment Planning
  • Design
  • Flood Assessments
  • Green Infrastructure
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Senior Stormwater Engineer

Overview

Opportunity for a Senior Stormwater Engineer with 8+ years of relevant experience to join us and be part of a successful and growing company.


If you are someone who values excellence, mastery and purpose in your work and will thrive in a team environment where every day is different, we'd love to chat!


Why Join ?



Total Influence:

You aren't inheriting someone else's messy legacy systems. You will help define our workflows, software preferences, and project delivery methods.



Direct Growth Path:

As the company grows, so does your role. There is a clear, unobstructed pathway into a top-tier leadership position as we scale.



Agility & Freedom:

We are low on bureaucracy and high on action. If you have a better way of doing things, you have the green light to implement it.



Project Quality:

We are involved in major projects with quality clients. You get to work on high-stakes infrastructure with the flexibility of a modern startup environment.

What You Bring



What You Bring


Experience:

8+ years of experience in hydraulic modeling within the New Zealand market.


Stormwater Modelling:

Experience with packages such as TUFLOW, InfoWorks ICM, DHI (MIKE Suite), and HEC-RAS.


Spatial Analysis:

QGIS or ArcGIS for data management, analysis, and flood mapping outputs.


Autonomy:

You are at a point in your career where you can troubleshoot technical hurdles and produce high-quality models with minimal oversight.


The Startup Mindset:

A self-starter who enjoys the pace of a growing business and wants a role where their contribution is visible, valued, and influential.


The Package

Salary:

A competitive salary, negotiated to reflect experience and impact.


Autonomy:

A results-focused environment that values trust, flexibility, and accountability over hours at a desk.


Culture:

A small, values-led team where you play a key role in shaping the business, not just filling a position.


Exposure:

Variety of projects, including large-scale developments as well as smaller local projects. 


Support:

Professional memberships and continued education support


Skills

  • Stormwater Management
  • Green Infrastructure
  • Flood Management
  • Flood Modelling
  • Catchment Planning


If you’re ready to move away from the corporate grind and into a role where you genuinely matter, let’s have a conversation.