Principal Project Manager | Buildings & Places

We're looking for an experienced Principal Project Manager to join our Auckland Buildings & Places team, leading the successful delivery of complex, multidisciplinary building projects.

This is a hands-on role that combines project management with design management. You'll guide multidisciplinary teams through detailed design, consenting, procurement and construction, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

As the trusted face of AECOM, you'll build lasting client relationships while balancing programme, commercial performance, quality and technical excellence. Working alongside talented specialists from across our business, you'll play a key role in delivering some of New Zealand's most complex and rewarding building projects.

Beyond project delivery, you'll help shape the future of our Buildings & Places business by mentoring emerging talent, strengthening client partnerships and contributing to the continued growth of our project management team.

Some of your key responsibilities include:

• Leading design teams through detailed design, consenting, procurement and construction phases.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for clients, building trusted relationships and providing strategic project leadership.
• Oversee construction-phase activities for complex, live operational environments, coordinating technical specialists and supporting successful project delivery.
• Managing the building consent process and coordinating design inputs across multiple disciplines.
• Driving project governance, commercial performance, risk management and reporting in line with AECOM's project delivery systems.
• Developing innovative delivery strategies that achieve outstanding outcomes for clients while fostering collaboration across diverse project teams.
• Identifying and pursuing opportunities to grow client relationships, contribute to winning new work and support the continued success of the business.
• Mentoring and developing project managers and emerging professionals, helping build capability across the team.
• Championing AECOM's commitment to safety, quality and technical excellence in everything you do.

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.

• A relevant tertiary qualification in engineering, architecture, construction management, project management or related discipline.
• 10+ years' experience delivering complex building or infrastructure projects within a consultancy environment. Experience of exposure to airport environments would be advantageous. 
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary design teams through design, consenting, procurement and construction.
• Exceptional client relationship skills, with experience acting as a trusted advisor on major projects.
• Proven ability to manage programme, commercial performance, project risk and quality outcomes.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to bring people together to deliver exceptional results.

Why you’ll love working with us

• Flexible work arrangements available, aligned with the market and client facing role requirements
• 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!

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

 

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.