Project Management Commercial Lead - Water

Project Management Commercial Lead

Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure.

We are designers, engineers, scientists, project managers, and strategic advisors. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible.

About the role:

Stantec’s Water team in New Zealand has an impressive portfolio of successful projects that benefit communities nationwide and beyond, with significant contributions to international work. Our water focus covers the management of drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and groundwater as a collective resource. Dams and hydropower are a key focus, driving resilience and renewable energy solutions. Tackling our water challenges is crucial, and our diverse local network includes over 360 water specialists dedicated to innovation.

As the Project Management Commercial Leader (PMCL), you are the trusted person for project delivery across the Water business, enabling Project Managers to deliver successful, commercially sound projects for our clients. You’ll strengthen project management capability, provide commercial, risk and performance oversight, support proposals and contract reviews, and identify opportunities to improve project outcomes and profitability.

This opportunity has a strong Project Delivery focus, you will be working with Business Leads and PM Leads to build trusted client relationships and mutually successful commercial outcomes. It is highly desirable that your background includes but not limited to leading project delivery for Design & Build projects and/or Major Projects. 

Key responsibilities include

• Monitor project performance across scope, budget, schedule, risk, quality, WIP and financial metrics, working closely with Project Managers to identify issues and drive timely resolution.
• Drive consistent application of Stantec’s Project Management Framework, business processes, controls and procedures, identifying opportunities to improve project execution and commercial performance.
• Review and approve project forecasts, EACs, revenue recognition, project plans, budgets and schedules, ensuring appropriate governance, financial controls and compliance requirements are met.
• Support risk reviews, audits and distressed projects, coordinating corrective actions and providing guidance on complex, high-risk or first-of-a-kind projects.
• Partner with Business Leaders on pricing strategies, forecasting, budgeting, go/no-go decisions, commercial risk, change management and overall project and business performance
• Support key bids and proposals by reviewing scope, deliverables, risk, commercial requirements and pricing, ensuring opportunities are achievable and aligned with business objectives.
• Provide leadership, coaching and support to Project Managers, Project Leaders and Project Controls teams, including resource allocation, capability development, succession planning and performance feedback.
• Lead PM forums, training and knowledge-sharing initiatives, promoting best practice, continuous improvement and consistent use of project management tools, systems and processes.
• Work closely with Business Leaders, Project Managers and teams across disciplines, as well as Finance, Legal and other corporate functions, to resolve issues and enable effective project delivery.
• Support client relationships, cross-business-line collaboration, business development and industry engagement, while maintaining a strong focus on client service and delivering successful project outcomes.

What we offer

At Stantec, we take your growth and fulfilment seriously. We’re proud to offer many supportive benefits, including;

Professional development and support

Flexible working arrangements, including purchasing up to an extra four weeks of leave and provision for school term contracts, part-time, and job sharing

Learning and talent development programmes, including global, online, and on-the-job opportunities

Professional memberships

Service recognition awards

Mentorship

Wellbeing and connection opportunities

Health insurance, income continuance insurance, and life insurance

Employee assistance program

Developing Professionals Group, a global network for those with under 10 years of experience

About us

We’ve been serving our clients and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand for over 125 years. With almost 900 professionals, our team is based in the main cities and throughout the regions. We collaborate across disciplines and sectors to bring buildings, energy, water, environmental, and transport projects to life.

Globally, Stantec unites approximately 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across six continents. Our work from initial project concept and planning through design, construction, and commissioning begins at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships.

Applications close Friday 6th November 2026