• Lead SMEC’s Ports & Maritime growth across Australia and New Zealand
• Shape sustainable infrastructure outcomes for clients, communities and industry
• Join a collaborative, inclusive and globally connected engineering consultancy

About SMEC

SMEC provides unique opportunities to work on iconic industry projects with experienced colleagues and leadership teams. We support and empower our people to drive innovation within a well-established and growing global engineering consultancy.

At SMEC, our continued success is built on long-term client relationships, technical excellence and a deep understanding of the communities and industries we serve. We listen to our clients, understand their needs and deliver integrated, sustainable solutions across major infrastructure projects.

As part of the Surbana Jurong Group, SMEC connects local insight with global expertise across more than 120 offices in over 40 countries. Our people partner with clients across transport, water, energy, environment and the built environment to solve complex challenges and deliver lasting value.

Our Ports & Maritime capability brings together specialist planning, design, advisory and delivery expertise across port, maritime and coastal infrastructure. We help clients plan, deliver, operate and maintain resilient infrastructure that supports trade, connectivity, economic growth and sustainable communities.

The Role

We are seeking an established Regional Director, Ports & Maritime – Australia and New Zealand to lead SMEC’s Ports & Maritime business across ANZ, shaping strategy, strengthening client relationships and building connected teams that deliver exceptional outcomes.

This role can be based in one of our major offices across Australia or New Zealand.

As Regional Director, you will provide strategic, commercial and operational leadership across the Ports & Maritime portfolio in Australia and New Zealand. You will play a key role in growing SMEC’s Infrastructure + Energy business through strong market positioning, trusted client partnerships, technical excellence, project performance and inclusive people leadership.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys building business, developing people and working with clients to solve complex infrastructure challenges. You will lead the ongoing development and delivery of the regional Ports & Maritime strategy, strengthen capability across ANZ, support collaboration with global specialists and help position SMEC as a partner of choice across the sector.

About You

• 20+ years in the industry with proven success in senior leadership roles within the Ports & Maritime sector, ideally with experience across Australia and/or New Zealand.
• Proven experience developing and executing strategic plans, leading business growth, and delivering strong commercial outcomes.
• A strong client focus, with the ability to build trusted relationships, identify opportunities and provide strategic business development leadership across ANZ.
• Strong technical, commercial and market knowledge of the Ports & Maritime sector, with the ability to connect client needs with practical, sustainable and innovative solutions.
• In-depth knowledge of industry standards, legislation, market trends and client drivers across the Ports & Maritime sector in Australia and New Zealand.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to inspire high-performing teams and role model SMEC and SJ Group values.

How to apply

For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact Nicholas Fischer-White - [email protected]

Wrap up

When you join SMEC, you will be part of a global multidisciplinary consultancy where your ideas, leadership and technical insight can help shape communities, industries and the broader infrastructure landscape.

SMEC is committed to creating a rewarding, inclusive workplace that fosters equal opportunities, belonging, wellbeing and professional growth. We recognise that diversity strengthens our people, our clients, our partners and our communities.

All recruitment activities go through our Talent Acquisition function and currently, this role doesn’t require agency input. Please do not forward resumes directly to SJ employees/managers; we do not accept unsolicited resumes and are not responsible for any associated fees.

At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!