Principal Engineer – Roads & Highways Area Manager, Darwin

Create futures worth inheriting with SMEC and the SJ Group

About SJ Group

At SJ were building identity into infrastructure character into skylines and peace of mind into everyday life.

A global urban and infrastructure consultancy firm with over 75 years of project delivery success SJ and its member companies continue a collective legacy that delivers global expertise with local precision.

Become part of our 16000 client-centric specialists in more than 120 offices in over 40 countries who shape spaces across the world to meet the needs of today and the aspirations of generations to come.

About SMEC

We unlock the potential of our people to look at infrastructure differently creating better outcomes for the future.

We are committed to positively impact the people the environment and the clients and communities we serve.

The Opportunity

SMEC part of the global SJ Group is seeking an exceptional Principal Engineer Roads & Highways / Area Manager Darwin to lead inspire and drive sustainable growth across Far North Queensland. This is a rare leadership opportunity combining strategic operational oversight with high-level technical influence across Transport within Infrastructure Energy. If you are a commercially astute engineering leader ready to shape regional growth while delivering technical excellence we want to hear from you.

As Area Manager (30%) you will provide leadership coordination and strategic direction to the Darwin Area working collaboratively across the wider ANZ business. You will execute the Area operational plan lead business development and client relationship activities and ensure strong commercial management and governance practices. You will serve as a key client contact for major regional opportunities partnering closely with Executive Regional and Operational Directors to scope opportunities allocate resources and deliver successful outcomes. You will mentor Local Sector Managers in client-facing activities while fostering a cohesive high-performing team culture through strong pastoral care and people leadership.

In parallel as Principal Engineer Roads & Highways (70%) you will provide advanced technical leadership across transport projects. You will ensure quality timeliness and coordination of project deliverables while maintaining the highest technical standards and exceeding client expectations. Your expertise will directly contribute to the commercial success of projects and the winning of new work.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Inspire mentor and lead Area personnel to achieve cohesion performance and professional growth
• Drive strategic planning execution and monitoring across the Darwin office
• Support sustainable business growth locally and nationally through targeted client engagement
• Oversee project governance transitions and ensure strong client service outcomes

Operational & Commercial Excellence

• Manage business processes resource planning office utilisation and cost management
• Identify business risks and ensure effective mitigation strategies
• Contribute to winning proposals and oversee delivery excellence
• Champion CRM principles and business systems including project and WHS management

Technical & Project Leadership

• Provide expert technical advice across Roads & Highways projects
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and client requirements
• Demonstrate advanced project management capability
• Actively contribute to commercial outcomes and business development initiatives

About You

You are an experienced engineering leader with a strong industry reputation and the ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on technical excellence.

You bring:

• A relevant business qualification is preferred (or equivalent experience) alongside significant Roads & Highways expertise.
• Demonstrated success in a similar corporate leadership role
• Strong commercial acumen and experience delivering results in deadline-driven environments
• The ability to plan and execute strategic initiatives independently
• Proven leadership supervision and coaching capability
• Excellent interpersonal skills within culturally diverse multidisciplinary teams
• Clear persuasive communication and proposal-writing capability
• High-level understanding of industry standards CRM principles and business systems

Why Join SMEC

At SMEC you will have the autonomy and influence to shape regional strategy while contributing to nationally significant transport outcomes. You will collaborate with senior leaders across ANZ strengthen key client partnerships and play a pivotal role in growing the Darwin Area.

This role offers the opportunity to lead with purpose deliver technical excellence and build high-performing teams within a globally connected organisation committed to infrastructure innovation and sustainable growth.

If you are ready to lead from the front and drive impact across Far North Queensland we invite you to apply.

To find out more about SMEC please visit our careers page at to benefits: recruitment activities go through our Recruitment & Talent function and currently this role doesnt require agency input. Please do not forward resume directly to SMEC employees/managers; we do not accept unsolicited resumes and are not responsible for any associated fees.

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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!