Planner / Senior Planner

Opportunity

Join a nationwide planning team as either a Planner or Senior Planner, with roles available from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, and flexibility for experienced candidates located elsewhere in New Zealand. You will work with a close team of planning professionals within a wider group of around 60 people, contributing to a broad mix of meaningful projects for clients such as Watercare, Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, Wellington City Council, Tiaki Wai, Christchurch City Council, Transpower, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, the Ministry of Education, renewable energy providers, and industrial organisations.

This position suits someone who wants to deepen their technical planning capability while helping deliver quality advice and outcomes on complex, multidisciplinary work that influences communities across the country. You will collaborate with specialists in transport, landscape architecture, urban design, environmental advice, and engineering, while also building strong client relationships and contributing to project success.

The team places strong emphasis on growth and development, offering exposure to varied projects, ongoing learning, and internal upskilling with a particular focus on resource management reform. Flexible working is also available to support balance alongside a supportive and caring team culture.

What you'll bring

You should be ready for the next step in your planning career and motivated to make a meaningful contribution. Candidates who do not meet every listed requirement are still encouraged to apply.

About the role

The role involves delivering high-quality planning advice, working across a wide range of sectors including local government, transport, three waters, energy, and community infrastructure, and supporting both local and national projects.

Required background

A degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, or a related field is expected. NZPI membership is required, with full membership preferred for the Senior Planner level and working toward it considered suitable for some applicants.

You will need at least 4 years of experience for the Planner level or 7+ years for the Senior Planner level in environmental or urban planning. Strong knowledge of the Resource Management Act, including statutory and strategic planning and regional consenting, is important.

The ideal candidate will bring a collaborative working style, experience contributing to and developing others in a team environment, commercial awareness, and a strong client focus. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to engage effectively with clients, mana whenua, stakeholders, and the public.

Experience in consulting would be an advantage, as would prior exposure to water, transport, or energy markets, or work with industrial and government clients.

What Beca offers

Employees can access knowledge-sharing and development opportunities, particularly around resource management reform and team upskilling. The organisation supports learning from respected industry leaders and technical experts, and provides extensive professional development programmes.

Additional benefits include a supportive workplace where people can bring their whole selves to work, flexible arrangements to help manage family and personal commitments, shareholding opportunities, wellbeing and volunteer leave, the option to buy up to two extra weeks of annual leave each year, enhanced parental leave of up to 22 weeks of full pay after the birth or placement of a child for all genders, and discounted insurance options covering health, life, and income protection.

About the company

Beca is a major independent advisory, design, and engineering consultancy operating across Asia Pacific. With more than 4,000 employees in 25 offices worldwide and experience delivering projects in over 70 countries, the company is focused on helping clients shape communities, optimise assets, and improve operations through creative thinking and enduring relationships.

Culture

The organisation is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes contributions from people of all genders, ethnicities, identities, perspectives, and experiences.

Additional information

This position offers the chance to work locally and nationally with a fun, supportive team. The role spans a broad range of sectors and project types, making it suitable for a planner seeking variety, growth, and impact.

Application note

If you are interested in helping create better outcomes every day, you are encouraged to put yourself forward.