Technical Director / Associate Director: Ground Engineering

Description

The company's Ground Engineering practice works across energy, water, nuclear (decommissioning and new build), defence, aviation, ports, data centres, highways and rail.

Services cover feasibility and desktop studies, ground investigation, interpretation, detailed design, contract administration, technical advisory and construction supervision for geotechnical works, all from one group.

Clients include National Grid, BP, Sellafield, Associated British Ports, Transport Scotland, National Highways, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Network Rail and local authorities, plus major contractors and developers in the UK, Ireland and overseas.

Projects named include the Great Grid Upgrade, STEP Fusion, Scottish Highlands pumped storage hydro, Snowdonia VIP, A83 Rest and be Thankful, M54-M6 Link Road, water schemes for UK and Ireland utilities, HMNB Devonport redevelopment and Eastlink in Sweden.

The business is growing across the country, and the team is being built around strong, motivating leadership.

The company is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers and other professionals, and its Professional Services business reported $16.1 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2025.

This senior role drives the technical development of the Ground Engineering team, builds its capability and supports growth by developing and managing strong client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Review and verify geotechnical data, analyses and design calculations, applying sound technical judgement and experience.
• Advise external partners at every project stage, from site selection and optioneering through design to construction.
• Manage or oversee geotechnical projects, planning schedules and coordinating work to meet objectives, programme and budget.
• Lead and support the Ground Engineering team so projects reach clients and internal partners on time and to quality expectations.
• Take the Ground Engineering lead on multi-disciplinary projects for internal and external stakeholders.
• Keep a visible industry presence and build relationships with past, current and prospective clients to sustain a steady pipeline of work.
• Work with colleagues in Ground Engineering and Tunnelling and in Transport, Water, Energy and Buildings and Places, contributing to project delivery and tenders.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, giving them guidance and support.

Requirements

• Degree in Civil Engineering or Engineering Geology/Geology with a 2:1 classification or higher, or equivalent.
• Chartered status.
• An MSc or MEng in Soil Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology is advantageous.
• Strong grasp of UK ground conditions and ground investigation practice.
• Solid understanding of current geotechnical design codes, standards and best practice, with openness to new methods and innovation.
• Knowledge of ground condition interpretation, parametric assessment and correlation methods for common geotechnical design problems.
• Able to work closely on project delivery while winning work and keeping clients satisfied.
• Able to build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong networking across local, regional and national markets to position the company as a preferred consulting partner.
• Insight to spot opportunities and challenges and make sound decisions.
• Commitment to developing people into the next generation of engineers and leaders.

Conditions

Based anywhere in the UK.

Hybrid working, split between a company office, remote work and client sites.

All new hires must attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at a company office as a condition of employment.

The company runs a secure, trustworthy recruitment process and takes fraudulent hiring seriously.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Disability Confident Employer, interviewing disabled applicants or those with a long-term condition who meet the essential criteria, and applicant information is kept confidential under EEO guidelines.

Benefits

• Compensation, benefits and well-being programmes for employees and their families.
• Access to industry-leading technology and thinking.
• Transformational work with big impact, along with flexibility.
• Being part of a global, publicly traded firm.