Technical Director / Associate Director: Ground Engineering

Description

The Ground Engineering Practice works across energy, water, nuclear decommissioning and new build, defence, aviation, ports, data centres, highways and rail. Its services cover feasibility and desktop studies, ground investigation, interpretation, detailed design, contract administration, technical advisory and construction supervision for geotechnical works.

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

The company is an infrastructure consulting firm working on transport, buildings, water, new energy and environment projects for public and private clients. It is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 staff, and its Professional Services business reported revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025.

The company is growing across the UK, and the team is building high-performing groups in every sector under strong, inspiring leadership. Candidates can be based anywhere in the UK.

This senior role sets the technical direction of the Ground Engineering team, grows the business and manages key client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee input, peer review and checking of geotechnical data, analyses and design calculations, based on sound technical judgement and experience.
• Advise external partners at every project stage, from site selection and optioneering through to design and construction.
• Manage or oversee geotechnical projects, planning and building schedules, coordinating work, and meeting objectives, programme and budget.
• Lead and support the Ground Engineering team so projects reach clients and internal partners on time and to quality expectations.
• Build a strong industry profile and relationships with current, past and prospective customers to keep a steady pipeline of work.
• Lead Ground Engineering on multi-disciplinary projects for internal and external stakeholders.
• Work with colleagues in Ground Engineering and Tunnelling, Transport, Water, Energy and Buildings and Places, contributing to project work and tenders.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, giving them proper guidance and support.

Requirements

• A degree in Civil Engineering or Engineering Geology/Geology, with a 2:1 classification (or equivalent) or higher.
• Chartered status.
• Strong knowledge of UK ground conditions and ground investigation practice.
• A clear understanding of current geotechnical design codes, standards and best practice, and openness to new methods and innovation.
• Knowledge of ground condition interpretation, parametric assessment and correlation methods for common geotechnical design problems.
• Ability to work closely on project delivery, help win work and keep clients highly satisfied.
• Ability to build and keep strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Effective networking across local, regional and national markets to promote the company as a preferred consulting partner.
• Insight to spot opportunities and challenges and make sound decisions.
• A commitment to developing team members into the next generation of talented engineers and leaders.
• An MSc/MEng in Soil Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology is advantageous.

Conditions

Hybrid working is offered, from an office, a remote location or a client site.

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

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

The company is a Disability Confident Employer and will interview applicants with a disability or long-term condition who meet the minimum or essential criteria, through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

All information is kept confidential under EEO guidelines.

Benefits

• A wide range of compensation, benefits and well-being programmes for employees and their families.
• Access to industry-leading technology and thinking.
• Transformational work with big impact, and the flexibility to match.
• Membership of a global, publicly traded firm.