Technical Director / Associate Director: Ground Engineering

Description

The Ground Engineering Practice serves energy, water, nuclear (decommissioning and new build), defence, aviation, ports, data centres, highways and rail. It offers one-stop support in feasibility and desktop studies, ground investigation, interpretation, detailed design, contract administration, technical advisory and construction supervision for geotechnical work.

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

Projects include the Great Grid Upgrade, STEP Fusion, pumped storage hydro 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 practice is growing across the UK and wants high-performing teams in every sector, led with clear and strong leadership.

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

The company is an infrastructure consulting firm working across transport, buildings, water, new energy and the environment. It is a Fortune 500 firm with Professional Services revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025 and over 50,000 staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical work of the team, including review and verification of geotechnical data, analyses and design calculations.
• Advise external partners through every stage of a project, from site selection and optioneering to design and construction.
• Plan, schedule and manage geotechnical projects to meet objectives, programme and budget, or oversee others doing this.
• Lead and support the team so projects reach clients and internal partners on time and to quality expectations.
• Build a strong industry profile and lasting relationships with current, past and prospective clients to keep a steady pipeline of work.
• Take the Ground Engineering lead on multi-disciplinary projects for internal and external stakeholders.
• Work with Ground Engineering and Tunnelling colleagues and with the Transport, Water, Energy, and Buildings and Places teams to contribute to project work and tenders.
• Mentor junior team members and make sure they get suitable guidance and support.

Requirements

• A degree in Civil Engineering or Engineering Geology/Geology, with a 2:1 classification (or equivalent) or higher.
• Chartered status.
• An MSc/MEng in Soil Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology is advantageous.
• Solid knowledge of UK ground conditions and ground investigation practice.
• 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 maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Effective networking in local, regional and national markets to position the company as a preferred consulting partner.
• Sound judgement: you spot opportunities and challenges and make well-informed decisions.
• Commitment to developing team members into the next generation of talented engineers and leaders.

Conditions

Hybrid working is available, from an office, remotely or at a client site.

The role can be based anywhere in the UK.

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

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and keeps applicant information confidential under EEO guidelines.

The company is a Disability Confident Employer and will interview applicants with a disability or long-term condition who meet the essential criteria for the role.

Benefits

• Access to a wide range of pay, benefit and well-being programmes for employees and their families.
• Part of a global, publicly traded firm with industry-leading technology and thinking.
• Flexible working and the chance to do transformational work with significant impact.
• Support for your growth and success from the company.