Technical Director / Associate Director: Ground Engineering

Description

You will serve as Technical Director or Associate Director, leading the technical development of the Ground Engineering team while building its capability and winning work through strong client relationships.

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 work.

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.

Projects 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, the HMNB Devonport redevelopment and Eastlink in Sweden.

The business is expanding across the UK and wants high-performing teams led with clear, motivating leadership.

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

The role is open to candidates based anywhere in the UK.

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 options appraisal through to design and construction.
• Manage or oversee geotechnical projects, planning schedules and coordinating work to meet scope, programme and budget.
• Lead and support the Ground Engineering team so projects reach clients and internal partners on time and to the required quality.
• Take the Ground Engineering lead on multi-disciplinary projects for internal and external stakeholders.
• Build an active industry profile and relationships with current, past and prospective clients to keep a steady pipeline of work.
• Work with colleagues across Ground Engineering, Tunnelling, Transport, Water, Energy and Buildings and Places to contribute to project delivery and tenders.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, giving them the guidance and support they need.

Requirements

• Hold a degree in Civil Engineering, or in Engineering Geology or Geology, at 2:1 or equivalent or higher.
• An MSc or MEng in Soil Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology is advantageous.
• Chartered status.
• 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, parameter 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 sustain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong networking in local, regional and national markets to position the company as a preferred consulting partner.
• Sound judgement in spotting opportunities and challenges and making well-informed decisions.
• Commitment to developing team members into the next generation of engineers and leaders.

Conditions

Hybrid working, from a company office, remotely or at a client site.

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

Equal opportunity employer and Disability Confident: applicants with a disability or long-term condition who meet the essential criteria are offered an interview.

Benefits

• Compensation, benefits and well-being programs for employees and their families.
• Access to industry-leading technology and thinking.
• Transformational work with big impact and flexible working.