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

The business is growing across the UK, and the team is building high-performing groups in every sector under strong, motivating leadership.

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

This senior role leads the technical development of the Ground Engineering team. You will strengthen its capability and help grow the business by building and running strong 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 design and 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 are delivered to clients and internal partners on time and to quality expectations.
• Build a visible industry presence and relationships with current, past and prospective customers to keep a steady pipeline of work. Lead the Ground Engineering delivery of multi-disciplinary projects for internal and external stakeholders.
• Work with the Ground Engineering and Tunnelling team and the Transport, Water, Energy and Buildings and Places teams, contributing to project work and tenders.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, giving them the guidance and support they need.

Requirements

• A degree in Civil Engineering or in Engineering Geology or Geology, graded 2:1 or higher, or an equivalent qualification.
• Advantageous: an MSc or MEng in Soil Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology.
• Chartered status.
• Strong knowledge of UK ground conditions and ground investigation practice.
• A proven understanding of current geotechnical design codes, standards and best practice, with openness to new methods and innovation.
• Ability to work closely on project delivery, help win work and keep clients highly satisfied.
• Knowledge of how to interpret ground conditions, assess parameters and apply correlation methods to common geotechnical design problems.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Effective networking across local, regional and national markets, promoting 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 a company office, a remote location or a client site.

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 a Disability Confident Employer, guaranteeing an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria, and handles all applicant information confidentially under EEO guidelines.

Benefits

• Access to a wide range of compensation, benefits and well-being programmes for employees and their families.
• Work with industry-leading technology and thinking on large, high-impact projects.
• Flexible working, as part of a global, publicly traded firm with over 50,000 staff, a Fortune 500 company whose Professional Services business reported $16.1 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2025.