Technical Director / Associate Director: Ground Engineering

Description

This is a senior Technical Director or Associate Director role in the Ground Engineering team, leading its technical direction while building the team and growing client relationships.

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

Clients include National Grid, BP, Sellafield, Associated British Ports, Transport Scotland, National Highways, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Network Rail, local authorities, and contractors and developers. Projects include the Great Grid Upgrade, STEP Fusion, Scottish Highlands pumped storage hydro, Snowdonia VIP, A83 Rest and be Thankful, the M54-M6 Link Road, UK and Ireland water schemes, the HMNB Devonport redevelopment, and Eastlink in Sweden.

The company is growing across the UK. Applications are welcome from candidates based anywhere in the UK.

The company is an infrastructure consulting firm offering planning, design, engineering, program and construction management. Its Professional Services business reported revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025, and the wider group employs over 50,000 people.

Responsibilities

• Review and verify geotechnical data, analyses and design calculations, drawing on sound technical judgement and experience.
• Advise external partners at every project stage, from site selection and optioneering through to design and construction.
• Plan and manage geotechnical projects, including schedules, coordination, programme and budget, so objectives are met.
• Lead and support the Ground Engineering team so projects are delivered to clients and internal partners on time and to the required quality.
• Build a strong industry presence and maintain relationships with past, current and prospective customers to keep a steady pipeline of work.
• Lead the Ground Engineering contribution to multi-disciplinary projects for internal and external stakeholders.
• Work with colleagues in Ground Engineering, Tunnelling, Transport, Water, Energy and Buildings and Places to provide input to project delivery and tenders.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, giving them proper guidance and support.

Requirements

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

Conditions

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

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

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and treats all applicant information confidentially.

Disabled applicants, or those with a long-term condition, who meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview under the Disability Confident scheme.

Benefits

• A broad range of pay, benefits and well-being programmes for employees and their families.
• Access to industry-leading technology and thinking.
• Work on transformational projects with significant impact, as part of a global, publicly traded firm.