Technical Director / Associate Director: Ground Engineering

Description

The company's Ground Engineering practice serves energy, water, nuclear decommissioning and new build, defence, aviation, ports, data centres, highways and rail.

The practice covers feasibility and desktop studies, ground investigation, interpretation, detailed design, contract administration, technical advisory and construction supervision for geotechnical work.

Clients include UK and international organisations such as National Grid, BP, Sellafield, Associated British Ports, Transport Scotland, National Highways, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Network Rail and local authorities, as well as major contractors and developers.

Current 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 company is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 staff and Professional Services revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025.

The business is expanding across the UK, and the team needs a senior leader to build high-performing teams across all sectors. The role is open to candidates based anywhere in the UK.

As Technical Director or Associate Director, you will drive the technical development of the Ground Engineering team, strengthen its capability, and support growth by building and managing strong client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee input, peer review and checking of geotechnical data, analyses and design calculations, applying 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 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.
• Maintain a strong industry profile and build relationships with past, current and prospective customers to sustain a steady pipeline of work.
• Take the Ground Engineering lead on multi-disciplinary projects for internal and external stakeholders.
• Work with colleagues in Ground Engineering and Tunnelling, Transport, Water, Energy and Buildings and Places to contribute to project delivery and tenders.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, giving them proper guidance and support.

Requirements

• A degree in Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology or Geology, graded 2:1 or higher, or an equivalent qualification.
• Chartered status.
• Solid knowledge of UK ground conditions and ground investigation methods.
• Clear understanding of current geotechnical design codes, standards and good practice, with openness to new methods and innovation.
• Ability to work closely on project delivery while winning work and keeping clients highly satisfied.
• Knowledge of ground condition interpretation, parametric assessment and correlation methods for 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 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 engineers and leaders.
• An MSc or MEng in Soil Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology is advantageous.

Conditions

Hybrid working is available, with the option to work from an 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.

The company is a Disability Confident employer and interviews applicants with a disability or long-term condition who meet the essential criteria.

Benefits

• Access to industry-leading technology and thinking within a global, publicly traded firm.
• A wide range of compensation, benefits and well-being programmes.
• Transformational work with big impact on major projects.