Technical Director / Associate Director: Ground Engineering

Description

The company's Ground Engineering Practice works across energy, water, nuclear (decommissioning and new build), defence, aviation, ports, data centres, highways and rail. Its geotechnical services run from feasibility and desktop studies through 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 well-known contractors and developers.

Current work includes 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, the HMNB Devonport redevelopment, and Eastlink in Sweden.

The business is growing across the country, and the company wants teams that perform well under strong, motivating leadership.

The company is a leading infrastructure consultancy, trusted by clients worldwide. It is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 staff, including planners, designers, engineers, scientists and digital innovators. Its Professional Services business reported revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025.

This Technical Director / Associate Director role leads the technical development of the Ground Engineering team, strengthens its capability, and supports growth by building and managing strong client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Review, verify and oversee 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 design to construction.
• Manage or oversee geotechnical projects by planning schedules, coordinating work, and delivering to agreed objectives, 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 a visible industry presence and relationships with past, current and prospective customers to keep a steady pipeline of opportunities.
• Work with colleagues in Ground Engineering and Tunnelling, Transport, Water, Energy and Buildings and Places, contributing to project work and tenders.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, giving them proper guidance and support.

Requirements

• A degree in Civil Engineering or Engineering Geology/Geology, with a 2:1 classification (or equivalent) or higher.
• 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 on project delivery, help win work, and keep clients highly satisfied.
• Knowledge of interpreting typical ground conditions, parametric assessment and correlation methods for common geotechnical design problems.
• Ability to build and keep 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 to spot opportunities and challenges and make informed decisions.
• Commitment to developing team members into the next generation of talented engineers and leaders.
• Advantageous: an MSc or MEng in Soil Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology.

Conditions

Hybrid working is available, from a company office, a remote location or a client site.

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

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

The company treats fraudulent hiring seriously and runs a secure, trustworthy recruitment process.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and keeps applicant information confidential under EEO guidelines.

As a Disability Confident Employer, the company offers an interview to applicants with a disability or long-term condition who meet the minimum essential criteria.

Benefits

• A wide range of pay, benefits and well-being programmes for employees and their families.
• Access to industry-leading technology and thinking, and transformational work with big impact.
• Being part of a global, publicly traded firm, with flexibility in how you work.