Technical Director / Associate Director: Ground Engineering

Description

The Ground Engineering Practice at the company works across energy, water, nuclear (decommissioning and new build), defence, aviation, ports, data centres, highways and rail, offering 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, local authorities, contractors and developers, across the UK, Ireland and internationally.

Current 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, the HMNB Devonport redevelopment and, overseas, Eastlink in Sweden.

The business is growing across the UK, and the team is building its leadership to match.

This is a senior role leading the technical direction of the Ground Engineering team, building its capability and supporting growth through strong client relationships. Applications are open from anywhere in the UK.

The company is part of a global infrastructure consultancy of over 50,000 staff, a Fortune 500 firm with Professional Services revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025.

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 options appraisal through design and construction.
• Manage or oversee geotechnical projects, including 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 the required quality.
• Build a visible industry presence and maintain relationships with current, past and prospective clients to keep a steady pipeline of work.
• Lead Ground Engineering input to multi-disciplinary projects for internal and external stakeholders.
• Work with colleagues in 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

• 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 is advantageous.
• Chartered status.
• Strong knowledge of UK ground conditions and ground investigation practice.
• A clear understanding of current geotechnical design codes, standards and good practice, and openness to new methods and innovation.
• Ability to work closely on project delivery, win work and keep clients highly satisfied.
• Knowledge of how ground conditions are interpreted and parameters derived, including correlation methods for common geotechnical design problems.
• Ability to build and sustain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Effective networking in local, regional and national markets to position the company as a preferred consultant.
• Sound judgement in spotting opportunities and challenges and making informed decisions.
• Commitment to developing team members into the next generation of engineers and leaders.

Conditions

Hybrid working is offered, with time spent in an office, remotely or at client sites.

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 will interview applicants with a disability or long-term condition who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

Applicants are treated equally, and personal information is kept confidential under equal opportunity guidelines.

Benefits

• A broad range of pay, benefits and wellbeing programmes for employees and their families.
• Access to industry-leading technology and expertise.
• Work with large, high-impact projects, backed by the stability of a publicly traded global firm.
• Flexibility in how and where you work.