Geotechnical Director

The Opportunity

An established multidisciplinary engineering consultancy is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Director to establish and lead a new in-house geotechnical function as part of the company's continued growth and commitment to delivering a fully integrated engineering service.

Historically, geotechnical investigations and specialist advice have been delivered through external partners. Recognising the value that geotechnical expertise can bring throughout the project lifecycle, the business is now investing in developing this capability internally.

This newly created position presents a unique opportunity to shape, develop and lead a geotechnical service from the ground up within a well-respected engineering consultancy.

The successful candidate will play a key role in enhancing technical capability across the business, supporting project delivery, identifying risks earlier in the design process, and providing greater value to clients through informed geotechnical advice.

Why This Role Matters

By bringing geotechnical expertise in-house, the business aims to:

• Offer a more comprehensive and integrated service to clients.
• Strengthen technical support across civil, structural and infrastructure teams.
• Review and interpret Site Investigation reports internally.
• Identify ground, contamination, foundation and drainage risks earlier in project development.
• Improve decision-making during feasibility and design stages.
• Help clients reduce programme, cost and construction risk.
• Create opportunities to develop a dedicated geotechnical business unit over time.

This role will be central to achieving these objectives.

The Role

Reporting directly to the senior leadership team, the Geotechnical Director will lead the development of the company's geotechnical capability and act as the principal geotechnical advisor across the business.

Responsibilities

• Establish and develop the company's in-house geotechnical offering.
• Provide strategic geotechnical input across a wide range of development and infrastructure projects.
• Review Site Investigation reports and advise project teams on findings and implications.
• Identify geotechnical, contamination, foundation and drainage risks at the earliest project stages.
• Advise clients on ground-related risks, opportunities and mitigation strategies.
• Support civil and structural engineering teams with geotechnical design and technical guidance.
• Develop client relationships and promote the benefits of integrated geotechnical consultancy.
• Identify opportunities to expand geotechnical services and grow the business offering.
• Support recruitment and future team growth as the service develops.
• Maintain technical excellence and ensure compliance with industry standards and best practice.

About You

You will be an experienced geotechnical professional who combines strong technical expertise with a commercial and collaborative approach.

You are likely to possess:

• Chartered status through ICE, the Geological Society or an equivalent professional institution.
• Extensive experience in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology or ground engineering consultancy.
• Strong understanding of site investigations, foundations, earthworks, contamination and drainage considerations.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting ground investigation data and advising multidisciplinary project teams.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical matters to clients and colleagues.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of how geotechnical input adds value to projects.
• A desire to build and develop a service offering within a growing consultancy.

Previous experience leading teams or service lines would be advantageous but is not essential for candidates with the ambition and capability to develop a new business function.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to create something new within an established and successful consultancy.

You will have:

• The opportunity to build and shape an in-house geotechnical capability.
• A highly visible role with direct influence on business strategy and project delivery.
• The backing of an established multidisciplinary engineering practice.
• The chance to make a measurable impact on project quality, risk management and client outcomes.
• Long-term opportunities to grow a dedicated geotechnical team and service line.
• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.