Principal Geotechnical Engineer

\n An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join a well-established engineering consultancy based in Guildford.\n
\n This is a senior opportunity for a technically strong geotechnical professional with proven experience across earthworks, foundations, ground engineering design and geotechnical project delivery.\n
\n The successful candidate will play a key role in leading projects, mentoring engineers and supporting the continued growth of the geotechnical capability within the business.\n
\n This role would suit a commercially aware engineer who is confident managing projects, working directly with clients and contributing to business development. For the right candidate, there is a clear progression pathway towards Technical Director / Director level.\n
\n About the Consultancy\n
\n The employer is an established engineering consultancy delivering technical advice across infrastructure, development and ground engineering projects.\n
\n The business supports clients through the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and ground investigation through to design, construction support and project delivery.\n
\n The consultancy is seeking a senior geotechnical professional who can help strengthen its technical offering, support client relationships and contribute to the growth of the team.\n
\n The Role\n
\n As Principal Geotechnical Engineer, the successful candidate will take responsibility for delivering technically robust and commercially focused geotechnical solutions.\n
\n The role will involve leading design work, reviewing technical outputs, managing projects, supporting tenders and mentoring junior engineers.\n
\n Applicants should demonstrate strong UK project experience, excellent communication skills and the ability to manage both technical and commercial responsibilities.\n
\nKey Responsibilities: Technical Leadership\n
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• Lead geotechnical design across earthworks, foundations and ground engineering projects
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• Provide technical oversight on ground investigations and interpretative reporting
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• Review and approve geotechnical assessments, design reports and specifications
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• Develop practical and commercially robust ground engineering solutions
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• Provide advice on foundation design, earthworks, slope stability, retaining structures and ground improvement
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• Ensure technical work is delivered in accordance with relevant standards, guidance and best practice
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• Maintain high standards of technical quality across project delivery
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• Provide senior input into complex geotechnical challenges
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Project Delivery\n
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• Manage geotechnical projects from feasibility through to detailed design and construction support
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• Coordinate technical inputs across multidisciplinary project teams
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• Deliver projects safely, efficiently, on time and within budget
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• Prepare and review scopes of work, programmes and project deliverables
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• Provide technical input to planning, infrastructure and development schemes
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• Manage project risks, resources, costs and client expectations
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• Support construction-stage queries and provide practical engineering advice
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• Maintain strong project documentation and quality control
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Client and Commercial Management\n
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• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and project stakeholders
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• Act as a senior technical contact for geotechnical projects
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• Support business development and identify opportunities for repeat work
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• Prepare and contribute to proposals, tenders and fee submissions
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• Review project budgets, commercial performance and delivery margins
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• Manage variations, scope changes and additional work opportunities
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• Provide commercially focused advice while maintaining technical standards
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• Contribute to the wider growth and financial performance of the geotechnical team
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Team Leadership and Development\n
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• Mentor and support junior engineers and developing technical staff
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• Provide technical guidance and review work produced by the wider team
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• Support professional development and progression within the team
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• Promote strong technical standards, accountability and collaboration
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• Assist with resource planning and project allocation
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• Help shape the future growth and strategic direction of the geotechnical offering
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• Contribute to a positive, professional and commercially aware team culture
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About You\n
\n We are seeking a candidate with significant UK geotechnical consultancy or engineering design experience.\n
\n The successful candidate should have a strong technical background in earthworks, foundation design and ground engineering, combined with excellent commercial awareness and client-facing capability.\n
\n Applicants must be confident leading projects, reviewing technical work and supporting the development of junior engineers.\n
\n This role requires a professional who can operate at a senior level, contribute to business growth and help develop the geotechnical capability within the consultancy.\n
\n Essential Requirements\n
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• Significant UK geotechnical consultancy or engineering design experience
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• Proven UK project experience is required
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• Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK
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• Strong technical background in earthworks, foundation design and ground engineering
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• Experience leading geotechnical projects from feasibility through to delivery
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• Experience working directly with clients and project stakeholders
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• Strong commercial awareness and ability to support business development
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• Experience preparing or contributing to proposals and tender submissions
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• Ability to review and approve geotechnical assessments, reports and specifications
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• Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline
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• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
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• Strong organisational, leadership and project-management skills
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• Ability to mentor and support junior engineers
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• Full UK driving licence
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Preferred Requirements\n
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• Chartered Engineer status through ICE or equivalent
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• Experience working on infrastructure, development or major ground engineering projects
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• Previous experience operating at Principal, Associate or senior team leadership level
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• Experience supporting the growth of a technical team
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• Strong knowledge of multidisciplinary consultancy delivery
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• Existing client relationships within the development, infrastructure or ground engineering sectors
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• Experience contributing to team strategy, commercial planning or service-line growth
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Salary and Benefits\n
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• Competitive salary, depending on experience
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• Annual performance bonus
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• Car allowance
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• Company pension scheme
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• Private medical insurance
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• Life assurance cover
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• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
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• 25-30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
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• Professional membership fees paid
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• Ongoing professional development and training support
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• Support towards further Chartership or professional qualifications
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• Clear progression pathway to Technical Director / Director level
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• Opportunity to lead and grow a geotechnical team
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• Involvement in major infrastructure and development projects
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• Employee wellbeing programme
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• Cycle to Work Scheme
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Why Apply?\n
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• Join a well-established engineering consultancy with a growing geotechnical workload
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• Take a senior role in leading and developing geotechnical capability
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• Work across infrastructure, development and ground engineering schemes
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• Lead technical delivery across earthworks, foundations and ground engineering design
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• Build client relationships and support business development
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• Mentor engineers and help shape the direction of the team
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• Progress towards Technical Director / Director level
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• Receive a strong benefits package with car allowance, bonus and hybrid working
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Inclusion and Diversity\n
\n The employer is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.\n
\n Applications are welcomed from individuals of all backgrounds. Candidates who may not meet every requirement are still encouraged to apply where they can demonstrate relevant experience, transferable skills and a strong interest in the role.\n
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