Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Geologist

Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Geologist

Join a leading UK engineering consultancy where your skills, ideas, and ambition are genuinely valued.

09th March, 2026

Join one of the UK's leading independent engineering consultancies, known for delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions across civil, structural, environmental, geotechnical and transport disciplines. You'll become part of a collaborative, people-focused team where your professional growth and technical curiosity are genuinely supported. Due to a increase in workload, the geotechnical and environmental team are seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Engineering Geologist, you will play a pivotal role: managing projects, mentoring junior professionals, and contributing to business development. This is a key, permanent leadership position.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a growing multidisciplinary geotechnical and environmental team (engineering geologists, geo-environmental and geotechnical engineers).
• Act as a project manager: define project scope, lead technical teams, and deliver to time, quality, and budget.
• Provide strong technical leadership, applying high-level geotechnical, geological, and environmental engineering expertise.
• Support business development efforts - build and maintain client relationships, identify new opportunities, and contribute to winning new work.
• Deliver across a broad range of sectors: infrastructure, industrial, residential, commercial, and leisure developments.
• Ensure solutions are technically robust, cost-effective, and aligned with client needs.

Technical Competencies & Expectations

• Experience scoping and reviewing ground risk: preliminary risk assessments, intrusive ground investigations, sampling, and lab testing.
• A working knowledge of contaminated-land legislation and planning processes, supported by geo-environmental specialists.
• Strong interpretative report writing: ground-modelling, soil/rock characterisation, geotechnical behaviour.
• Capability to prepare, review, and authorize comprehensive ground investigation and geotechnical design reports.

Expertise in Detailed Design For

• Slope stability
• Foundations (shallow and deep)
• Earthworks and reinforced earthworks
• Retaining structures
• Soil and rock engineering
• Ground improvement techniques
• Ground movement, settlement, subsidence
• Natural cavities or mineral workings
• Temporary works (e.g., crane platforms, working platforms)

Leadership & Development

• Mentor and develop junior geotechnical and environmental staff.
• Provide technical governance, ensuring best practice and consistency across reports and designs.
• Support and drive continuous improvement within the team.

Business & Client Engagement

• Build and nurture a client base by providing high-quality, technically sound, and efficient geotechnical solutions.
• Contribute to fee proposals, pitches, and bids.
• Work with the wider business to align geotechnical strategy with broader business goals.

Candidate Profile

• Ideally Chartered Geotechnical Engineer, Chartered Engineer, or similarly qualified geologist/engineering geologist.
• Experience and people management experience.
• Feel confident across the full geotechnical project lifecycle: risk assessment, design, reporting, and site work.
• Are committed to mentoring and developing less experienced team members.
• Are commercially aware and have some experience in business development / client relationship building.

What's In It For You

• A permanent role in a growing, technically respected multi-disciplinary consultancy.
• Opportunity to lead and shape geotechnical work in your region.
• Meaningful mentorship responsibilities and a chance to grow a team.
• Exposure to varied and challenging projects across sectors.
• Competitive compensation and benefits (depending on office policy).

Benefits

• Generous Salary
• 25 days holidays + Bank holidays (long term service holidays)
• Contributed Pension Scheme
• Flexible & Hybrid working
• Medical & Health Cover
• Bonus Scheme (Loyalty)
• Cycle to work scheme