Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Principal Geotechnical Engineer | Lead technical delivery, client growth and team development

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Location:Basingstoke

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Sector: Geotechnical Engineering / Ground Engineering / Consultancy

Level: Principal / Associate level

The Opportunity

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join a well-established engineering consultancy based in Guildford.

This is a senior opportunity for a technically strong geotechnical professional with proven experience across earthworks, foundations, ground engineering design and geotechnical project delivery
.

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.

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
.

About the Consultancy

The employer is an established engineering consultancy delivering technical advice across infrastructure, development and ground engineering projects.

The business supports clients through the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and ground investigation through to design, construction support and project delivery.

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.

The Role

As Principal Geotechnical Engineer, the successful candidate will take responsibility for delivering technically robust and commercially focused geotechnical solutions.

The role will involve leading design work, reviewing technical outputs, managing projects, supporting tenders and mentoring junior engineers.

Applicants should demonstrate strong UK project experience, excellent communication skills and the ability to manage both technical and commercial responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical design across earthworks, foundations and ground engineering projects
• Provide technical oversight on ground investigations and interpretative reporting
• Review and approve geotechnical assessments, design reports and specifications
• Develop practical and commercially robust ground engineering solutions
• Provide advice on foundation design, earthworks, slope stability, retaining structures and ground improvement
• Ensure technical work is delivered in accordance with relevant standards, guidance and best practice
• Maintain high standards of technical quality across project delivery
• Provide senior input into complex geotechnical challenges

• Manage geotechnical projects from feasibility through to detailed design and construction support
• Coordinate technical inputs across multidisciplinary project teams
• Deliver projects safely, efficiently, on time and within budget
• Prepare and review scopes of work, programmes and project deliverables
• Provide technical input to planning, infrastructure and development schemes
• Manage project risks, resources, costs and client expectations
• Support construction-stage queries and provide practical engineering advice
• Maintain strong project documentation and quality control

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and project stakeholders
• Act as a senior technical contact for geotechnical projects
• Support business development and identify opportunities for repeat work
• Prepare and contribute to proposals, tenders and fee submissions
• Review project budgets, commercial performance and delivery margins
• Manage variations, scope changes and additional work opportunities
• Provide commercially focused advice while maintaining technical standards
• Contribute to the wider growth and financial performance of the geotechnical team

• Mentor and support junior engineers and developing technical staff
• Provide technical guidance and review work produced by the wider team
• Support professional development and progression within the team
• Promote strong technical standards, accountability and collaboration
• Assist with resource planning and project allocation
• Help shape the future growth and strategic direction of the geotechnical offering
• Contribute to a positive, professional and commercially aware team culture

We are seeking a candidate with significant UK geotechnical consultancy or engineering design experience.

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.

Applicants must be confident leading projects, reviewing technical work and supporting the development of junior engineers.

This role requires a professional who can operate at a senior level, contribute to business growth and help develop the…