Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Join a growing, high-performing geo-environmental team and play a pivotal role in shaping resilient, sustainable developments.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of projects, with an initial focus on major water sector frameworks. You will deliver geotechnical services from early-stage desk studies through to detailed design, including Geotechnical Design Reports for wastewater infrastructure.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to projects across water, defence, property and infrastructure sectors, while supporting business growth and maintaining high technical and commercial standards. This role offers the opportunity to influence project direction, develop innovative solutions and play a key role in a growing consultancy environment.

Your Impact in this Position

You will act as a senior technical authority, guiding geotechnical design and ensuring robust, compliant and efficient project delivery. Your expertise will directly inform critical infrastructure decisions, while your leadership will strengthen team capability through mentoring and knowledge sharing. You will also build strong client relationships, contributing to successful project outcomes and repeat business.

Core Capabilities

Technical Delivery & Geotechnical Design

Deliver geotechnical assessments from desk study through to detailed design (GIR/GDR). Undertake earthworks design, slope stability and settlement analysis

Ground Investigation & Interpretation

Design and oversee ground investigations, including laboratory testing programmes. Interpret data to derive geotechnical parameters and inform engineering solutions

Project & Commercial Management

Manage project delivery, budgets and financial performance, support option assessments and contribute to efficient, value-driven solutions

Client Engagement & Communication

Build and maintain strong client relationships through clear technical communication and contribute to meetings and collaborative project discussions

Leadership & Team Development

Mentor and line manage junior staff, supporting their technical and professional growth. Provide technical oversight and maintain high standards across project outputs

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Degree in geotechnical engineering, geology or related discipline, with strong experience in ground investigation and geotechnical design. In-depth knowledge of UK standards and ground risk management is essential. Progress towards or achievement of Chartership (e.g. CGeol, CEng) is desirable, alongside proven project management capability.

Working Environment

This role is based in Leeds or Manchester, with projects primarily across the north of England. A flexible, hybrid working model is offered.Travel to project sites and client locations will be required, with flexibility to support project needs.