Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Location: North Yorkshire

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to provide technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of geotechnical, geoenvironmental, and foundation engineering projects.

The successful candidate will play a key role in project delivery, technical oversight, staff development, and business growth. Working closely with project managers and technical teams, you will ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards while supporting the ongoing development of geotechnical and geoenvironmental capabilities across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Technical Delivery

• Manage and deliver geotechnical, geoenvironmental, and foundation engineering projects from inception through to completion.
• Review client briefs, establish project deliverables, and maintain effective communication with clients throughout project lifecycles.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to agreed quality standards.
• Coordinate technical reports, designs, and associated project documentation.
• Monitor project performance, including resource allocation, budgets, costs, and programme requirements.
• Prepare monthly work-in-progress reports and contribute to project reviews.
• Liaise with internal teams, external stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and clients to ensure project objectives are achieved.

Technical Leadership

• Provide specialist geotechnical and geoenvironmental expertise across the business.
• Review and approve technical reports and engineering deliverables.
• Lead the development and continual improvement of geotechnical and geoenvironmental procedures and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, industry standards, and client specifications.
• Stay current with evolving industry guidance, regulations, and technical developments.

Health, Safety & Quality

• Support the development and implementation of health and safety procedures.
• Produce and review Construction Design and Management (CDM) documentation.
• Ensure all project activities comply with quality assurance, environmental, and safety management systems.
• Verify that project deliverables meet both client requirements and company standards.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and support junior engineers, providing technical guidance and career development opportunities.
• Assist in building and developing high-performing technical teams.
• Conduct staff reviews and provide performance feedback.
• Approve timesheets and holiday requests while supporting day-to-day team management.
• Lead or deputise for team meetings when required.

Business Development

• Identify and pursue new project opportunities.
• Prepare fee proposals, tenders, and cost estimates.
• Advise clients and internal stakeholders on project scope, timescales, and deliverables.
• Support the continued growth and development of the geotechnical and geoenvironmental service offering.

About You

Qualifications

• Master's degree (preferred) in Civil Engineering, Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Geoenvironmental Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Chartered status with a recognised professional institution.
• Full UK driving licence.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years' experience in geotechnical and/or geoenvironmental engineering, including site investigation.
• Proven experience managing and delivering large-scale ground investigation projects.
• Strong understanding of relevant industry legislation, regulations, and standards.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior engineering staff.
• Strong technical reporting and design review capabilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering disciplines to develop practical, risk-based solutions.
• Experience within the overhead line, utilities, or wider infrastructure sectors would be advantageous.

What We're Looking For

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness with experience managing project budgets and financial performance.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• A proactive, client-focused approach.
• Commitment to technical excellence, quality, and continuous improvement.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Principal Engineer to combine technical leadership, project management, and team development responsibilities within a growing and dynamic engineering environment.