SJ Group
Associate Director - Geotechnical Engineering
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Associate Director – Geotechnical Engineering
About Robert Bird Group Robert Bird Group is a leading international structural, geotechnical, civil and construction engineering consultancy, specialising in the built environment and complex infrastructure. Adhering to a one-firm ethos and family culture, we work across global barriers to achieve the best outcomes for both projects and our people.
As part of SJ Group, a diverse built environment collective, we foster progressive thinking and creative solutions to sustainably shape our environment. Headquartered in Singapore, the group operates across 120+ offices in 40 countries, united by a global talent pool of 16,000 specialists—including architects, engineers, planners and facility managers—driven by innovation and collaboration.
Proudly recognised for award-winning projects such as:
- 21 Moorfields, London – Structural Steel Design Award 2025 (Winner), Ground Engineering Awards 2019 (Winner)
- Spire London – Ground Engineering Awards 2018 (Winner)
Visit our website to learn more about our work.
About The Role
As an Associate Director in our Geotechnical Engineering team, you’ll lead transformationally impactful projects by delivering technically robust, commercially astute, and innovative engineering solutions across complex UK buildings and infrastructure.
Core Accountabilities
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Lead technical excellence in geotechnical design, especially for:
- Deep basements
- Foundations
- Retaining structures
- Asset impact assessments
- Ground movement engineering in dense urban environments
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Collaborate with Directors, clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams to secure project success.
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Act as a commercial and people leader, shaping the team’s future while driving high-quality outcomes.
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Develop client relationships, champion growth, and mentor geotechnical engineers—building a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
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Key Responsibilities
Technical Delivery
- Lead geotechnical engineering design for critical works, ensuring structural viability as well as design risk management and CDM compliance.
- Oversee and interpret ground investigations, preparing reports in line with project needs.
- Deliver numerical modelling, specialising in:
- PLAXIS (2D/3D)
- GeoStudio
- WALLAP
- Repute
- Oasys suites
- Develop multi-disciplinary strategies while guiding directors in project refinements.
Project & Commercial Management
- Coordinate workflows, managing resources, timelines, and budgets to guarantee cost-efficient solutions.
- Prepare fee proposals and negotiate variations while monitoring financial risks.
- Chair design reviews and uphold quality assurance (QA) procedures at every junction.
- Manage sub-consultants, ensuring clear scope, programme alignment, and commercial clarity.
Client & Business Development
- Elevate Robert Bird Group’s profile through role modelling excellence—attracting repeat business and steering new client relationships.
- Work closely with Project Directors to ensure client expectations not only meet but exceed defined parameters.
- Representatives at client meetings, consultancy events, and panel forums.
- Advise on fee variations, adhering to transparency and fairness.
Requirements
Ideal candidates combine GlobalPTi geotechnical expertise with:
- A degree in Civil Engineering, preferably with an MSc in Geotechnical Engineering.
- ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) or Geological Society Chartered status with active enlargement through engaging practise.
- Practical proficiency with PLAXIS 2D/3D, GeoStudio, Repute, WALLAP, and Oasys software.
- Early career to mid-level experience in large-scale projects—balancing technical rigour with commercial pragmatism.
- Demonstrated ability in:
- ground structuring report compilation
- design review–led technical review mechanisms
- private/public sector stakeholder coordination
- contract structures
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For contextual excellence:
- Bedrock fluency of UK CDM regulations within governmental and design frameworks.
- A cohesive facilitation record in rapid-paced envisionsality scenarios.
Benefits
Robert Bird Group empowers professional growth and holistic wellbeing, providing:
- Birthday leave entitlement
- Corporate health insurance—competitive coverage rates
- Paid parental leave (balancing family expansion with professional development)
- Recognition awards, signifying personal and collective achievement
- Team-salad-life integration (a social calendar balancing work productivity with enjoyable workplace interaction)
- Ergonomic encouragement, via wellness policies reflective of world class aspirations
Reasonable Adjustments
At Robert Bird Group, we commit to holistic inclusivity, ensuring our access pathways accommodate various breeds and backgrounds.
If you require adjustments during recruitment, such as documentation tailored to specific preferences or exam frameworks, or would simply like more support to assimilate this opportunity, please:
📩 Contact our Recruitment Team
Feedback is vital to handling nuance—and we strive to ensure every facet of the process reflects our commitment to customised equality.
Agency Note
Please be aware: whilst we sincerely respect talent from all horizons, unsolicited CVs submitted directly through our website or to SJ colleagues’ personal emails are treated as gratuitous submissions under standard policy, enquiring about agency rights is independent to review protocols. A formal agreement must exist between the recruiting firm itself and the SJ Recruitment Team to enable matching and acknowledgments.
To safeguard continuity and clarity, activities must proceed only by invited mechanism.
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