Bridgewater Consultancy UK Ltd
Principal Geotechnical Engineer
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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
Technical Leadership
- 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
Project Delivery
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- 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
Client and Commercial Management
- 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
Team Leadership and Development
- 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
About You
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 geotechnical capability within the consultancy.
Essential Requirements
- Significant UK geotechnical consultancy or engineering design experience
- Proven UK project experience is required
- Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK
- Strong technical background in earthworks, foundation design, and ground engineering
- Experience leading geotechnical projects from feasibility through to delivery
- Experience working directly with clients and project stakeholders
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to support business development
- Experience preparing or contributing to proposals and tender submissions
- Ability to review and approve geotechnical assessments, reports, and specifications
- Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organisational, leadership, and project-management skills
- Ability to mentor and support junior engineers
- Full UK driving licence
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Preferred Requirements
- Chartered Engineer status through ICE or equivalent
- Experience working on infrastructure, development, or major ground engineering projects
- Previous experience operating at Principal, Associate, or senior team leadership level
- Experience supporting the growth of a technical team
- Strong knowledge of multidisciplinary consultancy delivery
- Existing client relationships within the development, infrastructure, or ground engineering sectors
- Experience contributing to team strategy, commercial planning, or service-line growth
Salary and Benefits
- Competitive salary, depending on experience
- Annual performance bonus
- Car allowance
- Company pension scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Life assurance cover
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- 25-30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Professional membership fees paid
- Ongoing professional development and training support
- Support towards further Chartership or professional qualifications
- Clear progression pathway to Technical Director / Director level
- Opportunity to lead and grow a geotechnical team
- Involvement in major infrastructure and development projects
- Employee wellbeing programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Why Apply?
- Join a well-established engineering consultancy with a growing geotechnical workload
- Take a senior role in leading and developing geotechnical capability
- Work across infrastructure, development, and ground engineering schemes
- Lead technical delivery across earthworks, foundations, and ground engineering design
- Build client relationships and support business development
- Mentor engineers and help shape the direction of the team
- Progress towards Technical Director / Director level
- Receive a strong benefits package with car allowance, bonus, and hybrid working
Inclusion and Diversity
The employer is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Applications are welcomed from individuals of all backgrounds. Candidates who may not meet every requirement are still encouraged to apply where they can demonstrate relevant experience, transferable skills, and a strong interest in the role.
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