COWI
Technical Director (Numerical Modelling)
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Technical Director (Numerical Modelling)
Technical Director (Geotechnical/Numerical Modelling)
Locations: London/Glasgow/Derby/York or Bristol Type: Permanent Working Arrangement: Office/Home Hybrid
About the Role
Do you want to be part of our senior Ground Engineering discipline? Can you lead on projects across diverse teams? Are you experienced in numerical modelling in geotechnical design? If so, this could be your next career adventure.
To further strengthen our discipline, we are looking for a Technical Director to join our Ground Engineering team. Working within geotechnical projects across infrastructure sectors, you’ll lead numerical modelling for our ground engineering activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development, execution, and review of advanced numerical models for complex soil/rock–structure interaction problems, using industry-standard tools (primarily but not limited to PLAXIS 2D/3D).
- Design, validate, and optimise geotechnical finite element (FE) models, ensuring adherence to industry best practice guidance for modelling assumptions, boundary conditions, constitutive soil models, and FE predictions.
- Provide specialist technical oversight for soil/rock structure interaction assessments in major infrastructure projects, including:
- Tunnels
- Deep excavations
- Foundations
- Retaining systems
- Offshore structures
- Integrate numerical modelling outputs into wider design processes, collaborating closely with civil and ground engineering teams.
- Prepare high-quality technical reports that clearly communicate:
- Modelling approaches
- Assumptions
- Sensitivity analyses
- Engineering implications
- for clients and stakeholders.
- Coordinate project delivery, ensuring adherence to budget and deadlines while maintaining technical quality and compliance with internal systems.
- Maintain and enhance client relationships, identifying and pursuing business growth opportunities.
- Assist with bid and tender preparations, and support directors in business development if needed.
- Generate and check engineering design work, including:
- Calculations
- Written reports
- Drawings
- FE models
- Other contract deliverables.
- Mentor junior engineers in:
- Numerical modelling techniques
- Best practice standards
- Model verification/validation processes
- Interpretation of complex outputs
- Drive innovation by developing:
- Automation workflows
- Parametric modelling
- Scripting
- Visualisation of soil-structure interaction behaviours.
- Act as the principal exploratory hub for client and internal meetings, providing expertise on modelling-led design decisions.
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Your Skills. Our Team. Building the Future Together
We value leadership that sets clear direction, empowers ownership, and fosters inclusivity. Ideal candidates will:
- Lead by example with collaborative, transparent, and open-door management.
- Delegate responsibility, provide constructive feedback, and guide team growth to realise individual aspirations.
- Foster an inclusive, caring, and high-trust team culture.
- Attract and nurture diverse, high-potential talent.
Requirements
- Hold Chartered Civil Engineer (MICE or equivalent) status.
- Proven experience in geotechnical engineering projects,functioning at senior levels as either client or contractor’s design leader.
- Exceptional team leadership skills with a commitment to:
- Mentorship
- Developing junior engineers
- Collaborative problem-solving
- Strong ability to communicate and integrate seamlessly in multidisciplinary teams.
- Technical aptitude with:
- Deep understanding of geotechnical design principles
- Ability to simplify complex analyses into practical engineering applications.
- Commitment to quality, rigour, and industry best practice in modelling governance.
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What We Offer: A Difference That Empowers
At COWI, we believe in sustainable, liveable futures through innovation, expertise, and a collaborative culture. We embed environmental responsibility, social responsibility, and good governance into every solution we deliver.
Our global workplace is shaped by diversity and development, creating a culture where belonging and fun unlock the best ideas—both personally and professionally.
With offices across the Nordic region, UK, North America, and India, COWI brings 7,500+ experts together to solve today’s greatest challenges.
Core Benefits Include:
- 28 days paid holiday + all UK bank and public holidays.
- Professional development plans and annual promotion opportunities.
- Comprehensive health coverage (for you and your immediate dependents).
- Flexible hybrid working.
- Annual membership fees covered for two professional institutions.
- Group personal pension scheme with salary sacrifice option.
- Life assurance coverage.
- Generous parental leave policies:
- 1–20 weeks full pay, 21–26 weeks half pay, 27–39 weeks SMP, up to 52 weeks unpaid.
Optional Benefits:
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
- Electric vehicle lease.
- Corporate gym membership.
- Annual Railcard (for those under 30).
Ready to Learn More?
Contact Us
If you have questions about the role, please email: Ciaran Gilfedder.
Explore COWI
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Diversity & Fair Opportunity: COWI provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, religion, gender, age, disability, or national origin. This policy applies to recruitment, hiring, promotions, compensation, and career development.
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