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- Tasks: Lead a team of geotechnical professionals and manage infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join a major national highways organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong emphasis on safety and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile infrastructure projects and shape best practices.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant discipline and extensive experience in ground engineering.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
Morson Talent is partnering with a major national highways organisation to recruit a Principal Geotechnical Engineer / Principal Engineering Geologist to join a South West Operations Geotechnical team. This is a senior technical role where you will work closely with the Geotechnical Engineering Team Manager to lead, inspire and support a team of geotechnical professionals. You will play a key role in managing geotechnical risks, setting priorities and developing innovative early solutions across a diverse portfolio of schemes. Your expertise will span earthworks, slopes and rock faces, and their interaction with drainage, structures and other highway assets. Acting as a technical authority, you will help ensure infrastructure solutions are safe, resilient and future-proof, while also influencing the ongoing development of geotechnical asset management practices. This role is hybrid, with office bases available in Bristol or Exeter. Please note: This role requires driving as part of normal duties. A full driving licence with no more than 3 penalty points is required at appointment and throughout employment.
Key responsibilities
- Providing specialist technical expertise to identify geotechnical risks and shape early solutions for renewal and improvement schemes, considering methodology, innovation, buildability and cost.
- Developing asset-specific management plans to support value-for-money decision-making aligned to policies, standards and business objectives.
- Identifying, prioritising and managing geotechnical asset needs in line with governance requirements (e.g. DMRB standards).
- Commissioning and overseeing ground investigation and survey works, including the review and approval of technical briefs, reports, specifications, drawings and supporting documentation.
- Championing high-quality asset data by monitoring performance, driving innovation in data management, and supporting colleagues to maintain data integrity and standards.
About you
You will be an experienced geotechnical professional with strong leadership capability and a passion for asset management and risk-based decision-making. You'll ideally bring:
- A degree and/or Master's in a relevant discipline, or an HND/HNC supported by significant relevant experience.
- Extensive demonstrable experience in ground engineering and infrastructure works.
- Chartered or Incorporated membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. Geological Society, ICE), or equivalent demonstrable experience.
- Strong knowledge of geotechnical standards, asset policies, strategies and risk management principles.
- Proven asset management and technical decision-making experience (knowledge of degradation modelling is desirable but not essential).
- Experience in working within, developing and managing scheme budgets.
Why apply?
This is an opportunity to operate at a senior technical level on high-profile, nationally significant infrastructure, influencing how geotechnical assets are managed both now and into the future. You'll work in a collaborative, safety-led environment with the scope to shape best practice, mentor others and contribute to long-term network resilience.
Principal Geotechnical Engineer in Bristol employer: American Society of Civil Engineers
Contact Detail:
American Society of Civil Engineers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Geotechnical Engineer in Bristol
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry professionals! Attend geotechnical conferences, workshops, or local meet-ups. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you land that interview, be ready to talk about your past projects and how you've tackled geotechnical challenges. We want to hear about your innovative solutions and how you’ve managed risks in previous roles. Make sure to highlight your leadership skills too!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Before applying, research the company and its projects. We recommend tailoring your pitch to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in highways and infrastructure. This shows you’re genuinely interested and not just sending out generic applications.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Principal Geotechnical Engineer role! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and connect directly with hiring managers. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Geotechnical Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Geotechnical Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in ground engineering and asset management, and don’t forget to mention any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about geotechnical engineering and how your skills align with our needs. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that showcase your ability to manage risks and develop innovative solutions.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, make sure to highlight your technical expertise, especially in areas like ground investigation and risk management. We’re looking for someone who can act as a technical authority, so don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge of geotechnical standards and asset policies.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at American Society of Civil Engineers
✨Know Your Geotechnical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of geotechnical standards and asset management principles. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving ground engineering and infrastructure works. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Geotechnical Engineer, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've inspired and supported colleagues in previous roles. Think about times when you’ve managed risks or developed innovative solutions, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the highways organisation and understand their current projects and future goals. This will help you align your answers with their objectives and demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success. Mention how your expertise can help them achieve their vision.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and the company’s approach to geotechnical asset management. This shows that you’re engaged and serious about the position, plus it gives you valuable insights into whether this is the right fit for you.