Project Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Ground Investigation Project Manager to join one of the UK's leading geotechnical and geo-environmental site investigation businesses. This is a senior project delivery position for a ground engineering professional with a minimum of seven years' UK ground investigation experience who is ready to take ownership of complex projects from initial planning and mobilisation through to reporting, commercial close and client handover.

You will manage multiple ground investigation contracts across the UK, coordinating technical teams, drilling resources, subcontractors and laboratory programmes while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, programme and commercial performance. The position offers genuine responsibility, direct client exposure and the opportunity to develop within a knowledgeable national engineering team.

The business is an award-winning, multidisciplinary geotechnical and geo-environmental site investigation specialist with more than 60 years' industry experience. With a network of regional offices and an extensive range of specialist investigation equipment, the company has the capability to deliver contracts of varying size, complexity and technical scope throughout the UK and internationally.

As Project Manager, you will take responsibility for the successful planning, coordination and delivery of ground investigation projects. You will manage projects from contract award through to completion, ensuring that investigation works are delivered safely, efficiently, within budget and in accordance with the agreed technical specification.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage ground investigation projects from contract award through to completion
• Review project specifications, scopes of work, programmes and commercial requirements
• Prepare project plans, programmes, mobilisation information and site documentation
• Coordinate staff, drilling rigs, plant, equipment, subcontractors and laboratory resources
• Ensure appropriate personnel, technical capabilities and investigation methods are allocated to each project
• Monitor progress against agreed milestones and take action to resolve delays or delivery issues
• Ensure factual reports, technical outputs and final deliverables are completed to programme
• Plan and oversee intrusive ground investigation works
• Provide technical oversight of site operations, logging, sampling and monitoring programmes
• Review soil and rock logs to ensure compliance with current geotechnical standards
• Develop and manage laboratory testing schedules
• Review field and laboratory data and coordinate information required for reporting
• Ensure investigation works comply with project specifications, relevant standards and client expectations
• Manage project budgets, expenditure, forecasting and profitability
• Monitor project costs and resource utilisation throughout delivery
• Identify changes in scope, variations and additional work opportunities
• Act as the main point of contact for clients throughout project delivery
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors and project stakeholders
• Promote a strong health, safety, environmental and quality culture across all projects
• Lead, support and coordinate engineers, geologists, site supervisors and field teams

We are looking for an experienced Ground Investigation Project Manager with a strong understanding of UK site investigation delivery. You will be confident managing the technical, commercial and operational aspects of multiple projects and comfortable working directly with clients, field teams, laboratories and subcontractors. Strong leadership, organisation and communication skills will be essential, together with the ability to make sound decisions and maintain control of project cost, programme, quality and safety.

Essential Requirements:

• Minimum seven years' relevant UK ground investigation experience
• Previous experience managing ground investigation projects
• Degree in Geology, Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Earth Science or a related discipline
• Strong knowledge of UK ground investigation methods and site practices
• Understanding of rotary, cable percussion, sonic, window sampling and trial-pitting techniques
• Experience planning projects and coordinating personnel, plant, subcontractors and laboratories
• Strong understanding of soil and rock logging to current geotechnical standards
• Experience managing project budgets, programmes, variations and commercial performance
• Excellent client-facing, written and verbal communication skills
• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness to travel to project sites when required

Desirable Experience:

• Experience managing complex, multidisciplinary or high-value ground investigation contracts
• Knowledge of NEC or similar forms of contract
• Experience preparing tenders, cost estimates and fee proposals
• Rail, utilities, infrastructure or energy-sector project experience

Benefits:

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• Company car or car allowance, subject to package
• 31 days' annual leave including bank holidays, rising to 36 days with extended service
• Company pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Free private GP service
• Flexible benefits programme
• Health cash plan
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Health and wellbeing programme
• Structured mentoring and support towards Chartership

We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and flexible workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.