At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting ground investigation projects from planning to completion, ensuring safety and quality.
- Company: Join a top UK geotechnical firm with over 60 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible benefits, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Access long-term career growth and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Take ownership of impactful projects and develop your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Seven years' UK ground investigation experience and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The Opportunity
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.
About the Company
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.
Its multidisciplinary technical teams include geologists, engineering geologists, civil engineers, geo-environmental specialists and environmental scientists.
Together, they provide technical, logistical and contractual support across infrastructure, energy, residential, commercial and public-sector projects.
The business forms part of a leading international environmental, engineering and technical services group, providing employees with access to wider expertise, long-term career opportunities and a supportive, people-focused culture.
The Role
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.
Working closely with clients, engineers, drilling teams, laboratories, subcontractors and internal commercial teams, you will act as the principal point of contact throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Planning and Delivery
- 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
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously across different locations
- 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
- Ground Investigation Management
- Plan and oversee intrusive ground investigation works
- Coordinate techniques including rotary drilling, cable percussion, window sampling, sonic drilling, trial pits and geophysical surveys
- 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
- Commercial and Contract Management
- Manage project budgets, expenditure, forecasting and profitability
- Monitor project costs and resource utilisation throughout delivery
- Identify changes in scope, variations and additional work opportunities
- Prepare and submit project measures, applications for payment and invoices
- Maintain clear commercial records and support account reconciliation
- Manage subcontractor costs, purchase orders and project expenditure
- Ensure projects are delivered within agreed commercial parameters
- Contribute to tender reviews, fee proposals and future project opportunities
- Client and Stakeholder Management
- Act as the main point of contact for clients throughout project delivery
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors and project stakeholders
- Attend pre-start, progress, technical and commercial meetings
- Provide regular project updates and communicate risks, changes and programme matters clearly
- Work collaboratively with designers, consultants, laboratories and specialist subcontractors
- Respond proactively to client queries and maintain high standards of service
- Support repeat business through reliable project delivery and positive client relationships
- Health, Safety, Environment and Quality
- Promote a strong health, safety, environmental and quality culture across all projects
- Ensure appropriate RAMS, Construction Phase Plans and environmental documentation are in place
- Confirm that site personnel are competent, appropriately trained and properly briefed
- Undertake project audits and site inspections where required
- Monitor compliance with company procedures, project requirements and relevant legislation
- Support incident and near-miss investigations
- Identify and manage operational, environmental and technical risks
- Encourage continuous improvement in safety, quality and project delivery
- Team Leadership and Development
- Lead, support and coordinate engineers, geologists, site supervisors and field teams
- Provide clear project briefings, technical guidance and ongoing support
- Mentor less experienced team members and contribute to their professional development
- Review technical work and provide constructive feedback
- Promote effective communication and collaboration across project teams
- Support resource planning and identify future staffing requirements
- Contribute to the continued development of technical and project management standards
About You
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
- Knowledge of laboratory testing, factual reporting and ground investigation deliverables
- Strong understanding of health, safety, environmental and quality requirements
- Excellent client-facing, written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
- 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
- SMSTS or SSSTS qualification
- CSCS Management or relevant professional card
- Temporary Works or Principal Contractor experience
- Rail, utilities, infrastructure or energy-sector project experience
- Experience mentoring engineers, geologists and site supervisors
- Chartered status or working towards a relevant professional qualification
- Previous involvement in business development and client account management
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
- Option to purchase additional annual leave
- Health cash plan
- Discounted gym membership
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Paid volunteering time
- Health and wellbeing programme
- Payment of relevant professional membership fees
- Structured mentoring and support towards Chartership
- Long-term career opportunities within a national and international engineering group
Why Apply?
- Join one of the UK's leading ground investigation businesses
- Take ownership of technically varied and commercially important projects
- Manage projects from planning and mobilisation through to reporting and financial close
- Work alongside experienced geologists, engineers and ground investigation specialists
- Develop your client, commercial and leadership experience
- Benefit from professional development and Chartership support
- Access long-term progression opportunities across a wider international group
- Inclusion & Diversity
We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and flexible workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Project Manager employer: Bridgewater Consultancy
Join a leading ground investigation contractor in Durham, where you will thrive in a practical and supportive environment that fosters professional growth. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to employee development, this company offers a unique opportunity to enhance your skills while working on diverse projects. Embrace the chance to collaborate with experienced professionals and take on greater responsibilities as you advance your career in engineering geology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Project Manager role you’re after at Bridgewater Consultancy.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Bridgewater Consultancy a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Bridgewater Consultancy.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Project Manager at Bridgewater Consultancy, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Project Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Bridgewater Consultancy a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Bridgewater Consultancy specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgewater Consultancy
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Bridgewater Consultancy, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Bridgewater Consultancy want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
