Senior Geotechnical Engineer / Engineering Geologist (Associate Director) in Manchester

Geosyntec has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Geotechnical Engineer / Engineering Geologist (Associate Director) to join our growing ground engineering practice in our Manchester office. The role involves applying strong technical and professional judgement across a diverse portfolio of projects, including geotechnical design, geohazards, mining legacy sites, and brownfield redevelopment schemes. You will take a lead role in project delivery, working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams, while also providing technical leadership, mentoring, and support to the development of early‑ and mid‑career practitioners.

Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public‑sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.

Upcoming Projects & Typical Work

• Providing ongoing ground engineering support to a major redevelopment, including interpretation of ground investigation data, development and refinement of ground models, geotechnical risk assessment, and design support (e.g., foundations, settlement analysis, earthworks, and construction considerations).
• Support to energy/industrial infrastructure works, covering ground investigation planning and delivery, laboratory testing interpretation, factual and interpretative reporting, and geotechnical recommendations for slabs, foundations, and buried services.
• Linear infrastructure support including desk studies, route constraints and geohazard screening, ground model development, specification and management of ground investigations, and input to constructability and risk (e.g., trench stability, groundwater control, and settlement).
• Earthworks assessment and modelling to support buildability and optioneering for a new development, including review of historic and recent investigation data, development/refinement of conceptual and engineering ground models, and assessment of earthworks constraints (e.g., settlement, slope stability, seepage, and water management).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Project Leadership & Management: Planning, management, and delivery of medium‑to large‑scale schemes. Business development, including client acquisition, relationship management, leading proposal preparation, and broadening our reputation via publishing and visibility at prominent industry conferences.
• Technical Expertise: Interpret geological and geotechnical data, develop ground models, and provide design recommendations (e.g., foundations, retaining walls, slope stability).
• Reporting & Design: Produce and review high-quality factual and interpretative reports including: Development of ground models, analytical sections, and geotechnical parameters. Preparation of interpretative reports (GIRs and GDRs). Analysis, interpretation, and presentation of geotechnical data, including mapping outputs. Data processing, geological modelling and geotechnical analysis using specialist software (e.g., OpenGround, RocScience).
• Client Management: Act as the primary point of contact, deliver commercially focused proposals, and manage client expectations.
• Mentoring: Train and mentor junior staff, providing technical guidance in field mapping, supervision and laboratory testing.

Collaboration, mentoring, and lifelong learning are cornerstones of Geosyntec’s culture. You should expect to work closely with experienced professionals who will guide and integrate you into Geosyntec’s culture.

Education and Licensure

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Geology, Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering or a related field of study.
• Chartership: Chartered status (e.g., CGeol, CEng or CSci) expected, or in the final stages of attainment.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Experience: At least 10+ years of relevant experience in engineering geology or geotechnical engineering, including project management.
• Software Proficiency: Experience with AutoCAD, GIS, OpenGround and modelling tools such as RocScience (or/and similar suites).
• Technical Skills: Advanced knowledge of soil/rock mechanics and ground investigation techniques.
• Driver’s Licence: Full, valid driving licence for site visits.