Technical Principal / Technical Director - Materials Engineering in London

Location: Croydon, UK

About the Company: Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management and development consultancy with a focus on transport solutions worldwide. The company values inclusivity, collaboration and technical excellence.

Role Overview: The role is based in Croydon and leads the Materials Engineering workstream within the Heavy Civils Infrastructure Division, delivering innovative, sustainable solutions across the infrastructure lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and grow the materials engineering workstream, engaging with new and existing clients to win challenging projects.
• Raise the profile of the workstream through publications, presentations and industry activity.
• Provide technical direction and ensure high technical standards and rigorous quality assurance.
• Identify opportunities, develop proposals and bids, and secure new work.
• Deliver on technical and commercial outcomes, achieving high client satisfaction.
• Produce technical reports and supervise the quality of team deliverables.
• Manage, mentor and develop technical and professional growth of team members.

Candidate Specification:

• Skilled professional specializing in construction materials technology with extensive experience in engineering or materials testing/consultancy contexts.
• Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and/or Ph.D. in Materials, Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Chartered through a relevant professional institution (e.g., ICE, IStructE, IMMM, ICT) with evidence of ongoing professional activity.
• Proven track record of client relationship management and successful delivery of technically challenging work.
• Experience collaborating across technical disciplines on infrastructure projects, and mentoring team members.

Key Strengths & Areas of Expertise:

• Technical knowledge of construction materials used in civil engineering (concrete, steel, and other materials).
• Subareas include: Concrete performance, specification, durability, low‑carbon concrete, and sustainable construction.
• Steel and other metallics, corrosion assessment, cathodic protection.
• Materials selection, use and specification for major civil projects.
• Characterisation of existing structures using in‑situ and laboratory testing, including intrusive and non‑destructive methods.
• Knowledge or interest in new materials.
• Industry profile and recognition, publications, and professional network across academia and industry.
• Track record of proactive client engagement and winning new work.
• Involvement in innovation, research and development.
• Collaborative, personable, and positive leadership of the materials technology team.
• Excellent communication skills, influencing others through presentations and reports.
• Dedication to supporting early‑career professionals towards chartership and growth.

About You: As Technical Principal / Technical Director you will lead a small team of specialist material technologists, manage technical and commercial outcomes, develop solutions, and grow the workstream. The role requires strong leadership, client‑facing skills, and a strategic vision for the team’s future.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We actively promote fair employment procedures and practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all. Everyone is invited to express themselves in an inclusive environment.

Accessibility: If you are disabled or need support to apply or attend an interview, please contact for reasonable adjustments.

Benefits:

• Employee pension match 4.5–7 %.
• Life assurance up to 4 × basic salary, with options to increase.
• Income protection scheme.
• Flexible benefits including life assurance, critical illness, payroll saving.
• Annual bonus schemes.
• Private medical insurance.
• Health cash plan.
• Paid maternity, adoption and paternity leave.
• Annual professional institution subscription.
• Flexible birthday leave and flexible benefits programme.
• Access to wellbeing programs and support.