Associate Director - Geotechnical Engineering

Robert Bird Group is a leading international structural, geotechnical, civil and construction engineering consultancy. We are specialists in the built environment and complex infrastructure. We maintain a one firm ethos and family culture which has allowed the business to operate across all barriers, always focused to achieve best for project, and best for our people. We are part of the SJ Group, a diverse collective of problem solvers for the built environment, continually reimagining ways to create a smart and sustainable future.

As an Associate Director in our Geotechnical Engineering team, you will take a leading role in delivering technically robust, commercially successful and innovative engineering solutions across complex UK buildings and infrastructure projects. You will play a key role in project delivery, client engagement, team development, and the continued growth of the UK practice, working closely with Directors, clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary design teams.

The role combines technical leadership with commercial and people management responsibility, multidisciplinary delivery teams, and provides technical guidance on deep basements, foundations, retained structures, asset impact assessments and ground movement engineering in dense urban environments. You will be responsible for developing strong client relationships, supporting new business opportunities, and ensuring exceptional technical and commercial outcomes on all commissions under your direction. You will also mentor, support and develop engineers within the team, contributing to a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and technical excellence across the UK geotechnical practice.

Duties include:

• Lead geotechnical design for deep basements, foundations, retaining structures and ground‑movement assessments.
• Oversee and interpret ground investigations; prepare and review technical reports.
• Deliver advanced numerical modelling (PLAXIS 2D/3D, GeoStudio, WALLAP, Repute, Oasys package).
• Develop design concepts, methodologies and project strategies with Directors.
• Ensure design risk management and CDM compliance throughout project stages.

Requirements:

• MSc in Geotechnical Engineering preferred.
• Chartered with ICE or The Geological Society.
• Strong experience with PLAXIS 2D/3D and numerical tools such as GeoStudio, Repute, WALLAP and Oasys package.
• Proven geotechnical design experience across buildings and infrastructure projects.
• Strong report writing, self‑checking and technical communication skills.
• Good understanding of CDM Regulations in a design and investigation environment.
• Experience in a fast‑moving engineering consultancy environment.
• Confident project manager with commercial awareness and ability to deliver profitable projects.
• Ability to lead technical workstreams, coordinate multidisciplinary inputs and engage directly with clients.

What We Offer You: RBG is a growing, fast‑paced business which offers birthday leave, corporate health insurance rates, paid parental leave, recognition awards, an active and engaging social club, along with a supportive team environment where healthy lifestyle balance is encouraged.

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support—such as receiving the application form in an alternative format—please don’t hesitate to contact our recruitment team. Your experience throughout the application process is important to us. We welcome feedback on how we can improve and are happy to provide any further information you may need to help you make an informed decision about joining us.