At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative geotechnical engineering solutions for complex UK projects.
- Company: Join a global leader in engineering consultancy with a family culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy birthday leave, health insurance, paid parental leave, and a vibrant social club.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with support for all candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable infrastructure while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering; experience with PLAXIS and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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.
Robert Bird Group has a strong record of delivering award‑winning UK projects, including:
- 21 Moorfields, London – Structural Steel Design Award 2025 (Winner); Ground Engineering Awards 2019 (Winner).
- Spire London – Ground Engineering Awards 2018 (Winner) for excellence demonstrated on the project.
Duties
- 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.
Project & Commercial Management
- Plan resources, manage programmes and control project costs.
- Prepare fee proposals and negotiate variations as required.
- Lead design reviews and ensure QA procedures are applied.
- Manage sub‑consultants including scope, programme and commercials.
Client & Business Development
- Promote Robert Bird Group to existing and prospective clients.
- Establish new clients and strengthen relationships through excellent project delivery and repeat business.
- Lead client liaison with Project Directors, ensuring expectations are met or exceeded.
- Ensure client requirements are understood by all project personnel and manage changes as they arise.
- Prepare and negotiate fee proposals and fee variations.
- Represent the company at client, consultant, and coordination meetings.
What We Are Looking For
- Degree in Civil Engineering; 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.
Reasonable Adjustments
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.
If there’s anything more we can do to support you, please let us know, we’re here to help.
Associate Director - Geotechnical Engineering in London employer: SJ
Robert Bird Group is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, prioritising employee well-being with benefits such as birthday leave, corporate health insurance rates, and paid parental leave. As part of the diverse SJ Group, employees have access to a global network of professionals and opportunities for personal and professional growth, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in geotechnical engineering.
