Technical Director - Ground Engineering

Around the world, SYSTRA’s specialists plan, design, integrate, test, commission, project manage and deliver mass transit and mobility solutions that are relied on by more than 50 million people every day.

For more than 60 years, the Group has been committed to helping cities and regions contribute to their development by creating, improving, and modernising their transport infrastructure with sustainability, accessibility, and innovation at the heart of our designs. With over 8,250 colleagues globally and around 1000 in the UK & Ireland we are growing significantly and seeking out the very best talent to join the SYSTRA signature team and be part of leading the way in infrastructure design.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Technical Director in the field of Ground Engineering to join our design team in the UK. This is a leadership role within our engineering team, giving the opportunity to take ownership of the Ground Engineering delivery across our Global Design Centre’s for some of the most challenging large-scale civil engineering assets on this landmark scheme. The role will suit a committed and ambitious candidate with recognised qualifications and experience of Ground Engineering within the Rail Environment. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate strong technical leadership and people skills, will always put safety first and will have technical ability to play their part in the development of a growing, dynamic, high-performance global team.

The post-holder will provide technical leadership in Ground Engineering across our Global Design Centre’s delivering our portfolio of projects.

Main Duties

• The candidate will be responsible for the technical leadership of the global geotechnical engineering centres providing design services within our Rail portfolio of projects.
• Work collaboratively with senior staff to develop regional and global perspectives on geotechnical risks, opportunities, and priorities.
• Provide technical review of engineering reports, models drawings.
• Provide technical support and advice both internally to our global project team and externally to our clients and partners.
• Create positive working relationships with our clients and partners and be proactive in supporting resolution of issues, management of risk and identification of opportunities.
• Ensure consistency across our global design centres including compliance with applicable technical standards, guidance and legislation for the timely delivery and completion of projects.
• Periodically review and develop geotechnical procedures to support design, checking and assurance processes within our global delivery model (including any specific health and safety protocols)
• Stay abreast of technical innovation and regulatory / legislative change impacting the geotechnical sector while ensuring that Systra is well placed to take advantage of such change.
• Ensure competence management plans are in place within our Global design centres including oversight of mentoring and technical training for staff at all levels.
• Implement best practice in Health and Safety across the global geotechnical teams while ensuring compliance with established Health and Safety management systems.

Person Specification

• A strong academic background with a relevant degree and preferably an MSc or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Soil Mechanics, Geology or Engineering Geology.
• Chartered status with a relevant institution
• Proven experience in a similar role with technical leadership responsibilities, ideally in a geotechnical consulting role in a Rail environment.
• Candidate must show a high degree of expertise in Ground Engineering and or Geotechnical design within the rail environment, in-depth knowledge of relevant standards and codes of practice, experience in using specialist geotechnical design software and in preparation of specifications and contracts for specialist geotechnical works.
• Extensive range of Ground Engineering construction and design experience to bring best practice, constructability, and safety lessons to the design development phase.
• A proven history of successfully delivering Ground Engineering projects and establishing trusted client relationships.
• Strong technical leadership skills with proven success in mentoring and leading a team of specialist staff in a consultancy environment.
• A desire for developing digital innovations around ground engineering, sustainability, and carbon management to drive efficiency and future automation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Possesses sound judgment with a high degree of personal integrity. Candidate exhibits reliability, thoroughness, accuracy, diligence, and motivation.
• Flexibility to travel and work across our engineering centres in the UK and overseas.
• A Drive to implement best practice in Health and Safety across the global Ground Engineering teams while ensuring compliance with established Health and Safety management systems.

Why SYSTRA?

Our three core values: Excellence, Connected Teams and Bold Leadership are kept at the heart of everything we do. We strive for the highest levels of technical excellence, achieving the best results through teamwork, both locally and internationally, and reward innovative thinking through encouraging all colleagues to think as leaders. We offer clear and well supported pathways for career development and qualification attainment, a competitive remuneration package including a bonus and private healthcare, an electric car scheme and a broad suite of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.

Flexibility

Because we value who you are as much as what you do, we want you to feel supported at work. We offer hybrid working, balancing the benefits of working from home with time in our modern, well-equipped offices for that crucial in-person contact, team development and collaborative working. We also recognise that life doesn’t always run to the same schedule for everyone, so we have a dedicated flexible working policy to support you in tailoring your work life to reach your full potential, for more details on this, please get in touch.

Diversity & Inclusion

We provide a warm welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of people who can enrich our company and offer perspectives which will drive better solutions in a truly inclusive environment. Our employee led working groups and clearly defined strategy help us to keep at the leading edge of important issues and keep us accountable. We want our colleagues to feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work and continually seek new ideas and contributions to ensure we continue to grow and develop in this space.

Wellbeing

It’s no surprise that people do their best work when they feel physically and mentally supported. Our SYSTRA Wellness Programme offers a wide range of support; from Wellness champions to free health checks, healthy eating workshops and regular seminars, alongside access to a wide range of external support. We offer two paid days for charity work and an ever-growing social calendar.

Apply and find out more about how SYSTRA can support you in your career journey. If you require any adjustments or financial assistance to support, you in your application or interview process please email: where your request will be treated confidentially and with respect. We pledge to offer an interview to any candidates with a disability who apply for a role and meet the minimum criteria.

As we are always looking to expand our team, we would still be interested in hearing from you if you fulfil most, but not all, of the relevant criteria for the role – you could still be just what we are looking for.