Principal Geotechnical Engineer in Leeds

Join to apply for the Principal Geotechnical Engineer role at WSP in the UK & Ireland. At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives.

Responsibilities

• The development of professional and technically competent reports and liaison with specialists and clients across a wide range of sectors, making use of efficient working practices to provide industry leading, best value services.
• Effectively managing and delivering project work with robust project financial management.
• Assisting in the management of team resources and allocation of appropriate project resources.
• Managing, motivating, mentoring and developing professional staff.
• Providing support in all aspects of project delivery including client liaison, contractors and sub‑consultants, public and statutory body consultation, quality control and management of specialists.

Qualifications

• Technical expertise in geotechnical engineering or engineering geology with a demonstrable understanding of the underlying principles of either discipline.
• Consultancy experience with demonstrably good commercial awareness and relationships with clients & contractors.
• Chartered professional qualification and significant post‑qualification experience.
• Experience in the delivery of geotechnical, engineering geology and other ground engineering projects, including preparing reports to a high technical level.
• An understanding of client requirements and the ability to influence contract specifications.
• Experience of being part of or leading delivery teams that are effective in delivering short to medium term projects from inception to construction.
• Excellent report‑writing and client liaison skills.
• Proven previous experience of undertaking and managing desk studies; designing, procuring & supervising Ground Investigations (GI); checking Ground Investigation Reports & Geotechnical Design Reports in accordance with the requirements of Eurocode 7: Part 1.
• Working knowledge of Eurocode 7 and UK annex design codes, ground investigation and construction contracts and specifications.
• Familiarity and an ability to interrogate a wide range of geotechnical software for the design of civil engineering projects including deep and shallow foundations (including pile group analysis), embedded and gravity retaining walls, earthworks/slope stability and reinforced earthworks.
• The skills to check and critically evaluate the work done by others, be it drawings, calculations or reports, and have a proven track record of doing so.

What We Offer

• Work‑life balance: hybrid working policy offers flexibility to work from home two days a week, with opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: we welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and encourage people to bring their whole selves to work, promoting a culture of inclusion and belonging.
• Health & Wellbeing: support through the Thrive programme, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme (up to 40% off gym memberships) and a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: WSP My Hour allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
• Development: we provide training, mentoring and Chartership support to foster your professional growth.

Equal Opportunities

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type: Full‑time

Job Function: Engineering and Information Technology

Industries: Professional Services