Principal Geotechnical Engineer in Manchester

Join to apply for the Principal Geotechnical Engineer role at WSP in the UK & Ireland. WSP is a leading engineering and professional services firm with a global presence.

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects, and connect with the brightest minds in your field. You can embrace curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives.

We are currently looking for Principal grade Geotechnical Engineers or Engineering Geologists for our offices across the UK. These roles are available on either a full‑time or a part‑time basis.

A Little More About Your Role

• 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.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

• 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 (GIs), checking Ground Investigation Reports & Geotechnical Design Reports in accordance with 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.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

What’s In It For You

• Work‑life balance: WSP offers a hybrid working policy that allows you to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: Our culture celebrates diversity and provides support through employee resource groups and an inclusive environment.
• Health & Wellbeing: WSP provides a virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, a Gymflex scheme offering up to 40% off annual gym memberships, and a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex Your Time: WSP’s “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.
• Part‑time and flexible working arrangements, additional leave, and bank holiday entitlement are also available.
• Your development: WSP invests in training, mentoring, and chartership to support your growth.

EEO Statement: 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