Geotechnical Lead

Holcim UK; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Holcim UK is seeking an Expert in Geotechnical Engineering & Compliance to join our national Raw Materials team. You’ll become the go-to technical authority for geotechnical and hydrogeological matters across Holcim UK’s quarries, ensuring safety and robust ground information for planning and operations.

As Geotechnical Lead, you’ll oversee multiple sites, coordinate with regulators and consultants, translating complex technical data into practical guidance for site teams and driving risk

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of geotechnics and hydrogeology
• Knowledge of Quarries Regulations 1999 and ACOP
• Ability to lead 30+ sites and coordinate with contractors/regulators
• Proven track record turning complex data into actionable site guidance
• Strong leadership and communication across multi-disciplinary teams

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical authority on geotechnical and hydrogeological matters across Holcim UK's quarries
• Lead geotechnical compliance and safety across the national Raw Materials team
• Collaborate with regulators, consultants, and site teams to ensure timely, compliant decisions
• Develop and maintain hazard registers, scopes of work and risk reduction plans
• Provide training and mentorship to site teams on ground stability and groundwater management

Skills

Geotechnical Expertise

Hydrogeology Knowledge

Regulatory Knowledge

Site Leadership

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

RocScience

Surpac

Vulcan

Leapfrog

Job description

We are leaders in supplying innovative, sustainable building solutions to the UK construction industry; building progress for people and the planet.

Since 1858, we’ve helped shape the UK; powering the construction of homes and hospitals, roads and railways, schools and cities alike.

Our mission is to make sustainable construction a reality, through purposeful action that tackles real carbon and climate challenges. We are dedicated to helping Britain grow and thrive - by doing the right thing, doing it together, and making a difference.

Holcim UK Company Benefits

• Competitive Salary, plus bonus, 25 days holiday + your local bank holidays (with options to increase) and other benefits and other benefits - all recognising the contribution you bring
• Be valued and supported, working as part of a highly respected team in a business that has a huge focus on Health & Safety
• We care about you and your family. That’s why we offer enhanced family benefits, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. We understand that your personal life and family well-being are just as important as your career, so we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.
• Be part of something bigger with our "Women Empowered - Stronger Together Mentor Program," designed to support, inspire, and uplift women across the business.
• Free 24/7 remote GP service for you and your household, offering medical advice, prescriptions, referrals, and same-day appointments.
• Opportunities for career progression both at home and abroad
• Join our affinity groups selected by and populated by our employees which bring together employees with similar backgrounds and interests to have powerful influence on the workplace

The Opportunity

Ever looked at a quarry face and wondered what’s really holding it all together? We think about it every single day.

The ground beneath our feet is quite literally the foundation of everything we build. We have 30+ active quarries and mines, plus a portfolio of dormant sites and exciting greenfield and acquisition projects. We need someone who truly understands what’s underneath them.

That’s where you come in. We’re looking for an Expert in Geotechnical Engineering & Compliance to join our national Raw Materials team. You’ll become the go to technical authority for all things geotechnical and hydrogeological across Holcim UK.

As our Geotechnical lead you will be the designated geotechnical competent person, you’ll keep our sites safe and compliant. You’ll help shape how they’re planned and developed for years to come. You’ll also give our site teams the knowledge and confidence to manage ground hazards day in, day out. From hard rock faces to sand and gravel pits, this is a genuinely national role with real influence – and very little time behind a desk.

Who you are

• You bring a deep understanding of geotechnics and hydrogeology, backed by expert knowledge of the Quarries Regulations 1999 and ACOP. Slope stability, groundwater management and statutory deadlines are all areas where you thrive, and nothing slips through the cracks on your watch.
• Naturally curious and tech-savvy, you’re just as comfortable in RocScience, Surpac, Vulcan or Leapfrog as you are flying a drone over a quarry face. You combine data, field insight and practical know how to spot risks early and solve them before they become problems.
• Complexity doesn’t faze you. Whether you’re juggling 30+ sites, managing specialist contractors or balancing safety with production, you stay calm, organised and solutions driven.
• Clear instructions, watertight scopes of work and a well kept Hazard Register come as standard.
• You are also a visible and credible leader who can hold your own with consultants and regulators while staying firmly connected to the teams on site.
• Turning complex technical detail into practical guidance, building trust and calling out anything unsafe all come naturally to you.

As our Geotechnical Lead, you’ll be the technical authority behind every slope, face and groundwater decision across Holcim UK’s quarries, keeping our people safe, our sites compliant and our operations ready for the future.

We are committed to building a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. You will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.