Principal Consultant - Geophysics (Mid-Senior Level)

ERM; Norwich; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Technical Leader – Geophysicist to provide advanced technical leadership in geophysics and marine surveys. This role will influence strategic growth and maintain high standards across operations. Responsibilities include leading geophysical interpretation, driving business development, and mentoring team members. Ideal candidates are experts in geophysical data and possess strong leadership skills. A commitment to diversity and inclusion is integral to the company's culture.

Benefits

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Support for career development

Mentoring opportunities

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in geophysical data processing and interpretation.
• Experience in managing marine surveys focused on risk reduction.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead geophysical interpretation for projects including CCS and pipelines.
• Drive client expansion and technical upselling across accounts.
• Mentor and guide team ensuring delivery excellence.

Skills

Geophysical data processing

Marine surveys

Client expansion

Mentoring team members

Job description

Senior Technical Leader – Geophysicist

Location: Southampton ideal, although ERM's other UK offices will also be considered

ERM is seeking an experienced Senior Technical Leader – Geophysicist to join our growing team. This is a pivotal role for a highly skilled professional with deep expertise in geophysical data, processing, and interpretation, particularly shallow seismic, and ideally sidescan sonar and multibeam technologies.

About the Role

As a senior technical leader, you will provide advanced technical leadership in geophysics and marine surveys, ensuring ERM remains at the forefront of offshore wind, CCS, hydrogen, and emerging energy markets. Your work will directly influence strategic growth and technical excellence across our global operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Leadership in Geophysics and Marine Surveys

• Lead geophysical interpretation for projects including CCS, cable routes, pipelines, and environmental assessments.
• Design, plan, and manage marine surveys with a focus on risk mitigation and vessel time efficiency.
• Oversee quality control for deliverables including:
  • Geophysical data reporting
  • Physical processes chapters in ESs, EIAs, MEAs, REA / SEAs
  • Data QC across complex, multidisciplinary projects
• Deliver specialist environmental geophysics assessments such as:
  • Biogenic and geological reef evaluations
  • Sediment mobility analysis
  • Shallow seismic characterisation
  • Marine archaeological interpretation (desired)

2. Business Development and Strategic Growth

• Drive client expansion and technical upselling across key accounts.
• Support proposal development, costing, and bid preparation, mentoring others in the team through the process.
• Identify emerging sectors and inform hiring, training, and strategic planning decisions.
• Support other teams within the business to understand, sell and develop the geophysical services we can deliver to our clients.

3. Team Development and Technical Oversight

• Mentor and guide our team, ensuring delivery excellence and professional growth.
• Act as a senior technical advisor on complex, high-impact projects.
• Champion continuous learning and innovation to maintain ERM’s competitive edge in offshore wind and energy transition sectors.
• Be a key member of the Marine Centre of Excellence team within ERM, delivering high quality strategic advice to ensure we continue to support our clients with the best marine consultation advice available.

ERM is committed to where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive, it’s an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients.

We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging. Learn more about our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) efforts by visiting our website or exploring our .