Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Hertford

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Hertford; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work policy

Virtual GP service

Gymflex – up to 40% off gym membership

Menopause support package

Flexible working and extra-leave buy

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our Hertford team. You will lead complex geotechnical projects, develop ground models and oversee design deliverables across a varied portfolio, while mentoring engineers and supporting client relationships.

The role requires Chartered status and a track record of technical leadership, with opportunities for business development and cross-disciplinary collaboration within a global firm that champions innovation and

Qualifications

• Strong technical background in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology and ground risk management.
• Experience delivering complex geotechnical design, analysis and interpretation across varied sectors.
• Proven ability to lead technical delivery, manage project risks and ensure QA of geotechnical outputs.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical lead on complex geotechnical/projects; provide specialist advice throughout lifecycles.
• Lead development of ground models, assessments, designs and technical deliverables across a diverse portfolio.
• Oversee investigations, data interpretation and design for foundations, earthworks and slopes.
• Manage project delivery including programme, budget, quality, risk and client relations.
• Support business development, bid submissions and tender methodologies.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Engineering geology

Ground risk management

Project leadership

Client relationship management

Education

Chartered status ICE/Geological Society

Job description

Job Description

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

To find out more about our Geotechnical business click on the following link and discover what awaits you at WSP: https://www.wsp.com/en-GB/services/geotechnical-and-ground-engineering

We are looking for Principal Geotechnical Engineers to join our existing team in Hertford.

A Little More About Your Role…

• Acting as a technical lead on complex geotechnical and multidisciplinary projects, providing specialist advice and oversight throughout project lifecycles.
• Leading the development of ground models, geotechnical assessments, design solutions and technical deliverables across a diverse portfolio of projects.
• Undertaking and reviewing advanced geotechnical analysis and design for foundations, retaining structures, earthworks, slopes and other geotechnical assets.
• Managing project delivery, including programme, commercial performance, quality assurance and risk management responsibilities.
• Leading client relationships, supporting business development activities and identifying opportunities to grow existing and new accounts.
• Directing the planning, procurement and management of ground investigations, ensuring data is interpreted effectively to support design and construction.
• Providing technical leadership, coaching and mentorship to engineers and engineering geologists, supporting career development and technical excellence within the team.
• Supporting the development of bidding and tender submissions, including technical methodologies, resource planning and fee proposals.
• Championing innovation, sustainability and digital delivery, promoting best practice across geotechnical engineering and wider project teams.
• Working collaboratively across disciplines, regions and sectors to deliver integrated solutions for major infrastructure and development projects.
• Providing leadership, line management, coaching and technical mentorship to engineers and engineering geologists, supporting succession planning and professional development.
• Working closely with senior leaders to support team strategy, workload planning, recruitment, utilisation and the continued growth of the geotechnical business.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…

• A strong technical background in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology and ground risk management, with experience delivering complex projects.
• Significant experience in geotechnical design, analysis and interpretation across a variety of sectors and ground conditions.
• A proven ability to lead technical delivery, manage project risks and provide quality assurance for geotechnical outputs.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience of project management, fee control and successful project delivery.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience leading and supervising ground investigation programmes and providing technical oversight during construction phases.
• A track record of supporting business development activities, winning work and contributing to client growth strategies.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior team members while promoting a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
• Chartered status with a relevant professional institution (ICE, Geological Society or equivalent).

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

• Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most.
• We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need.
• Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program.
• A comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

• To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.
• Part‑time and flexible working arrangements.
• Option to purchase additional leave.
• Ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

• We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

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.