Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Hertford

Waterjobsuk; Hertford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in Hertford is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our established team. You will act as technical lead on complex geotechnical and multidisciplinary projects, providing specialist advice throughout lifecycles, and lead development of ground models and design solutions.

The role involves reviewing advanced geotechnical analyses, managing project delivery, client relationships, and supporting business development.

Qualifications

• Strong technical background in geotechnical engineering and engineering geology.
• Experience delivering complex geotechnical design, analysis and interpretation.
• Proven ability to lead technical delivery, manage project risks and provide QA for geotechnical outputs.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience in project management and fee control.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management with clients and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience mentoring junior team members and promoting technical excellence.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and oversight on complex geotechnical projects across lifecycles.
• Lead ground model development, geotechnical assessments and design deliverables.
• Direct ground investigations planning, procurement and data interpretation for designs.
• Manage project delivery, programme, budget, QA and risk.
• Lead client relationships and support business development activities.
• Mentor engineers and engineering geologists and support career development.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Engineering geology

Ground risk management

Project management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Chartered engineer (ICE/Geological Society)

Job description

Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Hertford

Region: East of England Vicinity: Hertfordshire Industry Sector: Waste Jobs , Water Jobs , Environmental Jobs , Geotechnical Jobs , Hydro Jobs , Utilities Jobs , Geoscience Jobs , Water Industry Jobs , Water Utility Jobs Job Category: Engineering , Project Management , Quality/Assurance , Planning , Geological Engineering , Geotechnical Engineering , Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) , Quality Engineer , Quality, Safety, Health & Environment , Water Engineering , Geoengineering Job Type: Permanent Education Level: Please see job description Salary Description: Competitive Salary + Excellent Range of Benefits Posted: 24/09/2026 Start Date: ASAP Recruiter: WSP Job Ref: GreenJobs - 95965 Closing Date: 31/10/2026

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), or demonstrable progress towards chartership.