Tunnel Head

PeopleStrong; Chennai District; On-site; INR 2,500,000 - 5,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

International exposure

Job summary

PeopleStrong seeks a Senior Tunneling Leader to provide technical authority for EPB TBM projects, including urban metro works. Lead multiple TBMs, define strategies for mixed ground, and ensure alignment with design and site execution.

The role requires deep geotechnical risk management, safety leadership, and senior-level interface with clients, designers, and suppliers. Proven urban metro tunneling experience is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent required.
• Extensive tunneling experience with EPB TBMs in urban metro settings preferred.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and cross-cultural communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall technical leadership for tunneling activities including EPB TBMs, cross passages, shafts and underground works.
• Define tunneling strategies for mixed ground and hard rock conditions and ensure alignment with design and site execution.
• Oversee multi-TBM operations to maximize productivity, reliability and safety, reviewing performance parameters and recovery plans.
• Establish and enforce safety culture, QA, and ground control standards across tunneling works.
• Interface with clients, PMC, designers, TBM suppliers and subcontractors at senior level; contribute to cost, forecasting and schedule recovery.

Skills

EPB TBM tunneling

Multimachine program management

Geotechnical risk management

Safety management

Leadership and mentorship

Stakeholder interface

Urban metro experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

Bachelors Program Civil Engineering

Job Description

Strategic & Technical LeadershipProvide overall technical authority and leadership for all tunneling activities, including EPB TBM drives, cross passages, shafts, and associated underground works.Define tunneling strategies, methodologies, and sequencing optimized for mixed ground and hard?rock conditions.Ensure alignment between design intent, construction methodology, and site execution.Lead decision?making for complex geotechnical, operational, and TBM performance challenges.Management of Multi?TBM OperationsOversee the simultaneous operation of multiple EPB TBMs, ensuring productivity, reliability, and safety.Review and approve TBM performance parameters, ground conditioning strategies, cutterhead interventions, and recovery plans.Monitor key KPIs related to advance rates, downtime, consumptions, and machine utilization.Safety, Quality & Risk ManagementEstablish and enforce a strong safety culture across all tunneling operations, aligned with international underground construction standards.Ensure effective identification, assessment, and mitigation of geotechnical and construction risks.Oversee compliance with quality assurance systems, segment installation standards, and ground control requirements.Provide leadership during critical activities such as hyperbaric interventions and emergency situations.Contractual, Commercial & Stakeholder InterfaceSupport project management in contractual administration, claims, and change management related to tunneling works.Interface with Client, PMC, Designers, TBM suppliers, and specialist subcontractors at senior level.Contribute to cost control, forecasting, and schedule recovery strategies.Leadership & Capability DevelopmentLead, mentor, and develop a diverse, multinational tunneling team, including STMs and TSMs.Transfer international best practices and lessons learned to strengthen local project capability.Promote effective communication, collaboration, and performance discipline across shifts and departments.Key Skills and CompetenciesExtensive expertise in EPB TBM tunneling, preferably in urban metro environments.Strong experience in mixed?ground and hard?rock conditions, including complex geological interfaces.Proven ability to manage large, multi?machine tunneling programs.Hands?on experience with hyperbaric works, geotechnical risk management, and TBM performance optimization.Deep understanding of international tunneling standards, HSE systems, and quality management frameworks.Excellent leadership, decision?making, and cross?cultural communication skills.