Associate Director – Geotechnical Engineering

About the role

Robert Bird Group is seeking an Associate Director to lead its Geotechnical Engineering team in the UK. You will drive technically robust, commercially successful, and innovative solutions for complex building and infrastructure projects while shaping the growth of the practice.

Key responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical design for deep basements, foundations, retaining structures and ground‑movement assessments.
• Oversee ground investigations, prepare and review technical reports.
• Deliver advanced numerical modelling using PLAXIS, GeoStudio, WALLAP, Repute and the Oasys suite.
• Develop design concepts, methodologies and project strategies in collaboration with Directors.
• Ensure design risk management and CDM compliance throughout project stages.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and support new business opportunities.
• Mentor and develop engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and technical excellence.

Required profile

• Extensive experience delivering complex geotechnical projects in the UK.
• Proven leadership and people‑management capabilities.
• Strong client‑facing and commercial acumen.
• Ability to guide multidisciplinary teams and influence project outcomes.

Required skills

• PLAXIS 2D/3D
• GeoStudio
• WALLAP
• Repute
• Oasys package
• Ground investigations
• Design of deep basements, foundations and retaining structures
• Ground‑movement assessment
• CDM compliance