The Opportunity
Ready to make your application Please do read through the description at least once before clicking on Apply.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Ground Investigation Project Manager to join one of the UK's leading geotechnical and geo-environmental site investigation businesses.
This is a senior project delivery position for a ground engineering professional with a minimum of seven years' UK ground investigation experience who is ready to take ownership of complex projects from initial planning and mobilisation through to reporting, commercial close and client handover.
You will manage multiple ground investigation contracts across the UK, coordinating technical teams, drilling resources, subcontractors and laboratory programmes while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, programme and commercial performance.
The position offers genuine responsibility, direct client exposure and the opportunity to develop within a knowledgeable national engineering team.
About the Company
The business is an award-winning, multidisciplinary geotechnical and geo-environmental site investigation specialist with more than 60 years' industry experience.
With a network of regional offices and an extensive range of specialist investigation equipment, the company has the capability to deliver contracts of varying size, complexity and technical scope throughout the UK and internationally.
Its multidisciplinary technical teams include geologists, engineering geologists, civil engineers, geo-environmental specialists and environmental scientists. Together, they provide technical, logistical and contractual support across infrastructure, energy, residential, commercial and public-sector projects.
The business forms part of a leading international environmental, engineering and technical services group, providing employees with access to wider expertise, long-term career opportunities and a supportive, people-focused culture.
The Role
As Project Manager, you will take responsibility for the successful planning, coordination and delivery of ground investigation projects.
You will manage projects from contract award through to completion, ensuring that investigation works are delivered safely, efficiently, within budget and in accordance with the agreed technical specification.
Working closely with clients, engineers, drilling teams, laboratories, subcontractors and internal commercial teams, you will act as the principal point of contact throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Planning and Delivery
Manage ground investigation projects from contract award through to completion
Review project specifications, scopes of work, programmes and commercial requirements
Prepare project plans, programmes, mobilisation information and site documentation
Coordinate staff, drilling rigs, plant, equipment, subcontractors and laboratory resources
Ensure appropriate personnel, technical capabilities and investigation methods are allocated to each project
Manage multiple projects simultaneously across different locations
Monitor progress against agreed milestones and take action to resolve delays or delivery issues
Ensure factual reports, technical outputs and final deliverables are completed to programme
Ground Investigation Management
Plan and oversee intrusive ground investigation works
Coordinate techniques including rotary drilling, cable percussion, window sampling, sonic drilling, trial pits and geophysical surveys
Provide technical oversight of site operations, logging, sampling and monitoring programmes
Review soil and rock logs to ensure compliance with current geotechnical standards
Develop and manage laboratory testing schedules
Review field and laboratory data and coordinate information required for reporting
Ensure investigation works comply with project specifications, relevant standards and client expectations
Commercial and Contract Management
Manage project budgets, expenditure, forecasting and profitability
Monitor project costs and resource utilisation throughout delivery
Identify changes in scope, variations and additional work opportunities
Prepare and submit project measures, applications for payment and invoices
Maintain clear commercial records and support account reconciliation
Manage subcontractor costs, purchase orders and project expenditure
Ensure projects are delivered within agreed commercial parameters
Contribute to tender reviews, fee proposals and future project opportunities
Client and Stakeholder Management
Act as the main point of contact for clients throughout project delivery
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors and project stakeholders
Attend pre-start, progress, technical and commercial meetings
Provide regular project updates and communicate risks, changes and programme matters clearly
Work collaboratively with designers, consultants, laboratories and specialist subcontractors
Respond proactively to client queries and maintain high standards of service
Support repeat business through reliable project delivery and positive client relationships
Health, Safety, Environment and Quality
Promote a strong health, safety, environmental and quality culture across all projects
Ensure appropriate RAMS, Construction Phase Plans and environmental documentation are in place
Confirm that site personnel are competent, appropriately trained and properly briefed
Undertake project audits and site inspections where required
Monitor compliance with company procedures, project requirements and relevant legislation
Support incident and near-miss investigations
Identify and manage operational, environmental and technical risks
Encourage continuous improvement in safety, quality and project delivery
Team Leadership and Development
Lead, support and coordinate engineers, geologists, site supervisors and field teams
Provide clear project briefings, technical guidance and ongoing support
Mentor less experienced team members and contribute to their professional development
Review technical work and provide constructive feedback
Promote effective communication and collaboration across project teams
Support resource planning and identify future staffing requirements
Contribute to the continued development of technical and project management standards
About You
We are looking for an experienced Ground Investigation Project Manager with a strong understanding of UK site investigation delivery.
You will be confident managing the technical, commercial and operational aspects of multiple projects and comfortable working directly with clients, field teams, laboratories and subcontractors.
Strong leadership, organisation and communication skills will be essential, together with the ability to make sound decisions and maintain control of project cost, programme, quality and safety.
Essential Requirements
Minimum seven years' relevant UK ground investigation experience
Previous experience managing ground investigation projects
Degree in Geology, Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Earth Science or a related discipline
Strong knowledge of UK ground investigation methods and site practices
Understanding of rotary, cable percussion, sonic, window sampling and trial-pitting techniques
Experience planning projects and coordinating personnel, plant, subcontractors and laboratories
Strong understanding of soil and rock logging to current geotechnical standards
Experience managing project budgets, programmes, variations and commercial performance
Knowledge of laboratory testing, factual reporting and ground investigation deliverables
Strong understanding of health, safety, environmental and quality requirements
Excellent client-facing, written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
Full UK driving licence
Willingness to travel to project sites when required
Desirable Experience
Experience managing complex, multidisciplinary or high-value ground investigation contracts
Knowledge of NEC or similar forms of contract
Experience preparing tenders, cost estimates and fee proposals
SMSTS or SSSTS qualification
CSCS Management or relevant professional card
Temporary Works or Principal Contractor experience
Rail, utilities, infrastructure or energy-sector project experience
Experience mentoring engineers, geologists and site supervisors
Chartered status or working towards a relevant professional qualification
Previous involvement in business development and client account management
Benefits
Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
Company car or car allowance, subject to package
31 days' annual leave including bank holidays , rising to 36 days with extended service
Company pension scheme
Life insurance
Free private GP service
Flexible benefits programme
Option to purchase additional annual leave
Health cash plan
Discounted gym membership
Cycle to Work Scheme
Paid volunteering time
Health and wellbeing programme
Payment of relevant professional membership fees
Structured mentoring and support towards Chartership
Long-term career opportunities within a national and international engineering group
Why Apply? xehkeey
Join one of the UK's leading ground investigation businesses
Take ownership of technically varied and commercially important projects
Manage projects from planning and mobilisation through to reporting and financial close
Work alongside experienced geologists, engineers and ground investigation specialists
Develop your client, commercial and leadership experience
Benefit from professional development and Chartership support
Access long-term progression opportunities across a wider international group
Inclusion & Diversity
We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and flexible workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
