Senior Geotechnical Engineer (Site-Based, Contract)

Location: UK (predominantly site-based; some office/remote as required)
Type: Contract, 6–12 months (with potential extension)
Reports to: Director / Principal Geotechnical Engineer

About the role
We’re seeking a hands-on Senior Geotechnical Engineer to embed on construction sites and lead geotechnical delivery during the construction phase. You’ll pair solid EC7 fundamentals with practical, contractor-facing decision-making—driving buildability, safety and quality while mentoring juniors and representing client interests day-to-day.

What you’ll do (site-led)

• Construction phase support: Front-line geotechnical lead for earthworks, foundations, slopes and retaining structures; respond to RFIs, change and site queries.
• Working platforms & access: Review designs/assessments and compliance (e.g., BR470 principles), advise on thickness, materials and sequencing; audit WPCs.
• Earthworks & materials: Set/interpret compaction targets, review ITPs and QA data (e.g., NDG, plate load/CBR), advise on materials reuse and moisture control.
• Temporary/permanent works interfaces: Coordinate with TWC/TWS, designers and structural teams; check stability/settlement where design changes arise.
• GI & verification: Scope/manage targeted GI, trial pits and in-situ tests to close risks; derive/update parameters with transparent assumptions.
• I&M / observational method: Define/track trigger levels (e.g., VWP, inclinometers, settlement plates) and recommend actions from monitored performance.
• Risk & assurance: Maintain geotechnical risk register; produce concise site notes, NCR responses, design statements and handover records.
• Stakeholder engagement: Daily liaison with the Principal Contractor, client and labs; lead toolbox/briefings for geotechnical controls; mentor grads/engineers.

What you’ll bring

• Chartered (CEng MICE or equivalent) or strong near-chartered senior profile (7–12+ years).
• Proven site leadership across heavy earthworks/foundations with clear EC7/UK practice application.
• Proficiency with hand checks and common tools (PLAXIS/LimitState/Wallap/Slope/W, robust spreadsheets).
• Strong communicator who can explain ground behaviour plainly and make timely, defensible calls.
• Tickets: CSCS (required); full UK driving licence; SMSTS/PTS desirable (not essential).

Typical deliverables you’ll own

• Working platform/earthworks review notes and close-out actions.
• Targeted calcs (stability/settlement/bearing) supporting construction changes.
• QA/ITP reviews, materials and compaction summaries, non-conformance responses.
• I&M dashboards/summary memos with trigger–action recommendations.
• Weekly client updates and concise risk/issue logs.

Contract & logistics

• Duration: 6–12 months (extension possible).
• Pattern: Predominantly site-based (4–5 days/week); occasional nights/weekends if works demand.
• Commercials: Competitive day rate; IR35 status subject to determination for each assignment.
• Travel: UK-wide with expenses per policy; PPE provided/approved.

NDA & professionalism

You’ll operate within strict client confidentiality. All outputs must be NDA-compliant, self-contained, and suitable for independent review/audit.

How to apply

Email a concise CV (max 3 pages), availability, preferred locations, and two short project summaries highlighting your construction-phase role.

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