Associate Director - Geotechnical

Ian Farmer Associates Limited; Coventry; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ground investigation company in Coventry is seeking an experienced Associate Director - Geotechnical to manage P&L and lead a growing team. This role offers the chance to work on significant national infrastructure projects across the UK, emphasizing a supportive culture and professional development. Ideal candidates have a strong background in ground investigation, project management, and excellent communication skills.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company car

Private healthcare

Career development program

Supportive culture

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in ground investigation.
• Strong understanding of UK soil and rock strata, GI methods, and lab testing.
• Proficient in logging to BS 5930:2015 standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage office P&L and ensure financial targets are met.
• Lead and develop a growing team, supporting training and career progression.
• Oversee project tendering, preparation, and data collection.

Skills

Ground investigation

Project management

Report writing

Geotechnical software

Communication

Education

BSc in Geology, Civil Engineering, or related field

MSc (preferred)

Tools

Holebase

Microsoft Office

Job description

Associate Director - Geotechnical

Join to apply for the Associate Director - Geotechnical role at Ian Farmer Associates (1998) Limited.

Job Overview

Ian Farmer Associates (part of RSK Group), a leading name in ground investigation, is seeking an Associate Director. This is a leadership position with scope to grow our operation in the Midlands. It is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced professional to take the next step in their career with a company that values leadership, technical excellence, and innovation whilst supporting the delivery of major infrastructure projects across the UK.

Why Join Ian Farmer Associates?

• Competitive Salary – Commensurate with experience
• Company Car – Provided as part of your package
• Private Healthcare – Included in a flexible benefits programme
• Work on Major Infrastructure Projects – Be part of nationally significant developments
• Career Development – Continuous Professional Development to help you reach your full potential
• Supportive Culture – A rewarding and challenging environment where your expertise is valued
• An important role in supporting major national infrastructure projects, including transport, energy, and construction sectors

Key Responsibilities

• Manage office P&L and ensure financial targets are met
• Lead and develop a growing team, supporting training and career progression
• Oversee project tendering, preparation, and data collection
• Review and issue technical reports, ensuring quality and timely delivery
• Conduct quality assurance checks and mentor junior staff
• Use software such as Holebase, Microsoft Office, and internal systems (training provided)
• Liaise with clients, manage queries, and ensure high-quality deliverables
• Provide monthly performance updates to senior leadership

What We’re Looking For

• BSc in Geology, Civil Engineering, or related field (MSc preferred)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in ground investigation
• Strong understanding of UK soil and rock strata, GI methods, and lab testing
• Proficient in logging to BS 5930:2015 standards
• Experience with geotechnical software (Holebase, gINT, etc.)
• Excellent communication, project management, and report‑writing skills
• Full, clean UK driving licence

Ready to lead a dynamic team and shape the future of ground investigation in the West Midlands. Apply now and be part of something impactful.

RSK is an equal opportunities employer.

RSK will not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies other than RSK PSL or Secondary agencies.

About Us

We are one of the leading ground investigation businesses in the UK. With offices throughout the UK, we can provide our geotechnical and environmental investigation techniques and services to clients throughout the country. These services are offered from each regional location, fully supported by an experienced team of civil engineers and geologists. Services include soil exploration by percussion boring, window sampling and mechanical excavation and rock exploration by rotary drilling and coring. Additionally, specialists are available, including materials technologists and on‑site chemists, who can undertake associated testing and monitoring services and in situ tests such as plate loading, California bearing ratio and density, including nuclear density testing.

The company’s materials technology and construction engineering service operates throughout the United Kingdom, undertaking and reporting on structural and condition surveys, BREEAM assessments and asbestos surveys. Its experience includes working on buildings, multistorey car parks, bridges, roads and other structures, such as sludge digesters to determine the effects of ageing, corrosion and degradation on structural stability. The company is approved for working in confined spaces and undertaking in situ testing that includes floor load tests and strain measurements.

Ian Farmer Associates is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then.

At RSK, we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees.

Since the beginning, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and reward talented individuals. People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues’ growth. We’re committed to preserving RSK’s people‑first culture, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration. At RSK, we want you to be part of our successes and help you reach your career aspirations. We take pride in offering employees fulfilling and challenging careers by promoting ongoing growth and empowering individuals to excel.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.

By providing workplace adjustments, we make it easier for people to confidently explore and pursue our career opportunities and recognise that flexibility is key to fostering a dynamic and thriving workplace. Many of our office‑based positions benefit from a flexible working arrangement, allowing our team members to achieve a balance between professional and personal commitments.

We actively encourage applications from candidates of all genders, races, ethnicities, ages, neurotypes, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities.