Director - Ground Engineering

RPS; City of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking a Director to lead growth for their UK Ground Engineering and Environmental Compliance team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in geo-environmental and geotechnical engineering, along with proven leadership skills to manage a team of 15+. Responsibilities include financial oversight, client management, and driving business development. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative service offerings and team development in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum experience in geo-environmental and geotechnical engineering.
• Strong financial data management and performance indicator understanding.
• Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Deliver financial performance in line with business targets.
• Lead a 15-person geo-environmental team.
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance processes.
• Drive business growth by identifying new clients.

Skills

Financial management

Leadership & Management

Client Relationship Management

Business Development

Quality Assurance Standards

Education

Chartered engineer qualification

IOSH qualification

Job description

Role Purpose

We are looking to appoint a Director to help lead growth for our UK Ground Engineering and Environmental Compliance team and manage well established teams in England and Wales.

What Can Be Achieved In This Role

The Director will be expected to deliver financial performance in line with the accountability centre Annual Business Plan, achieving revenue and profit margin targets while improving other key metrics set for growth and our people strategy. Success will also be measured by the growth and retention of key client accounts, the development of new business opportunities, recruitment and the launch of innovative and profitable service offerings. Strong leadership of the 15+ person team is essential to deliver for clients and provide development opportunities for our colleagues.

Relevant facts & figures

The Director leads a team of 15+ people, including up to 4 direct reports comprising Associates and Principal Consultants. The role works alongside five other directors supporting functions within the team as a whole. The Team provides geoenvironmental, geotechnical, hydrogeological, environmental permitting and coordination services across the UK and beyond. The role carries responsibility for overseeing the geoenvironmental function across several locations in England and Wales. The postholder is expected to spend over 50% of their time working on projects (i.e. billable work).

Core Capabilities – Key Areas of Skill, Responsibility, & Competency

We are seeking individuals with a minimum level of experience, skill, and competency. If you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Financial Management

Reporting to the Operational Director, the Director will hold accountability for the financial performance of their team's delivery against project revenue and profit targets. This includes close oversight of project-level financials, proactive resolution of issues, and continuous monitoring of key metrics such as profitability, cashflow and utilisation. A strong grasp of financial data and performance indicators is essential.

Leadership & Management

Lead a 15 person geo environmental team across offices in England and Wales. This includes overseeing team structure, performance management, and professional development to ensure the team operates effectively and delivers high‑quality outcomes.

Client Relationship Management

Responsible for the strategic oversight of existing key client accounts and to secure new key clients, ensuring consistent delivery of high‑quality services across multi‑disciplinary projects. Act as a senior point of contact and advisor to ensure client satisfaction.

Maintaining Quality Assurance Standards

Ensure full compliance with both internal quality assurance processes and external regulatory standards. Champion a culture of quality and continuous improvement across the team.

Business Development

Play a pivotal role in driving business growth by identifying new clients and markets and developing service offerings that respond to emerging client needs.

Beneficial Training, Qualifications, Or Equivalent Work Experience

Strong geo‑environmental and geotechnical engineering experience. Relevant chartership, IOSH or leadership qualifications helpful but not essential.

EEO Statement

RPS Tetra Tech is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment across all areas of our organisation. We recognise that a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives contributes to a more dynamic, innovative, and supportive workplace where every individual is empowered to share their ideas and contribute meaningfully. In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements.