Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Department: Geotechnical

Location: Norwich

Description

Purpose of the Role
As a Senior Geotechnical Engineer, you will lead the delivery of high-quality geotechnical and geo-environmental services, supporting clients across a variety of sectors. You will play a pivotal role in securing and managing projects from initial enquiry through to completion, while also contributing to the technical leadership and development of junior team members. This role requires strong commercial awareness, technical expertise, and the ability to build lasting client relationships.

What you will do

• Lead geotechnical and geo-environmental site investigations, from initial scope through to reporting and completion.
• Manage the design and delivery of site-based testing programmes (e.g., BRE365, Percolation testing, PLTs, DCPs, LWDs), ensuring efficient and compliant execution.
• Produce, review and approve technical reports, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with industry and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate with laboratories for sample logistics, testing schedules, and results verification (geotechnical, geo-environmental and geochemical testing).
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and reliable delivery.
• Prepare quotations and tenders for small to medium-scale projects and contribute to larger bids and framework agreements.
• Identify risks in proposed contracts and support mitigation planning prior to contract commencement.
• Ensure projects are delivered within budget, identifying and implementing cost efficiencies where possible.
• Mentor and support the development of junior engineers, technicians and drillers through on-the-job guidance, technical support and formal development activities.
• Support training plans by identifying skill gaps and contributing to knowledge sharing across the team.
• Lead by example in promoting a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Support procurement processes to ensure appropriate suppliers and contractors are engaged for project needs.
• Assist the senior management team with strategic initiatives including business development, training, resource planning and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the long-term growth of the business through innovation, quality delivery and reputation management.
  
  

Who you are

Essential

• Degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Earth Sciences or related discipline.
• Proven experience managing geotechnical and geo-environmental projects across a range of sectors.
• Strong technical reporting skills and experience with UK regulatory frameworks and site investigation standards.
• Excellent client engagement and communication skills
• Commercial awareness with demonstrable experience of quoting, budgeting, and cost control.

Desirable

• Chartered or working towards chartership (e.g., CGeol, CEng).
• Familiarity with in-situ testing and laboratory scheduling systems.
• Experience in mentoring and developing early-career engineers.
  
  

In return

In return AFHA provides a competitive remuneration package which will be discussed in detail at interview stage and will be dependent upon skills and experience. We offer full training where required and provide continuous personal and professional development opportunities.

The package also includes life assurance scheme, 28 days annual leave, contributory pension (the company will match employee contributions up to 5% of gross salary).

A mobile phone and Company vehicle is provided where necessary for field-work/travel.