Chief Geotechnical Engineer - Dams & Reservoirs

Overview

Due to an expanding project portfolio, we are seeking an exceptional Chief Geotechnical Engineer to lead our technical capability in dams, reservoirs and embankment engineering. This is a high-profile leadership role for a recognised industry expert who can provide strategic direction, technical assurance and thought leadership across a diverse portfolio of complex dam and reservoir projects. Some of our flagship projects include Fens, Lincs, Broad Oak and Havant Thicket reservoirs.

As the organisation's technical authority for dam and reservoir engineering, you will support major infrastructure programmes throughout the UK and internationally. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients, regulators and industry stakeholders, you will play a pivotal role in advancing dam safety, resilience and sustainable water infrastructure.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape technical standards, influence industry best practice, drive business growth and mentor the next generation of dam and geotechnical engineering professionals.

Success in this role will be measured through:

• Maintaining the highest standards of technical quality and dam safety.
• Strengthening technical governance and reducing technical risk.
• Delivering business growth, profitability and market expansion.
• Building strong relationships with clients, regulators and industry stakeholders.
• Developing high-performing engineering teams and future technical leaders.
• Enhancing the organisation's reputation as a trusted industry leader in dam safety and reservoir resilience.

Your role

• As Chief Geotechnical Engineer, you will provide leadership across technical excellence, business growth, project delivery, client engagement and capability development.
• Technical Leadership & Governance
• Act as the technical authority for dam and reservoir geotechnical engineering across the business.
• Provide expert oversight and technical assurance for major dam safety, rehabilitation and new-build projects.
• Lead the development and implementation of technical standards, guidance and engineering best practice.
• Act as Independent Technical Reviewer and Approver for complex geotechnical and dam engineering solutions.
• Provide specialist advice on:
• Dam safety and risk management
• Seepage control and seepage analysis
• Internal erosion and piping
• Stability and deformation assessment
• Seismic performance
• Reservoir asset management
• Champion innovation, digital engineering and advanced analytical techniques.
• Promote collaboration across geotechnical, civil, hydraulic, environmental and asset management disciplines.

Strategic Leadership, Growth & Industry Influence

• Develop and implement the long-term strategy for the dams and reservoirs practice.
• Act as a senior technical and strategic adviser to business leaders and clients.
• Identify emerging market trends, regulatory developments and growth opportunities.
• Drive expansion across water utilities, hydropower, mining, flood risk management and critical infrastructure sectors.
• Establish business objectives, performance metrics and growth targets.
• Lead strategic engagement with clients, regulators, asset owners and industry stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with Reservoir Panel Engineers, government agencies and industry partners.
• Sponsor major bids, framework opportunities and strategic project pursuits.
• Support strategic recruitment, capability development and business growth initiatives.
• Raise the organisation's profile through technical publications, conference presentations and participation in professional committees.
• Influence investment in digital engineering, advanced modelling, data analytics and emerging technologies.

Project Delivery & Client Leadership

• Direct the delivery of nationally significant and technically challenging dam and reservoir projects.
• Lead strategic client relationships with water companies, government agencies, contractors and asset owners.
• Support dam safety reviews, statutory inspections and risk assessments.
• Provide expert technical input during bids, project mobilisation and project delivery.
• Represent the organisation as a recognised industry specialist at client, industry and regulatory forums.

Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead and inspire geotechnical and dam engineering teams across multiple locations.
• Mentor Principal Engineers, Associates and future technical leaders.
• Support succession planning and long-term talent development.
• Champion professional development, Chartership and technical accreditation.
• Establish and lead technical forums, communities of practice and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Deliver technical training and coaching programmes.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and technical excellence.
• Drive recruitment, retention and development of specialist engineering talent.
• Identify future capability needs and implement workforce development initiatives.

Dam Engineering Scope

You will provide leadership in the design, assessment and rehabilitation of:

• Earth embankment dams.
• Reservoir embankments.
• Flood defence embankments and levees.
• Dam raising and modification schemes.
• Seepage control measures.
• Filters and drainage systems.
• Foundation treatment and improvement works.
• Instrumentation, monitoring and performance assessment systems.

About you

• We are seeking a recognised industry leader with outstanding technical expertise, strong engineering judgement, commercial awareness and a proven ability to develop high-performing teams.
• You will be recognised by clients and peers as a trusted adviser capable of delivering innovative, practical and technically robust solutions to complex dam safety and reservoir challenges.
• Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with a recognised professional institution.
• Extensive years' experience in geotechnical and dam engineering.
• Extensive experience leading the design, assessment and rehabilitation of dams and reservoir infrastructure.
• Recognised technical authority with an established industry reputation.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams and major infrastructure programmes.
• Demonstrated success in business development, winning work and growing technical teams.

Strong understanding of

• Embankment dam design.
• Seepage analysis.
• Internal erosion and piping assessment.
• Stability and deformation analysis.
• Dam safety management.
• Geotechnical risk assessment.
• Reservoir asset management.
• Climate resilience and infrastructure adaptation.
• Software & Digital Capability.
• Numerical Modelling & Geotechnical Analysis.
• GeoStudio Suite (Seequent).
• SLOPE/W, SEEP/W and SIGMA/W.
• PLAXIS 2D & 3D.
• Finite element analysis.
• Construction staging.
• Embankment deformation assessment.
• Ground-structure interaction.
• Rocscience Suite.
• Slide2 / Slide3, RS2 and Settle3 (desirable).
• Engineering & Data Management.
• OpenGround or equivalent geotechnical data management systems.
• ArcGIS and/or QGIS.
• AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
• Advanced Excel-based engineering tools.
• HEC-RAS,InfoWorks ICM and other hydraulic modelling platforms.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first three years, you will have:

• Established a clear strategic vision and growth plan for the dams and reservoirs practice.
• Increased revenue and profitability while maintaining exceptional technical quality.
• Strengthened relationships with key clients, regulators and industry partners.
• Enhanced the organisation's reputation as a leading provider of dam and reservoir engineering services.
• Built a strong pipeline of future technical leaders and specialists.
• Embedded a culture of technical excellence, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Positioned the organisation as a trusted leader in the safe, sustainable and resilient management of critical water infrastructure assets.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.

Rewards and benefits – Careers at AtkinsRéalis

About AtkinsRéalis

We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's'infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We’re committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Additional information

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.

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