Technical Director - Numerical Modelling in Geotechnical Engineering

Position Overview

We are seeking a Technical Director to join our Ground Engineering team, specializing in numerical modelling within geotechnical design. This permanent role is based in Derby, England, with hybrid office and home working opportunities available. The successful candidate will lead and manage numerical modelling efforts for complex soil and rock-structure interactions on major infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, execution, and evaluation of advanced numerical models for complex soil and rock-structure interaction problems using industry-standard software such as PLAXIS 2D/3D.
• Design, validate, and enhance geotechnical finite element (FE) models, ensuring that assumptions, boundary conditions, soil constitutive models, and predictions comply with best practice guidelines.
• Provide expert technical guidance on geotechnical assessments involving tunnels, deep excavations, foundations, retaining systems, and offshore structures.
• Integrate numerical modelling results into broader design processes by collaborating closely with civil and ground engineering teams.
• Generate clear, high-quality technical reports detailing modelling methods, assumptions, sensitivity analyses, and engineering interpretations for clients and stakeholders.
• Manage project delivery within established timeframes and budgets, ensuring adherence to internal management standards and technical quality.
• Maintain and develop client relationships during project execution, identifying potential business opportunities.
• Assist in bid and tender preparations and support senior directors with business development activities as required.
• Conduct engineering design, assessments, and verification tasks including preparing or reviewing calculations, reports, drawings, models, and contract deliverables.
• Mentor junior engineers in numerical modelling techniques, best practices, verification and validation processes, and complex output interpretation to foster technical growth within the team.
• Drive innovation within the Ground Engineering discipline through automation workflows, parametric modelling, scripting, and advanced visualization of soil-structure behaviour.
• Serve as the technical point of contact for numerical modelling in both client and internal meetings, advising on modelling-driven design decisions.

Candidate Profile

• Possession of Chartered Civil Engineer status (MICE or equivalent).
• Proven experience in geotechnical engineering projects, with solid understanding of design principles integrated with numerical modelling.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities to manage project teams and oversee delivery as either client’s or contractor’s designer.
• Strong capabilities in mentoring and developing less-experienced engineers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills fostering collaboration with diverse multi-disciplinary teams.
• Deep technical expertise and enthusiasm for geotechnical engineering.
• Proficient communication skills to articulate complex numerical modelling results and engineering recommendations clearly.
• Commitment to collaborative problem-solving, quality, rigour, and adherence to best modelling practices.

Company Values and Culture

At COWI, our vision is to design sustainable and liveable futures by applying knowledge, curiosity, and courage. We embed environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sound governance in all aspects of our business and client solutions. We emphasize diversity, development, inclusiveness, and fostering a trusting and enjoyable working environment.

Benefits and Perks

• 28 days of annual leave plus all UK bank and public holidays.
• Structured development plans with regular promotion opportunities.
• Private healthcare coverage, including a contribution option for immediate dependents.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Paid subscription fees for membership of two professional institutions.
• Group personal pension plan with salary exchange.
• Life assurance benefits.
• Maternity leave policy of full pay from 1 to 20 weeks, half pay from weeks 21 to 26, statutory pay from weeks 27 to 39, and unpaid leave from weeks 40 to 52, subject to eligibility.
• Paternity leave of 12 weeks full pay, subject to eligibility.

Optional Benefits

• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Electric vehicle leasing program.
• Corporate gym memberships.
• Annual rail card available for employees under 30.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment without discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, race, religion, gender, nationality, age, or disability. This commitment governs all employment terms including hiring, promotion, compensation, and training.