Associate Director / Director (CEng or CGeol)

Job Purpose:

Operating as a senior technical and commercial leader within Red Rock Geo, applying extensive geotechnical and geo-environmental experience, alongside well-developed management and commercial skills, to drive the delivery, growth and reputation of the business. The Associate Director provides chartered (CEng or CGeol) technical authority across Red Rock Geo’s core service lines — site investigation, geotechnical design, slope stabilisation, rockfall risk management and contaminated land — while holding commercial and managerial responsibility for a discipline, sector or office, developing client relationships and new business, and mentoring more junior chartered and pre-chartered staff. This is a progressive role, with a clear pathway to full Director status as the successful candidate establishes themselves in the position.

Responsibilities:

• Operate as a senior technical authority across Red Rock Geo’s core service lines: site investigation, geotechnical design, slope stabilisation, rockfall risk management and contaminated land.
• Hold day-to-day commercial responsibility for a discipline, sector or office, including fee income, profitability and resource utilisation.
• Deputise for the Director / Group Board Director on client, contractual and operational matters as required.
• Technically and commercially lead multiple concurrent projects, ranging from single-site investigations to multi-million pound infrastructure, coastal and redevelopment schemes.
• Build, maintain and grow senior client relationships across the South West and wider UK, securing repeat instructions and framework appointments.
• Identify, pursue and win new business, including leading complex bids, fee proposals and tender submissions.
• Line manage and mentor Associates, Principal Geologists and Senior Engineering Geologists, supporting their technical development and progression towards chartership.
• Act as a focal point for technical quality, checking and approving Desk Studies, Ground Investigation Specifications, Ground Investigation Reports, geotechnical designs and Remediation Strategies prepared by the wider team.
• Plan, specify and oversee large and complex ground investigation and laboratory testing programmes, including challenging or high-risk sites such as coastal slopes, cliffs and rock faces.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, regulators and other consultants to develop practical, commercially sound, project-specific solutions.
• Prepare, review and negotiate contract documents, collateral warranties and consultancy agreements.
• Contribute to the strategic growth plans of Red Rock Geo and the wider Kingdom & Partners Group, including input on service development, recruitment and sector targeting.
• Represent Red Rock Geo externally at industry events and with professional institutions, supporting the company’s profile and reputation in the South West market.
• Ensure all work under their control is delivered safely and in accordance with company Health & Safety policy, checking and approving Health & Safety documentation for site and design works.
• Support office leadership in Exeter, and as required Cornwall, on resourcing, workload planning and day-to-day operational matters.
• Monitor project and team performance against budget, programme and quality targets, taking corrective action where required.
• Maintain Chartered status (CEng or CGeol) and actively contribute to the technical standing and reputation of the practice.
• Promote and embed company values, standards and procedures across the team, and behave in accordance with them at all times.

Qualifications:

Essential

• BSc or MSci (or equivalent) in Geology, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering or a related discipline
• Chartered Geologist (CGeol) or Chartered Engineer (CEng)
• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable

• MSc in Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering or similar

Fellow of the Geological Society (FGS) or equivalent senior professional standing.

• CSCS Card
• SSSTS or SMSTS

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary – depending upon experience
• Car allowance for chartered staff (CEng/CGeol)
• Salary sacrifice company pension scheme
• Professional subscription fees paid (Geotechnical Society, ICE, IOM3)
• 34 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), rising with service
• Option to buy/sell additional annual leave days
• Enhanced maternity scheme
• Enhanced paternity / shared parental leave
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced company sick pay beyond statutory