Head of Department - Ground Investigation

Join a leader in geospatial innovation.

At Murphy Geospatial – a Woolpert Company – we deliver world‑class surveying and geospatial solutions that empower our clients to make informed decisions. With decades of expertise and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we work on some of the most exciting and complex projects across the UK, Ireland, Europe, and the US.

We are now seeking an accomplished and forward‑thinking Head of Department – Ground Investigation to develop, lead, and grow our Ground Investigation services across the UK.

Role Overview:

As Head of Department – Ground Investigation, you will lead the strategic development, performance, and delivery of our ground investigation offering. You will oversee all stages of GI/SI project delivery from planning to completion while driving operational excellence, embedding innovation, and developing a high‑performing team of geotechnical engineers and specialists.

This is a key leadership role responsible for enhancing our technical capabilities, strengthening client relationships, expanding our service offering, and positioning Murphy Geospatial as a market leader in GI deliverables.
Reporting to the Managing Director – UK, this hybrid role can be based in Watford, Birmingham or Manchester.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Development

Lead and develop the GI team, promoting a strong culture of safety, quality, and innovation.

Mentor engineers and specialists, supporting their technical and professional progression.

Project Delivery & Operations

Oversee planning, scheduling, and delivery of GI projects to meet client requirements, budgets, and deadlines.

Manage resources including equipment, personnel, and subcontractors.

Ensure compliance with all quality and HS&E standards.

Client Engagement & Growth

Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted technical advisor.

Contribute to business development by preparing scopes, quotes, and proposals.

Produce and review factual and interpretative reports, including geotechnical recommendations.

Innovation & Workflow Improvement

Champion improvements to workflows and methodologies in line with BS 5930, EC7, CIRIA and emerging best practices.

Keep up to date with evolving technologies and integrate new approaches where beneficial.

Strategic Leadership

Support departmental strategy, budgeting, and long‑term service development.

Represent Murphy Geospatial at client, partner, and industry events.

Requirements:

Ability to work from Watford, Birmingham, or Manchester (hybrid).

Bachelor’s degree in Geomatics, Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field.

Minimum 3 years’ management experience within Ground Investigation or Geotechnical Engineering.

Strong understanding of GI techniques such as window sampling, cable percussive, rotary drilling, CPT, and trial pitting.

Proven project management and client‑facing experience.

Full UK driving licence and right to work in the UK.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Professional membership (desirable).

Key Attributes:

Self‑motivated with strong leadership skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Strong planning, organisational and problem‑solving skills.

Commercially aware with the ability to prioritise effectively.

Passionate about innovation within the GI/geospatial industry.

What You Get:

Opportunity to lead and grow a key service area within an industry‑leading organisation.

Hybrid working and flexibility to support work–life balance.

Access to cutting‑edge technology and digital geospatial solutions.

A supportive leadership team and a culture that encourages innovation and quality.

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Murphy Geospatial HR Philosophy

Our people are a critical part of our success and represent the value of Murphy Geospatial through their actions and decisions every day. We believe focusing on recruiting the best people and investing in their development helps us to create an environment where staff are engaged and committed, leading to higher levels of staff and client satisfaction.

Murphy Geospatial are proud to be an employer of equal opportunities. We encourage people with different beliefs, abilities, backgrounds and relevant life experiences to apply to our vacancies.

To all agencies: Please refrain from contacting any employee of Murphy Geospatial about this requisition. In the event a candidate who was submitted outside of Murphy Geospatial’s application process is hired, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid, unless such agencies were engaged by Murphy Geospatial’s Talent Acquisition Team for this requisition and a valid agreement is in place.