Geotechnical Department Manager

Charlotte, NC | Full-Time | $90,000 – $135,000
Engineering / Geotechnical Consulting

We are seeking an experienced Geotechnical Department Manager to lead a growing geotechnical engineering team in Charlotte, North Carolina.

This is a hands-on leadership role combining geotechnical technical expertise, project management, team development, financial management, and client development. The ideal candidate is a senior Geotechnical or Civil Engineer with 10+ years of experience who can lead people and projects while taking ownership of the department's operational and financial performance.

Position Overview

The Geotechnical Department Manager will oversee geotechnical projects from initial planning through completion while leading engineers, geologists, project managers, and technicians.

In addition to technical oversight, this position is responsible for departmental budgeting, forecasting, staff development, quality and safety, client relationships, and supporting continued business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Geotechnical Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Oversee the complete lifecycle of geotechnical engineering projects
• Provide technical leadership on complex geotechnical assignments
• Review proposals, engineering reports, calculations, and technical documentation
• Ensure work complies with geotechnical engineering best practices and applicable standards
• Maintain strong quality assurance and safety practices
• Apply knowledge of geotechnical site conditions and construction practices to project execution

Department & Team Leadership

• Lead geotechnical engineers, geologists, project managers, and technicians
• Establish departmental goals and performance expectations
• Develop staff through coaching, mentoring, and training
• Support employee engagement and a positive team culture
• Coordinate staffing and resources based on project and departmental needs

Project Management

• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables
• Monitor project performance and address risks or operational challenges
• Maintain communication with clients and internal project teams
• Ensure projects are delivered according to technical, financial, quality, and safety expectations

Financial & Operational Management

• Manage departmental budgets and financial performance
• Monitor revenue, forecasts, expenses, and profitability
• Support departmental planning and resource allocation
• Identify opportunities to improve operational and financial performance

Business Development & Client Relations

• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Support business development and market growth initiatives
• Participate in community and industry activities that strengthen client relationships
• Identify opportunities for additional geotechnical services and future projects
• Partner with senior leadership to support continued department growth

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Geological Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution
• 10+ years of Civil or Geotechnical Engineering experience
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Geologist (PG) license
• Strong technical expertise in geotechnical engineering
• Experience leading engineering teams and developing technical staff
• Project management experience
• Experience managing departmental budgets, forecasting, and financial performance
• Experience reviewing geotechnical reports, calculations, and technical documentation
• Strong understanding of geotechnical site conditions and construction practices
• Experience developing client relationships and supporting business growth

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a geotechnical emphasis
• Strong local or regional engineering and construction market knowledge
• Established client relationships within the engineering, construction, or development community

Candidates who do not currently hold the required professional license should be eligible to obtain the appropriate license within three months of hire.

Key Skills

Geotechnical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Professional Engineer (PE)
Professional Geologist (PG)
Department Leadership
Team Development
Project Management
Budgeting
Financial Management
P&L Management
Forecasting
Business Development
Client Relationship Management
Technical Report Review
Quality Assurance
Safety Compliance
Construction Practices
Staff Development

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $90,000 – $135,000
• Full benefits package
• Relocation assistance available