Geotechnical Department Manager

Introduction for JM Chandler Dream Builders

Welcome to JM Chandler Dream Builders. I'm the owner and sole operator of this recruitment service, proudly connecting talented individuals with great opportunities in the building and construction industry. My goal is to help both clients and candidates find the perfect fit to bring their projects and careers to life.

Please note that while all positions are advertised and interviewed by JM Chandler Dream Builders, any successful candidate will not be employed by JM Chandler Dream Builders. If you are offered a position, you will be working directly for the client the role is associated with — not through or for my company. JM Chandler Dream Builders acts solely as a recruitment and facilitation service to introduce you to potential employers.

JOB SUMMARY:

• The Geotechnical Department Manager will lead a team in coordinating and overseeing diverse geotechnical projects across industrial, commercial, and residential sectors.
• This role involves managing the geotechnical department, ensuring efficient operations, fostering teamwork, and promoting professional development.
• Responsibilities include client collaboration, project proposal development, and maintaining high quality standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Planning & Budgeting:
• Develops long-term goals and business plans for the department, manages the annual capital budget, and provides input on departmental budgets to align with overall business objectives.
• Participates in strategic planning initiatives and contributes to the overall growth and success of the organization.
• Business Development & Networking:
• Collaborates with the Business Development department to create and execute the department's annual business development plan, while networking to enhance the department's and company's reputation.
• Leads the development of project proposals and defines project tasks, schedules, and resource requirements.
• Department Management & Performance:
• Monitors department chargeability targets, ensures staff understand both company-wide and departmental objectives, and oversees day-to-day operations, including quality of work environment and employee productivity.
• Provides leadership and management for the preparation of Geotechnical and CMT projects, conducting team meetings, evaluating project progress, and maintaining client satisfaction.
• Coordinates with project architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, and other technical staff to ensure successful project delivery.
• Policy & Compliance Oversight:
• Develops, maintains, and enforces department-specific policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with company standards.
• Establishes project goals and ensures adherence to QA/QC standards, while developing and implementing departmental policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Cross-Departmental Coordination:
• Works closely with the IT and HR departments to address department-specific technology and employee relations issues, providing input on hires and staff development.
• Collaborates with other department managers to optimize resource allocation and project scheduling.
• Financial Oversight:
• Reviews and approves weekly departmental invoices, including software, equipment, and other expenses.
• Manages project budgets, analyzes profitability, monitors revenue generation, prepares client billing information, manages collections, and identifies additional revenue opportunities.
• Workplace Culture & Team Development:
• Fosters a positive work culture, maintains a professional workspace, and supports employee growth and relations.
• Mentors and develops staff within the geotechnical department to ensure ongoing professional growth.
• Client & Contract Management:
• Consults with clients to determine site requirements, provides design information for geotechnical investigations, and maintains regular communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Reviews and signs project contracts, handles change orders, and oversees project scope.
• Other Responsibilities:
• Leads special projects to support departmental operations or corporate goals.
• Performs additional duties as assigned to support department and company objectives

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent
• Michigan P.E. License or ability to obtain
• 10 years of experience in the field of civil engineering, demonstrating increasing levels of responsibility.
• Working knowledge of typical computer software programs used for geotechnical engineering design and management (Microsoft Office, etc.)
• Working knowledge of codes, regulations, and standards applicable to the geotechnical design and construction of major site development projects in Michigan.

Competencies and Personal Attributes:

• Demonstrated ability to manage staff and multi-disciplinary projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to resolve technical issues and address challenges encountered during geotechnical projects.
• Experience in mentoring and coaching junior geotechnical staff, providing guidance and support in their professional development.
• Proven track record of successful project delivery and client satisfaction, with a focus on delivering high-quality geotechnical services on time and within budget.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to motivate others.
• Sound understanding of financial management.
• Proficient in conflict resolution and client satisfaction.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments, construction sites or public works facilities. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate drafting instruments, computers and various pieces of office equipment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds.

Availability:

• This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and overtime as required.

Travel:

• Travel will be required to respective job sites and is primarily local during the business day.

Must have:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent)
• Michigan P.E. license
• 10 years of experience in the field of geotechnical engineering
• Proven leadership in managing teams, budgets, and multi-disciplinary projects

Nice to have:

• Business development experience (developing proposals, networking with clients, driving revenue)
• Strong financial management skills (budgeting, profitability analysis, collections)
• Experience mentoring staff and fostering professional growth
• Familiarity with Michigan codes, regulations, and site development standards

Additional information:

• Work Model: hybrid work schedule (2–3 days in office every week, remaining remote)
• Working hours/schedule: Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with overtime as needed; local travel to job sites required
• Salary range: $120K – $150K plus bonus up to 15%.
• Benefits: 401k and Profit Sharing, Hybrid schedule, Medical, Dental, Vision, Short-term, Long-term disability, and Life Insurance - Health kicks in on the first of the month following 30 days of employment, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Paid Volunteer Time Off, Tuition Assistance, Fitness Reimbursement
• Relocation: Limited relocation assistance available (potential sign-on bonus)
• Interview process: The interview process would be a phone interview with SRG Professional Recruiter, then we'd submit to their (PEA group) HR team for consideration. Their recruiters share the candidate's resumes and background with the hiring managers and then if selected would most likely go on-site for an in-person interview. I would anticipate at least 2-3 rounds of interviews with PEA group.

AI-generated to support your search process—please use them as guidance and apply your own best judgment when making decisions

Screening Criterion

Relevance

What to look for when Sourcing/Screening

Industry & Domain Knowledge

High

Candidates must have extensive experience in civil/geotechnical engineering within the Michigan market, including knowledge of local codes, regulations, and standards relevant to site development projects.

Rationale

Company Size Background

Low

No specific company size or stage experience is required; focus on geotechnical leadership and project management regardless of company scale.

Rationale

Career Stability

High

Look for candidates with a stable career history, demonstrating long-term commitment and progressive responsibility in geotechnical or civil engineering roles.

Rationale

Consulting Experience Desirability

Medium

Candidates with consulting or contracting backgrounds are acceptable if they demonstrate leadership, long-term project ownership, and team management in geotechnical engineering.

Rationale

Must-have skills

High

Candidates must demonstrate advanced proficiency in geotechnical engineering analysis, project management for geotechnical/CMT projects, and working knowledge of geotechnical design software and Michigan codes.

Rationale

Educational Qualifications

High

Require a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field; equivalent experience is only acceptable if explicitly justified and aligns with industry norms.

Rationale

Required Software Tools

High

Require advanced user proficiency (5+ years) in geotechnical engineering design and analysis software (e.g., gINT, GeoStudio, PLAXIS) and working knowledge of project management tools specific to geotechnical projects.

Rationale

Certifications & Licenses

High

Candidates must hold a valid Michigan Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or demonstrate the ability to obtain one promptly.

Rationale

Managerial Experience

High

Required: Candidates must have prior experience managing geotechnical engineering teams, ideally with 3+ years in a mid- or senior-level management role overseeing direct reports and departmental operations.

Rationale

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $121, $150,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person