Geotechnical Department Manager - Detroit

Overview
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

Formal Education, Licenses, and Certifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• Michigan P.E. License or ability to obtain.

Knowledge and Experience:

• 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.