Area Manager

Socket.dev; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Certerra/RMA Group in San Diego seeks a hands-on Vice President or Area Manager to lead geotechnical engineering operations. This role combines leadership with business development to grow our regional presence.

You will mentor staff, manage office and laboratory operations, and expand client relationships with developers, municipalities, and industry partners across Southern California. CA PE/licensure is preferred and strong communication is essential.

Qualifications

• Active California PE license is required.
• Geotechnical engineering experience with leadership and business development.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering.
• 7+ years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience.
• Strong network in San Diego/Southern California market.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional business development and client relationship efforts throughout the San Diego market.
• Develop, maintain, and expand existing client accounts and contracts while identifying new business opportunities.
• Serve as a visible and active representative of Certerra/RMA Group within the Southern California engineering and construction community.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the office, engineering staff, field personnel, and laboratory teams.
• Mentor and support technical and operational staff while promoting a collaborative team environment.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on regional growth strategy, operational performance, and market expansion initiatives.
• Support proposals, pricing strategies, contract negotiations, and project pursuits.
• Maintain strong relationships with developers, municipalities, public agencies, contractors, architects, and consultants.
• Monitor project performance, profitability, utilization, and overall client satisfaction.
• Help drive operational excellence, quality service delivery, and long-term client retention.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship management

Business development

Strategic planning

Operations management

Education

California Professional Engineer (PE) license

Geotechnical Engineer (GE) license preferred

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

Job description

Company OverviewCerterrais a growing national provider of testing, inspection, and certification services that support innovation in new product development, quality assurance, for project delivery, and engineered solutions for asset management. We are passionate about contributing to the sustainable development of the communities we serve. We are a national firm with a global reach serving national and international clients from 30+ offices located in 10 states and are ranked on ENR’s Top 500 list alongside the nation’s top firms. With a 60-year history, Certerra has a passion for high-end services, constant innovation, and investment in the development of world-class laboratory facilities, and interactive management technologies. Each member of our staff is committed to service, innovation, and the success of our clients.

Certerra/RMA Group is seeking a hands-on Vice President or Area Manager to lead and grow our geotechnical engineering operations in the San Diego market. This role is ideal for a highly connected “seller-doer” with strong leadership abilities, established industry relationships, and a proven track record of business development within Southern California.

The ideal candidate will possess a California Civil PE or Geotechnical Engineering (GE) license and have experience managing engineering operations, developing client relationships, expanding existing contracts, and supporting office and laboratory performance. This individual must have the personality, presence, and communication skills necessary to drive business development efforts while remaining operationally involved with staff, clients, and projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead regional business development and client relationship efforts throughout the San Diego market
• Develop, maintain, and expand existing client accounts and contracts while identifying new business opportunities
• Serve as a visible and active representative of Certerra/RMA Group within the Southern California engineering and construction community
• Manage day-to-day operations of the office, engineering staff, field personnel, and laboratory teams
• Mentor and support technical and operational staff while promoting a collaborative team environment
• Collaborate with executive leadership on regional growth strategy, operational performance, and market expansion initiatives
• Support proposals, pricing strategies, contract negotiations, and project pursuits
• Maintain strong relationships with developers, municipalities, public agencies, contractors, architects, and consultants
• Monitor project performance, profitability, utilization, and overall client satisfaction
• Help drive operational excellence, quality service delivery, and long-term client retention

Qualifications

• Active California Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• Geotechnical Engineer (GE) license strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related discipline
• 7+ years of progressive experience within geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, special inspections, or related consulting services
• Strong understanding of the San Diego and Southern California market
• Proven success in business development, account management, and client relationship growth
• Experience managing engineering operations, teams, and project financial performance
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Outgoing, client-focused professional with the personality and presence to successfully drive business development efforts and expand regional relationships
• Ability to operate effectively in a hands-on leadership role within a fast-paced consulting environment

Preferred Experience

• Existing relationships with developers, transportation agencies, municipalities, public works entities, higher education, healthcare, or federal clients within Southern California
• Experience leading or growing regional offices or service lines
• Familiarity with laboratory operations, field testing, and construction-phase consulting services

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Company is dedicated to both the letter and the spirit of the equal opportunity employment laws. All applicants and all employees will be evaluated on the basis of their ability, competence, and performance of the essential functions of their positions. There will be no discrimination on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age 40 and over, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification which may be protected by federal, state, or local laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we specifically offer equal opportunity for all employees or job applicants who may have a physical or mental disability. Such persons will be hired on the basis of their ability to perform the essential functions of the job in question. Likewise, their work will be evaluated on their performance of these essential functions. We will offer reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, to the extent that Company resources allow without undue hardship. As part of our equal employment policy, there will be no wage differentials based on gender, between men and women employed in the same establishment, on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions.