Area Operations Manager-San Diego Area

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

Job summary

Certerra is seeking a hands-on Vice President or Area Manager to lead and grow our geotechnical engineering operations in the San Diego market. The role emphasizes a strong seller-doer approach, leveraging established industry relationships and leadership to expand contracts and service delivery.

The candidate will be responsible for day-to-day operations, financial performance, staff development, and maintaining high safety and quality standards while driving regional growth and client

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Progressive leadership experience in engineering consulting, construction materials testing, geotechnical, environmental, or related professional services.
• Demonstrated experience managing operations, budgets, personnel, and client relationships.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of safety regulations, quality systems, and applicable industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations for the San Diego area with client satisfaction.
• Manage financial performance, including revenue, profitability, labor utilization, budgeting, and cost control.
• Develop, mentor, and support managers and staff while promoting employee engagement and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and all applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with project managers and technical leaders to optimize staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while supporting business development and regional growth initiatives.
• Monitor operational metrics and implement continuous improvement strategies to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Collaborate with corporate leadership and shared service departments to achieve company objectives.

Skills

Leadership abilities

Business development

Communication skills

Staff mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field

Job description

Certerra is 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.

Job Summary

The Area Operations Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of Certerra's San Diego area, ensuring safe, efficient, and profitable delivery of engineering, construction materials testing, inspection, and related professional services. This role provides leadership to operational teams, drives financial performance, supports business development, and fosters a culture of safety, quality, and exceptional client service.

Duties

• Lead and oversee daily operations for the San Diego area, ensuring operational excellence and client satisfaction.
• Manage financial performance, including revenue, profitability, labor utilization, budgeting, and cost control.
• Develop, mentor, and support managers and staff while promoting employee engagement and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and all applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with project managers and technical leaders to optimize staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while supporting business development and regional growth initiatives.
• Monitor operational metrics and implement continuous improvement strategies to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Collaborate with corporate leadership and shared service departments to achieve company objectives.

Education/Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Progressive leadership experience in engineering consulting, construction materials testing, geotechnical, environmental, or related professional services.
• Demonstrated experience managing operations, budgets, personnel, and client relationships.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of safety regulations, quality systems, and applicable industry standards.

Certifications/Licenses: Related certifications and licenses a plus.

• California Civil PE or Geotechnical Engineer Preferred
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the San Diego region as needed.

Coronado National City Chula Vista La Mesa Lemon Grove El Cajon

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 condition