Branch Manager

UES, Inc.; Charleston (SC); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A national leader in geotechnical engineering seeks a Branch Manager in Charleston, South Carolina. This role requires strong leadership to manage operations, financial performance, and client relations. The candidate should have a bachelor's degree and over 10 years of related experience, including proven budget management and knowledge in geotechnical or environmental fields. The position involves managing a diverse team and strategic planning to drive business growth and success.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of related experience with 5 years managing operations with $15M+ in revenue.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in geotechnical engineering or environmental services.
• Experience in effective scheduling and cost control techniques.

Responsibilities

• Own Branch P&L, managing budgets and ensuring profitability.
• Oversee branch projects to meet business objectives.
• Develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Communication Skills

Leadership

Budget Management

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or physical sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

Collaboration Software

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

The Branch Manager is responsible for the overall performance, growth, and leadership of a local UES branch. This role oversees branch operations and financial performance, ensures technical excellence and compliance with safety standards, and fosters a culture of accountability, client satisfaction, and employee development.

The Branch Manager leads a diverse team, manages P&L responsibilities, and actively contributes to business development, strategic planning, and cross-regional initiatives. As the local representative of UES, the Branch Manager builds strong internal and external relationships, promotes the company’s brand and services, and plays a key role in driving long-term success within the region.

Responsibilities

• Own Branch P&L, including the management/control of budgets, utilization, collections, and other costs.
• Oversee branch projects and daily office activities to sustain profitability.
• Develop and implement project scopes, budgets, schedules and deliverables to meet client and business objectives.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and in compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Safety teams to ensure staff are properly trained and equipped for all business areas.
• Manage Branch vehicle fleet and work closely with the Regional Fleet Director.
• Survey marketplace to identify both new clients and new markets for Company services.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Approve and execute letters, proposals, contracts, and reports, within authority, on behalf of the Company.
• Resolve concerns regarding projects, proposals, contracts, agreements, and technical matters.
• Ensure that the standard of care is met for all work assigned to the Branch.
• Coach, motivate, and supervise Branch staff, encouraging personal and professional development.
• Evaluate and deliver performance feedback for direct staff and review evaluations of others in the Branch.
• Maintain excellent communication both verbally and electronically with senior management, project managers, field staff and colleagues.
• Work with Regional HR Director regarding performance management, discipline, development, etc.
• Contribute to sales innovation, strategic business development, and overall project profitability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, construction management, or physical sciences, preferred.
• 10+ years of related experience with 5 years managing an operation with $15M+ in revenue.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in either geotechnical engineering or environmental services.
• Comfort with standard office and collaboration software (i.e. Microsoft Office, Teams, SharePoint).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as planning, organizing, and delegating ability.
• Experience in the effective use of scheduling and cost control techniques.
• Ability to motivate, train, direct, coordinate, and engage a multi-disciplinary professional team.

Preferred Qualifications

• SC Professional Engineering (PE) license with the ability to obtain additional state licenses as needed.
• Proven track record of managing mid-to-large scale engineering projects from inception to completion.
• Ability to read and write common scientific and technical concepts, journals, legal documents including contracts and financial reports.
• Knowledge and familiarity with industry standards and regulations in geotechnical and construction materials testing methods, ASTM standards, AASHTO, DOT, ASCE, OSHA, laboratory testing, soil classifications, and construction oversight.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting, proposal writing, and presentations to customers, clients and colleagues.

Travel Requirements

• This position requires occasional travel, approximately 20% of the time, to support business objectives and client engagements.
• Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs.
• Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments.
• Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This position operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring flexibility to work effectively from both a professional office and work site setting.
• Days and hours for this position are typically Monday-Friday with some weekend and/or travel may be required.
• On-Site Office Requirements:
  • Work is performed at a desk for extended periods using a computer, phone, and standard office equipment in a climate-controlled office environment.
  • Regular in-person communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders is required.
  • Physical demands may include sitting for long durations, occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of materials up to 15 pounds.
• Field Environment:
  • Work at outdoor sites including wetlands, forests, grasslands, construction zones, and undeveloped land.
  • Travel on foot across uneven, rugged, or obstructed terrain, sometimes in areas inaccessible by vehicle.
  • Exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, humidity, rain, or sun.
  • Possible presence of insects, animals, or natural and man-made hazards in field environments.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift and carry between 35–75 lbs. of equipment or samples over distances up to 75 feet.
  • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate lab and field equipment for extended periods.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, kneel, climb, and balance as needed during both lab and fieldwork.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats in varied environments, often while wearing PPE.
  • Ability to use sensory capabilities to see (including close and distant vision, color perception, depth perception, and focus) and smell for observation and safety purposes.

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EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here