Construction Materials Testing Team Lead

WSP; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Construction Materials Testing Team Lead to oversee our materials inspection, testing and laboratory group. You will coordinate project staffing, ensure technical quality, and interface with client representatives on Southeast and U.S. sites.

The ideal candidate has 7–10+ years leading teams in construction materials, strong client relations, and solid knowledge of lab and field tests, with a safety-first mindset and a track record of delivering quality results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Geology or Business; 7–10+ years of experience leading teams and managing projects
• Experience with laboratory tests, field testing and special inspections in construction materials
• Strong organization, multi-tasking, and client-facing skills

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a Construction Materials Testing team on projects including testing, inspection and laboratory work
• Drive business development and planning to grow market share in the Knoxville region
• Recruit, hire and staff projects to meet client and company objectives
• Coordinate project teams and ensure technical quality of deliverables
• Support financial, project management, backlog and utilization reporting
• Serve as primary client interface and maintain professional relationships
• Uphold safety, QA/QC, and company policies; adhere to drug/alcohol policies

Skills

Team leadership

Client relationships

Project management

Communication skills

MS Office

Decision making

QA/QC

Laboratory testing knowledge

Geotechnical knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Geology, or Business

Tools

NQA-1 knowledge

CCR/AMRL accreditation knowledge

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP has an exciting career opportunity for a Construction Materials Testing Team Lead to join our Knoxville, TN office. This individual will manage our construction materials inspection, testing and laboratory group and interface with other construction materials practice area leads across the Southeast and the U.S. We offer excellent career growth, a friendly, flexible work environment, and a variety of challenging projects. We have a group of talented staff and work on some of the most exciting projects in the area. We offer the opportunity to mentor talented young engineers and technicians in a supportive and flexible atmosphere where the focus is on teamwork, quality, and excellent client service. Our ideal candidate has strong technical capabilities, solid client relationship skills, a commitment to delivering a quality product and an interest in a leadership role.

Your Impact

• Lead an established team on projects associated with construction management, construction quality assurance, special inspections, materials testing and laboratory testing in both construction materials and geotechnical applications.
• Lead and support business development and strategic planning efforts to increase market share in the local market.
• Recruit/Hire staff and direct project staffing assignments to meet client, contract, and company business objective
• Manage and coordinate project teams, including ensuring the technical quality of deliverables.
• Support financial, project management, backlog and utilization reporting requirements.
• Position will serve as primary interface with client representatives
• Must have ability to make quick decisions requiring sound judgment and experience
• Interact with regulatory agencies, construction contractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs
  

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Geology or Business, is preferred; along with measurable experience managing teams, projects, and client development
• 7-10+ years of industry experience with leading teams, managing projects and sound knowledge of laboratory tests, field testing and special inspections
• Excellent organization skills and ability to multi-task
• Positive experience dealing directly with client representatives
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships as well as experience in proposal preparation
• Strong work ethic, and demonstrated ability to work on project teams
• Strong MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
• Highly capable self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
• Must successfully complete and pass WSP’s Motor Vehicle screening.
• This role is subject to a client-mandated drug/alcohol testing policy. As such, employee may be subject to random drug/alcohol tests. A copy of this policy will be provided during employee onboarding and is available upon applicant request.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge on AMRL and CCRL Laboratory Accreditations
• Knowledge of NQA-1 programs desired but not required
• PE desired but not required
• Local presence and contacts in the East Tennessee construction market