Environmental Department Lead - People & Projects

ECS Southeast, LLP; Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) seeks an Environmental Department Manager to lead engineers, project managers, and staff, driving project delivery, staff development, client satisfaction, and growth. You will oversee quality, safety, budgets, and key client relationships from a facilities management hub in Tennessee.

Lead a multi-disciplinary team, align with corporate standards, and report to senior leadership while shaping the environmental practice across offices.

Qualifications

• 6 years of related experience with a degree or 10 years of related experience without a degree.
• High school diploma or GED required
• Bachelor's and/or Master's of Science in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Natural or Environmental Science, Geology, or other degree relevant to the practice of Environmental Consulting is preferred
• If driving for, or on behalf of, any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Advanced understanding of engineering consulting operations and project execution
• Strong financial acumen (P&L, budgeting, forecasting, KPIs)
• Ability to manage multiple teams, priorities, and deadlines
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability
• Client-focused mindset with demonstrated business development success
• Ability to build, lead, and scale high-performing teams

Responsibilities

• Directly leads engineers, Project Managers, technicians, and support staff
• Owns performance management, coaching, career development, and succession planning
• Builds a high-performing, accountable, and collaborative team culture
• Leads recruiting, hiring, and retention strategies
• Develops future leaders
• Builds and maintains an effective department structure aligned with workload, growth objectives, and service offerings
• Communicates branch, subsidiary, and corporate initiatives to staff and supports their implementation at the local level
• Ensures quality, consistency, and technical excellence across all department projects
• Oversees project execution through delegation to Project Managers and technical leaders
• Provides escalation support for complex or high-risk projects
• Ensures projects meet standards for safety, quality, schedule, and budget
• Aligns with Associate Principals/Principals on final technical review where required
• Maintains awareness of industry standards, codes, and best practices
• Supports the development and improvement of technical practices, training programs, and initiatives
• Coordinates with leadership to align technical practices and resource utilization
• Owns department P&L performance (revenue, margin, utilization, backlog)
• Develops and manages departmental budgets and forecasts
• Monitors KPIs and drives performance improvement
• Oversees invoicing, collections, and contract execution
• Manages staffing levels and workload planning for efficiency and growth
• Ensures compliance with company policies, procedures, and risk controls
• Leads client relationship management and department growth strategy
• Develops new business opportunities and expands key client accounts
• Oversees proposal development, pricing strategy, and scope definition
• Represents the firm in external meetings, networking, and industry engagement
• Drives sustained revenue growth and market presence
• Promotes and enforces a strong safety culture
• Ensures compliance with regulatory standards and company procedures
• Drives quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, innovation, and operational excellence
• Collaborates with other departments and office leaders to share resources, expertise, and best practices
• Aligns departmental objectives with office, subsidiary, and company strategies
• Participates in leadership meetings, company initiatives, and committees as requested

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Client focus

Team building

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's and/or Master's of Science in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Natural or Environmental Science, Geology

High school diploma or GED

Job description

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) seeks an Environmental Department Manager to lead engineers, project managers, and staff, driving project delivery, staff development, client satisfaction, and growth. You will oversee quality, safety, budgets, and key client relationships from a facilities management hub in Tennessee.

Lead a multi-disciplinary team, align with corporate standards, and report to senior leadership while shaping the environmental practice across offices.