Geotechnical Department Manager

Terracon; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon in Jackson, MS seeks a senior supervisor to oversee multiple projects and the department, ensuring on-time delivery per client requirements and company standards. You will supervise proposals, staffing, training, and performance reviews while guiding safety practices and maintaining quality across projects.

The role includes developing business plans, managing key metrics, and building client relationships to grow revenue and profitability in a dynamic consulting environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Engineering, Environmental Science or Geology with 5 years' related experience, or 9 years without a degree.
• Certification or licensure in the field is required or preferred.
• A valid driver's license with acceptable history may be required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare proposals and cost estimates for clients.
• Develop staffing plans and oversee recruitment and onboarding.
• Execute annual department business plans and manage metrics like revenue and profitability.
• Lead safety efforts and ensure a safe work environment.
• Monitor quality standards and project delivery quality.
• Identify, pursue, and execute project opportunities and client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Proposal development

Client relations

Budgeting

Quality management

Safety oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Environmental Science/Geology

Master's degree or PhD (preferred)

Professional licensure/certification

Job description

General Responsibilities

Supervise or monitor all projects in progress in the department to ensure that work is executed on time and in accordance with the client's requirements and within company policies, procedures and standards. Supervise the preparation of proposals and cost estimates to clients to ensure proper scoping of services, availability of manpower and pricing to achieve desired profitability. Supervise the daily operations of a department including staff training, development, and performance review, utilization of equipment and facilities, safety oversight, quality of services and work product, timely delivery of services and deliverables, and adherence to policies and procedure. Plan for and participate in business development activities to identify, develop, win, and execute project opportunities and build and maintain client relationships.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

• Responsible for preparation of proposals and cost estimates.
• With support from the Office Manager perform business and client development activities.
• With support from the Office Manager develop and manage employee staffing plans, recruitment, selection and on-boarding.
• With support from the Office Manager prepare and execute annual business plan for the department.
• With support from the Office Manager oversee and manage the success of the key department metrics of revenue growth, staff chargeability, project billing and collections, and project profitability.
• Develop understanding and be aware of project-related risk. Be familiar with what could go wrong on a project and how to protect the Company. Be familiar with company risk policies.
• Lead safety efforts for team and ensure team follows safety rules and guidelines. Responsible for creating and modeling a safe work environment; demonstrates safety practices. Promote pre-task planning for all projects.
• Responsible for continuous quality monitoring and improvement on projects. Monitor and promote quality standards and practices.
• Responsible for providing consistent quality standards on project and proposal delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in technical discipline practiced by the Firm including Engineering, Environmental Science or Geology and 5 years' practice experience. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 9 years' related experience.
• Certification or licensure in field of expertise.
• A valid driver's license with acceptable violation history may be required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD preferred.
• Terracon Authorized Project Reviewer status preferred.