Head of Construction Materials Testing

ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Limited seeks an experienced CMT Department Manager to lead our construction materials testing group, directing project delivery, staff development, client satisfaction, and growth while upholding ECS Core Values.

You will supervise engineers, PMs, and technicians, oversee safety, quality, schedule, and budget, and drive continuous improvement across the department in a collaborative, results‑oriented culture.

Qualifications

• 6 years of related experience with a degree or 10 years of related experience without a degree
• PE or PG license preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in construction materials testing principles and regional conditions

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

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

Staff development

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering or related field

High School Diploma or GED

PE license (preferred)

Tools

PE or PG license (preferred)

Job description

ECS Limited seeks an experienced CMT Department Manager to lead our construction materials testing group, directing project delivery, staff development, client satisfaction, and growth while upholding ECS Core Values.

You will supervise engineers, PMs, and technicians, oversee safety, quality, schedule, and budget, and drive continuous improvement across the department in a collaborative, results‑oriented culture.