Natural Resources Department Leader

ECS Group of Companies; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies is seeking a senior leader to direct a diverse team of engineers, PMs, technicians, and support staff from Raleigh, NC. You will own performance management, coaching, succession planning, and build a high-performing culture across the department.

You will oversee technical excellence, project oversight, budgets, and client growth, ensuring safety, quality, and operational goals align with corporate strategy. Travel and a valid license may be required.

Qualifications

• 6 years of related experience with a degree or 10 years with no 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
• Proficiency in construction materials testing principles and regional conditions
• 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 departmental 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

Financial acumen

Project execution

Problem solving

Client-focused

Team leadership

Multi-team management

Construction materials testing

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering or Environmental Science

High school diploma or GED

Job description

ECS Group of Companies is seeking a senior leader to direct a diverse team of engineers, PMs, technicians, and support staff from Raleigh, NC. You will own performance management, coaching, succession planning, and build a high-performing culture across the department.

You will oversee technical excellence, project oversight, budgets, and client growth, ensuring safety, quality, and operational goals align with corporate strategy. Travel and a valid license may be required.