Geotechnical Department Manager | Michigan | Hybrid

Our client is seeking a Geotechnical Department Manager to lead its geotechnical engineering operations, manage a growing team, and oversee a diverse portfolio of industrial, commercial, and residential site development projects. This role combines technical leadership, project oversight, business development, and departmental management within a hybrid work environment.

No Visa Sponsorship | Relocation Assistance: Limited

Work Model & Schedule:

• Hybrid: 2–3 days in office per week, remaining days remote
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8AM–5PM, with overtime as needed
• Travel: Local travel to job sites required

Responsibilities:

Department Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage the geotechnical department, including staffing, workload planning, and performance management.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid‑level engineers, fostering professional growth and technical excellence.
• Conduct team meetings, oversee day‑to‑day operations, and maintain a positive, productive work environment.

Technical & Project Oversight

• Review and approve geotechnical reports, proposals, and design recommendations.
• Ensure adherence to QA/QC standards, Michigan codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical leadership on geotechnical investigations, soil mechanics, foundation design, slope stability, retaining structures, and site development.
• Coordinate with civil, structural, architectural, and construction teams to ensure integrated project delivery.

Business Development & Client Relations

• Support proposal development, scope definition, and fee estimates.
• Participate in networking, client meetings, and revenue‑generating initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through regular communication and project updates.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Contribute to long‑term strategic planning and annual business planning.
• Manage departmental budgets, project profitability, invoices, and collections.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements, revenue growth, and process optimization.

Policy, Compliance & Cross‑Department Collaboration

• Support internal and external audits as required.
• Develop and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Collaborate with HR, IT, and other department managers on staffing, technology, and resource allocation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in special projects supporting corporate goals.
• Perform other duties as needed to support departmental and organizational success.

Qualifications/Must Haves:

• Michigan P.E. license (or ability to obtain)
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent)
• Proficiency with geotechnical engineering software and Microsoft Office.
• 10+ years of geotechnical engineering experience with progressive responsibility.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams, budgets, and multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong knowledge of Michigan geotechnical codes, regulations, and site development standards.

Nice‑to‑Haves:

• Experience mentoring and developing engineering staff.
• Business development experience (proposals, networking, revenue growth)
• Strong financial management skills (budgeting, profitability analysis, collections)
• Familiarity with PLAXIS, GeoStudio, Rocscience, ArcGIS/QGIS, MS Project, or Primavera P6.
• Board Certification in Geotechnical Engineering (ASCE) or relevant environmental certifications.

Benefits & Perks:

• Life Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Fitness Reimbursement
• 401(k) + Profit Sharing
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Maternity & Paternity Leave
• Paid Volunteer Time Off
• Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability
• Health benefits begin the first of the month after 30 days