Department Manager | Geotechnical Services - Charlotte

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Reports To: Charlotte Branch Manager 

Status: Full-Time, Exempt 

Overview of Bunnell-Lammons Engineering, Inc. 

At Bunnell-Lammons Engineering (BLE), we are committed to delivering exceptional value to our clients through technical excellence, ethical leadership, and outstanding client service. As an employee-owned engineering consulting firm, we believe our greatest strength is our people, and we are committed to creating an environment where employees are empowered to lead, innovate, grow professionally, and make a lasting impact on our clients, our communities, and our firm.  

Our values are Clients, Respect, Excellence, Safety, and Trust, which together form the foundation we call C.R.E.S.T. These principles guide how we work together and serve our clients every day. As BLE continues to expand its geographic footprint and technical capabilities, we are seeking leaders who share our commitment to building strong teams, cultivating lasting client relationships, and shaping the future of our firm. 

Position Overview 

The Department Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for the operational, financial, and strategic management of the Geotechnical Services Department in the Charlotte metropolitan area. This individual will lead department staff, ensure adherence to corporate standards and policies, manage profit and loss performance, and foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and collaboration. The Department Manager will be expected to bring an entrepreneurial mindset to building BLE’s local geotechnical practice, including developing client relationships, leading business development efforts, recruiting and mentoring staff, and expanding the department’s market presence. The Department Manager will also serve as a key liaison between corporate leadership, internal departments, and external clients to support the firm’s growth, client satisfaction, and long-term success. This position is intended for an experienced engineering professional who aspires to become an owner and firm-wide leader within BLE as opportunities arise.  As a leader within an employee-owned firm, this individual will be expected to demonstrate long-term stewardship and actively contribute to the growth and success of BLE’s Charlotte operations. 

Success in this role requires balancing technical excellence, operational leadership, business development, financial performance, and talent development while advancing BLE's strategic objectives. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering required; Master's degree with a geotechnical emphasis preferred. 

• Professional Engineer (PE) license required. 

• 8+ years of progressive experience in geotechnical or geostructural engineering consulting, including technical leadership, project management, staff development, and client and business development. 

• Demonstrated technical expertise in subsurface exploration, geotechnical analysis, design recommendations, construction support, and the identification and management of geotechnical risk.  

• Strong knowledge of regional geology, local subsurface and construction challenges, applicable codes and standards, and accepted geotechnical engineering practices within the Charlotte metropolitan area and surrounding markets. 

• Established relationships within the Charlotte metropolitan area and surrounding markets strongly preferred. 

• Participation in BLE's Senior Professional Program will be required to qualify as a final reviewer, execute contracts, and manage technical risk on behalf of the firm. 

• Demonstrated experience managing project financial performance and familiarity with departmental budgeting, profitability, utilization, and resource planning.  

• Working knowledge of consulting agreements, project risk management, and contract administration. 

• Demonstrated ability to develop strong client relationships, generate repeat business, and contribute to the pursuit of new consulting opportunities.  

• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills. 

Primary Responsibilities 

Business Development & Client Relations 

• Develop and execute the department's business development strategy in collaboration with the Charlotte Branch Manager and BLE leadership through strategic client development, market expansion, and long-term relationship building. 

• Establish annual business development goals and set clear expectations for department staff to support the department's growth initiatives, as appropriate.  

• Represent BLE through professional organizations, technical conferences, community involvement, public presentations, and industry events to strengthen the firm's reputation and market presence.  

• Develop and maintain key client relationships by seeking feedback, resolving concerns, and aligning project delivery with client expectations. 

• Lead and support major pursuits, proposals, interviews, contract negotiations, strategic client account planning, and market positioning efforts to support long-term growth. 

• Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships and cross-sell BLE’s construction materials testing, environmental, geostructural, and other complementary services. 

Operational & Technical Leadership 

• Maintain corporate and professional standards, ethics, and regulatory compliance throughout the department.  

• Develop, communicate, and implement departmental policies, best practices, standard operating procedures, and operational initiatives that promote quality, consistency, efficiency, and profitability. 

• Communicate strategic goals, operational priorities, and performance expectations while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. 

• Oversee geotechnical projects from proposal development and scoping through subsurface exploration, engineering analysis, report preparation, and final delivery, ensuring appropriate staffing, technical approach, schedule, budget, and client communication. 

• Ensure subsurface exploration programs are appropriately planned and coordinated, including drilling, sampling, laboratory testing, field personnel, subcontractors, and project schedules. 

• Review proposals, calculations, drawings, reports, and other deliverables to ensure quality, constructability, consistency, and client satisfaction. 

• Provide technical leadership during design and construction and ensure clients and project teams receive timely support in resolving complex geotechnical challenges. 

• Lead QA/QC efforts, serve as final reviewer where authorized, and provide ongoing coaching and technical guidance to department staff. 

Staffing & Talent Management 

• Evaluate current and future staffing needs based on workload, business development initiatives, and project forecasts.  

• Lead recruiting and candidate selection and provide compensation and hiring recommendations in collaboration with Human Resources and BLE leadership. 

• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a high-performing team through effective hiring, performance management, coaching, professional development, and succession planning. 

Financial Management 

• Manage department financial performance and be accountable for progress toward departmental revenue, profitability, utilization, backlog, and other financial targets.  

• Develop and manage annual operating budgets, financial forecasts, staffing plans, and departmental operating plans in collaboration with the Charlotte Branch Manager, Finance, and BLE leadership.  

• Oversee project financial performance, including contract terms, billing rates, discounting, profitability, and resource utilization.  

• Review departmental financial performance, identify financial risks and opportunities, and implement corrective actions to improve operational performance and profitability. 

Strategic Planning & Goal Setting 

• Develop and implement the department’s long-term strategy, annual business plans, performance objectives, and operational goals in collaboration with the Charlotte Branch Manager and BLE leadership and in alignment with BLE’s strategic vision.  

• Track progress on strategic initiatives and operational goals, provide regular updates to the Charlotte Branch Manager and BLE leadership, and implement corrective actions when necessary.  

• Evaluate emerging market trends, client needs, and industry developments to identify opportunities for innovation, service expansion, and long-term growth. 

Work Environment 

This position primarily operates in a professional office environment and requires regular in-person work. Occasional travel to client sites, project locations, company offices, industry events, and business development activities is also expected.  

Why Join Us? 

• Opportunity to build, lead, and grow a geotechnical practice within one of the fastest-growing regions in the Southeast.  

• Employee-owned company where leadership has a direct impact on the individual’s and firm's success.  

• Established technical resources and corporate support combined with the autonomy to build and expand your local practice.  

• Collaborative, multidisciplinary environment with opportunities to work alongside geotechnical, geostructural, environmental, and CMT professionals.  

• Commitment to professional development, technical excellence, innovation, and leadership growth.  

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package. 

Benefits 

• Medical/Vision/Dental 

• 401(K) with partial company matching. 

• Life Insurance 

• Short/long term disability 

• Paid vacation 

• Paid sick leave. 

• Eight (8) paid holidays. 

• Vehicle allowance (conditions apply)