CEI Office Manager

Job Description

F&ME Consultants, Inc. is a South Carolina owned and operated engineering firm established in 1980 with offices in Columbia, Beaufort, Florence, and Richburg, South Carolina. Since its inception, F&ME has been committed to providing innovative solutions for the many challenges faced by its clients.

F&ME provides Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Consulting, Materials Testing, and Construction Services to a diverse client base that includes municipalities, counties, state agencies, federal agencies, educational institutions, and commercial and private entities. F&ME offers its clients traits earned only through years of direct experience on projects involving a wide range of scopes, budgets, and unique challenges.

F&ME's professionals have established themselves as practical problem-solvers who provide the most economical and technically sound solutions possible. F&ME prides itself on accomplishing every job to the full satisfaction of its clients, no matter what challenges the assignments might present.

Position Summary

The Branch Manager is responsible for the overall management and daily operations of a construction engineering, inspection, and materials testing office. Responsibilities include staff supervision, project coordination, technical oversight, client communication, proposal preparation, billing review, and coordination of laboratory and office operations.

The Branch Manager works closely with inspectors, technicians, laboratory personnel, clients, contractors, and agency representatives to ensure projects are properly staffed, executed, documented, and completed in accordance with applicable specifications and contract requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Office and Staff Management

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• Coordinate daily schedules for inspectors and technicians
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• Balance workload and staffing across multiple projects
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• Review and approve employee timesheets
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• Interview candidates and assist with hiring and onboarding
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• Train and mentor inspectors and technicians on procedures and techniques
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• Provide technical assistance and guidance to field staff
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• Field daily calls from staff regarding plans, specifications, schedules, and field issues
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Project Oversight and Coordination

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• Review Daily Work Reports, inspection reports, and testing documentation
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• Review SCDOT forms and project documentation
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• Review contractor quantities and assist with monthly estimate reviews
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• Review construction plans and specifications for compliance and constructability
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• Review and respond to submittals and contractor correspondence
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• Assist in review and analysis of construction schedules
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• Attend preconstruction meetings, coordination meetings, and project meetings
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• Host and run project-specific meetings when required
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• Meet with clients and agency representatives for project coordination
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• Visit project sites to address technical, documentation, or quantity issues
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Client Communication and Business Development

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• Serve as a point of contact for clients, contractors, and agencies
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• Field incoming calls regarding new services and project opportunities
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• Follow up on leads and opportunities related to construction inspection and testing services
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• Maintain professional relationships with clients and project partners
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Proposals and Financial Responsibilities

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• Prepare and review project proposals and cost estimates
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• Participate in billing review and invoice preparation
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• Review client invoices for accuracy
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• Coordinate with accounting regarding billing questions or outstanding invoices
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Laboratory and Technical Operations

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• Coordinate with laboratory staff to ensure testing is performed in accordance with applicable specifications
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• Verify laboratory and field equipment is calibrated and in good working condition
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• Assist in troubleshooting testing or documentation issues
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• Coordinate equipment needs and testing plans
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• Assist with laboratory accreditation requirements and procedures
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Office Operations and Facilities

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• Coordinate purchase of office and laboratory supplies
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• Coordinate equipment repairs and maintenance
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• Work with vendors, contractors, and landlords as needed
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• Assist in maintaining company equipment and resources
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Qualifications

Required

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• Experience in construction, inspection, materials testing, infrastructure, or related technical services
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• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications
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• Strong organizational and communication skills
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• Experience coordinating projects, staff, or field activities
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• Valid driver’s license
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• Professional Engineer in the South Carolina of the ability to acquire South Carolina registration through reciprocity within 6 months of hire.
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Preferred

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• Professional certifications related to construction inspection or materials testing
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• Experience with transportation or infrastructure projects
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• Experience managing staff or leading project teams
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Work Environment

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• This position involves a combination of office work, coordination activities, and periodic field visits to project sites. The Branch Manager works in a fast-paced environment requiring coordination of multiple projects, staff schedules, and client communications.
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Salary

$150,000+/year based on experience