Business and Operations Manager

Northern California Operations Leader

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to oversee and grow our Northern California operations. This unique role combines technical leadership, business development, operational management, staff development, laboratory oversight, and client relationship management. The successful candidate will play a critical role in driving the continued growth and success of our geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, and environmental services practice throughout Northern California.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, proven leader, and relationship builder who can successfully manage multidisciplinary teams, ensure operational excellence, maintain regulatory compliance, and expand our presence in public and private sector markets. This position offers the opportunity to lead established offices while developing new business opportunities throughout the region.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a well-established Northern California practice while helping shape its future growth. You will have the opportunity to work with talented professionals, manage impactful projects, strengthen client partnerships, and contribute directly to the development of communities throughout the region. We are looking for a leader who is passionate about delivering technical excellence, growing business relationships, and building successful teams.

NV5 is a provider of engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients, delivering solutions through six business verticals: Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 helps clients plan, design, build, test, certify, and operate projects that improve the communities where we live and work.

This role will manage operations between Nevada City and the Sacramento area.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

• Provide leadership and oversight for Northern California office operations, including Truckee, Sacramento, Nevada City, and future regional expansion.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams consisting of engineers, laboratory personnel, field technicians, administrative staff, and project managers.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that support growth, efficiency, profitability, and exceptional client service.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, professional development, and continuous improvement.
• Manage staff recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluations, training, mentoring, and succession planning.
• Support strategic planning initiatives and contribute to long-term business objectives.

Business Development & Client Relations

• Drive business development efforts with existing and prospective clients by building trusted relationships, identifying new opportunities, and fostering long-term partnerships that contribute to the continued growth and success of the firm.
• Collaborate with marketing and technical teams to develop pursuit strategies, proposals, qualifications packages, and interview presentations.
• Represent the company at industry events, professional organizations, community meetings, and client functions.
• Expand services within municipal, transportation, commercial, education, and public agency markets throughout Northern California.
• Maintain a strong client-focused approach that emphasizes responsiveness, quality, and long-term value.

Technical & Laboratory Management

• Provide senior-level technical leadership for geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing services.
• Oversee laboratory operations to ensure compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, Caltrans, AMRL, and CCRL standards.
• Review technical reports, laboratory data, engineering analyses, and project deliverables to maintain quality and consistency.
• Oversee laboratory accreditation, equipment maintenance, calibration programs, and regulatory licensing requirements.
• Ensure adherence to company QA/QC procedures and industry best practices.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Manage office budgets, project profitability, work-in-progress, accounts receivable, invoicing, collections, and financial reporting.
• Monitor performance metrics and implement actions to improve operational and financial results.
• Oversee project setup, contract administration, vendor management, and office administration functions.
• Support annual planning, forecasting, and resource allocation activities.

Human Resources & Staff Development

• Lead employee development programs, training initiatives, certification tracking, and professional growth opportunities.
• Coordinate staffing needs and workforce planning across office locations.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and safety-focused workplace culture.
• Support employee engagement and retention efforts throughout the region.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company Health & Safety programs, OSHA regulations, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Maintain required licenses, certifications, permits, and laboratory accreditations.
• Promote a culture of safety and accountability across all office, field, and laboratory operations.

Qualifications

Education/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, Geotechnical, Construction Management, or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, engineering consulting, or related professional services.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical and administrative teams.
• Proven success in business development, client relationship management, and operational leadership

Licenses & Certifications

• California Professional Engineer (PE), Geotechnical Engineer (GE), Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG), Registered Geologist (RG), or equivalent preferred.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Industry certifications related to construction materials testing and laboratory operations are highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple offices, projects, and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong financial management and business operations knowledge.
• Experience developing and maintaining high-value client relationships.
• Proficiency with project management systems, Microsoft Office applications, and business management software.
• Ability to mentor staff and build high-performing teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound professional judgment.

The pay range for this position in California is $170,000 to $200,000 per year. Base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

All local employment laws apply. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.