Civil Engineering - Operations Manager

About Charles P. Johnson & Associates

For more than 55 years, Charles P. Johnson & Associates, Inc. (CPJ) has been a trusted partner in land planning, civil engineering, environmental engineering, and surveying throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. CPJ has built its reputation on technical excellence, responsive service, lasting client relationships, and a collaborative approach to serving public- and private-sector clients.

Position Summary

CPJ is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Operations Manager to lead our private land development office in Fairfax, Virginia.

This key leadership position is directly responsible for the overall operational and financial success, staff development, client relationships, stability, and growth of the Fairfax office. The Operations Manager will work closely with the Director of Operations and office leadership to oversee day-to-day operations, develop employees, manage financial performance and billing approval, strengthen client relationships, and drive accountability across the office.

The successful candidate will actively strengthen CPJ’s presence in Northern Virginia by cultivating key relationships, expanding professional networks, and identifying business development opportunities that support the long-term growth of the Fairfax office.

Key Responsibilities

Office Leadership & Operations

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Fairfax office, ensuring effective coordination across functions and teams.
• Establish clear priorities, expectations, and accountability for office operations.
• Partner with the Director of Operations and company leadership to establish and execute operational priorities.
• Evaluate office, team, and project performance and implement changes necessary to improve efficiency, accountability, project delivery, client service, and financial results.
• Strengthen collaboration across engineering, surveying, administrative, and other functions.
• Serve as a visible, accessible, and engaged leader within the Fairfax office.

People Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and support managers and employees while fostering a professional, collaborative, and accountable workplace.
• Set clear performance expectations and directly address individual and team performance concerns in partnership with Company leadership and HR.
• Develop employees through mentorship, professional development, and meaningful opportunities for growth.
• Take an active role in identifying staffing needs, recruiting key talent, interviewing candidates, and building the team necessary to support the office’s workload and growth.
• Assess staffing needs and recommend resources or organizational changes based on current and anticipated workloads.
• Identify and develop emerging leaders to support the continued strength of the Fairfax team.

Business & Financial Operations

• Take ownership of the overall financial performance and operational success of the Fairfax office.
• Review and approve billing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and sound project financial management.
• Monitor revenue, profitability, project budgets, billing, and other key performance indicators, addressing financial risks and concerns as needed.
• Partner with Division Managers and Project Managers to strengthen project financial performance and accountability.
• Oversee workload and resource allocation to align operational capacity with current and anticipated business needs.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning in partnership with company leadership to support the long-term financial health of the Fairfax office.

Business Development, Client Relationships & Community Engagement

• Serve as a visible and active representative of CPJ throughout Fairfax County and the broader Northern Virginia business and professional community.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key existing and prospective clients, industry partners, business leaders, community stakeholders, and referral sources.
• Expand CPJ’s professional network and identify opportunities for new and expanded business.
• Understand client priorities and future needs to deepen relationships and identify opportunities across CPJ’s services.
• Participate in industry events, professional associations, business functions, conferences, and community activities that strengthen CPJ’s presence in the market.
• Partner with CPJ leadership and technical teams to pursue business opportunities and support proposals, presentations, and client interviews.
• Encourage employees to build professional networks and participate in client development, industry organizations, and community engagement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, construction management, operations, organizational leadership, or related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Significant leadership experience within civil engineering, land development, architecture/engineering, construction, consulting, or a closely related professional services environment with demonstrated experience leading teams responsible for project delivery and client services.
• Demonstrated experience working with private-sector land development clients, including developers, builders, architects, and land use professionals.
• Strong understanding of project-based professional services operations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop employees, strengthen teams, and lead through organizational change.
• Strong business and financial acumen with experience managing financial and operational performance.
• Demonstrated ability to build client and professional relationships and contribute to business development.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to build credibility with executives, managers, employees, clients, and business partners while managing competing priorities and maintaining accountability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or significant experience working within a civil engineering or land development organization.
• Establish experience and professional relationships within the Northern Virginia engineering, land development, infrastructure, construction, or related business community.
• Familiarity with Fairfax County and surrounding Northern Virginia jurisdictions.
• Established professional relationships or industry connections within the Northern Virginia market.
• Experience with business development, client relationship management, networking, and professional or community organizations.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. At this time, CPJ is not sponsoring H-1B visas or other employment-based work authorization programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles P. Johnson & Associates (CPJ) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. CPJ is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for qualified individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the application and employment process in accordance with applicable law.