Head of Construction Department

ECS Limited is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Department Manager to lead our geotechnical engineering team in our Wilmington office. The Geotechnical Department Manager leads the overall operations, technical execution, and financial performance of the geotechnical department. This role is accountable for department success, including project delivery, staff development, client satisfaction, and business growth. The Geotechnical Department Manager leads project managers, engineers, and technical staff, aligning with company standards, safety expectations, and strategic objectives while demonstrating ECS Core Values.
Directly leads engineers, Project Managers, technicians, and support staff
Owns performance management, coaching, career development, and succession planning
Builds and maintains an effective department structure aligned with departmental workload, growth objectives, and service offerings
Communicates branch, subsidiary, and corporate initiatives to staff and supports their implementation at the local level
Technical & Project Oversight
Ensures quality, consistency, and technical excellence across all department projects
Oversees project execution through delegation to Project Managers and technical leaders
Provides escalation support for complex or high-risk projects
Ensures projects meet standards for safety, quality, schedule, and budget
Supports the development and improvement of technical practices, training programs, and initiatives
Financial & Operational Management
Owns department P&L performance (revenue, margin, utilization, backlog)
Monitors KPIs and drives performance improvement
Oversees invoicing, collections, and contract execution
Manages staffing levels and workload planning for efficiency and growth
Ensures compliance with company policies, procedures, and risk controls
Client & Business Development
Develops new business opportunities and expands key client accounts
Represents the firm in external meetings, networking, and industry engagement
Safety, Compliance, & Alignment
Ensures compliance with regulatory standards and company procedures
Drives quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, innovation, and operational excellence
Collaborates with other departments and office leaders to share resources, expertise, and best practices
Aligns departmental objectives with office, subsidiary, and company strategies
High school diploma or GED required
~ Bachelor's and/or Master's of Science in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Materials Science Engineering, Geology, or related field is preferred

Advanced understanding of engineering consulting operations and project execution
Strong financial acumen (P&L, budgeting, forecasting, KPIs)
Client-focused mindset with demonstrated business development success
ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026).