Geotechnical Department Manager

Position & Office Overview

As a Geotechnical Department Manager, you strive to lead both your team and your profits. You have extensive experience both out on the field as well as handling the "business" side of geotechnical engineering. Engineers, technicians, and project managers look to you for mentoring both technically and in building client relationships. You know how to set the bar high and not only achieve that goal yourself - but bring others along with you.

You are extremely hard working and strive to ensure that your team delivers the best quality. You get the "big" picture and want to contribute accordingly - and that's why you'll have all the opportunity for career growth within our company you'll want.

ECS Limited is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Department Manager to lead our geotechnical engineering team in our Buffalo Grove, IL office. In this critical role, you will manage projects and staff, oversee quality control and technical standards, contribute to business development, and help drive overall department success.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the full lifecycle of geotechnical engineering projects.
• Lead a team of geotechnical engineers, geologists, project managers, and technicians.
• Ensure projects adhere to geotechnical engineering best practices, safety standards, and quality control procedures.
• Perform technical review of proposals, reports, and calculations.
• Track department budget, revenue, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Set goals for the geotechnical group and develop staff skills through training initiatives.
• Assist senior staff with business development efforts through community involvement and client engagement.
• Promote company values, positive culture, and high employee engagement.

Required Experience & Skills:

• 10+ years of experience in civil/geotechnical engineering.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Extensive technical knowledge of geotechnical engineering concepts and applications.
• Proven track record of managing budgets, forecasts, and P&L responsibilities.
• Business development experience engaging clients and winning projects.
• Knowledge of geotechnical conditions and construction industry.

Required Education & Certifications:

• BS in Civil Engineering or Geological Engineering from an ABET accredited college/university.

Preferred Education & Certifications:

• MS in Civil Engineering with geotechnical emphasis preferred.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Geologist (PG) preferred;
  If unlicensed, ability to obtain licensure within three months of hire required.

The expected pay range for this role and location is $105,000 - $135,000/year. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

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 facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #66 in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms (April 2025), #148 in Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group's Hot Firm List (May 2025).

For additional information about ECS, visit:

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