Area Manager, Engineering Operations Management

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Regular Full-time San Diego, CA, San Diego, CA, US

4 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

Company Overview Certerra is a growing national provider of testing, inspection, and certification services that support innovation in new product development, quality assurance, for project delivery, and engineered solutions for asset management. We are passionate about contributing to the sustainable development of the communities we serve. We are a national firm with a global reach serving national and international clients from 30+ offices located in 10 states and are ranked on ENR’s Top 500 list alongside the nation’s top firms.

With a 60-year history, Certerra has a passion for high-end services, constant innovation, and investment in the development of world-class laboratory facilities, and interactive management technologies. Each member of our staff is committed to service, innovation, and the success of our clients.

Certerra/RMA Group is seeking a hands-on Vice President or Area Manager to lead and grow our geotechnical engineering operations in the San Diego market. This role is ideal for a highly connected “seller-doer” with strong leadership abilities, established industry relationships, and a proven track record of business development within Southern California.

The ideal candidate will possess a California Civil PE or Geotechnical Engineering (GE) license and have experience managing engineering operations, developing client relationships, expanding existing contracts, and supporting office and laboratory performance. This individual must have the personality, presence, and communication skills necessary to drive business development efforts while remaining operationally involved with staff, clients, and projects.

• Lead regional business development and client relationship efforts throughout the San Diego market
• Develop, maintain, and expand existing client accounts and contracts while identifying new business opportunities
• Serve as a visible and active representative of Certerra/RMA Group within the Southern California engineering and construction community
• Manage day-to-day operations of the office, engineering staff, field personnel, and laboratory teams
• Mentor and support technical and operational staff while promoting a collaborative team environment
• Collaborate with executive leadership on regional growth strategy, operational performance, and market expansion initiatives
• Support proposals, pricing strategies, contract negotiations, and project pursuits
• Maintain strong relationships with developers, municipalities, public agencies, contractors, architects, and consultants
• Monitor project performance, profitability, utilization, and overall client satisfaction
• Help drive operational excellence, quality service delivery, and long-term client retention

• Active California Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• Geotechnical Engineer (GE) license strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related discipline
• 7+ years of progressive experience within geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, special inspections, or related consulting services
• Strong understanding of the San Diego and Southern California market
• Proven success in business development, account management, and client relationship growth
• Experience managing engineering operations, teams, and project financial performance
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Outgoing, client-focused professional with the personality and presence to…