CMT Department Manager
About the Company
Our client is a well-established engineering consulting firm providing services in construction materials testing, geotechnical engineering, special inspections, environmental consulting, and infrastructure support throughout Texas. With a strong reputation for technical excellence and long-standing client relationships, the firm continues to experience significant growth across Central Texas.
Position Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Department Manager to lead and grow its Austin or San Antonio operations. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing department operations, managing staff, driving business development efforts, ensuring technical quality, and maintaining strong relationships with clients across public and private sector projects.
The successful candidate will bring a combination of technical expertise, operational leadership, and a proven ability to grow teams and business across the CMT market.
Key Responsibilities
Department Leadership
- Manage the daily operations of the Construction Materials Testing department.
- Lead, mentor, and develop project managers, field technicians, inspectors, and laboratory personnel.
- Establish departmental goals, performance metrics, and growth strategies.
- Promote a culture focused on safety, quality, accountability, and professional development.
Business Development
- Build and maintain relationships with municipalities, developers, contractors, and engineering firms.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities throughout the Austin and San Antonio markets.
- Support proposal preparation, client presentations, contract negotiations, and strategic growth initiatives.
- Actively contribute to expanding the firm's market presence and service offerings.
Technical Oversight
- Provide engineering oversight for construction materials testing and special inspection projects.
- Ensure compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, TxDOT, ICC, and local agency standards.
- Review technical reports, testing data, and engineering recommendations.
- Support project teams as a technical resource and client advisor.
Project & Financial Management
- Oversee project delivery, scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation.
- Monitor departmental budgets, utilization rates, revenue targets, and profitability.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
- Support QA/QC procedures and risk management initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Professional Engineer (PE) License required.
- 8+ years of experience within Construction Materials Testing, Geotechnical Engineering, Special Inspections, or a related consulting environment.
- Previous experience managing teams, departments, or business units.
- Strong understanding of CMT operations, testing procedures, quality control, and inspection services.
- Proven experience managing client relationships and developing business.
- Strong leadership, communication, project management, and financial management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Existing relationships within the Austin and/or San Antonio engineering and construction markets.
- Experience working with municipalities, transportation agencies, developers, and contractors.
- Familiarity with TxDOT standards and local agency requirements.
- Additional certifications such as ICC, ACI, or PMP are considered advantageous.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary with performance-based bonus potential.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401(k) with employer contribution.
- Professional development and continuing education support.
- Clear path toward senior leadership opportunities.
- Strong project backlog and long-term career stability.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
- Leadership role with significant influence over department growth and strategy.
- Opportunity to manage and mentor a growing technical team.
- Diverse portfolio of public and private sector projects.
- Established client base with strong repeat business.
- Collaborative culture with a focus on employee development and advancement.
This opportunity is ideal for a Senior Project Manager, Operations Manager, CMT Manager, Senior Geotechnical Engineer, or Department Leader looking to take ownership of a growing operation while remaining involved in client development, technical leadership, and strategic planning.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your CV and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organisations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your CV so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
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