Geotechnical Project Manager / Department Lead

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

About the Opportunity

An established and growing consulting engineering firm is seeking a Geotechnical Project Manager / Department Lead to join its Charleston, South Carolina office. This opportunity is ideally suited to a geotechnical professional with 5-10 years of experience who is looking to take the next step toward senior leadership while remaining heavily involved in technical delivery and client-facing project management.

The geotechnical team is entering an exciting phase of evolution. Following a recent leadership transition, the department is continuing to refine its structure and build for future growth. This creates a unique opportunity for an experienced engineer to play an influential role in shaping the team's direction, mentoring staff, and helping drive project execution across a diverse portfolio of work.

With a strong backlog of projects and long-standing client relationships, the successful candidate will enjoy exposure to major infrastructure, transportation, marine, industrial, commercial, and residential developments throughout the Southeast. The role offers significant autonomy and would suit someone comfortable leading projects, managing clients, and making technical decisions with minimal oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage geotechnical projects from proposal through delivery, ensuring quality, budget, and schedule objectives are achieved.
• Lead geotechnical investigations, analyses, and design recommendations for a variety of project types.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with repeat clients, including developers, contractors, and public agencies.
• Oversee project budgets, resource allocation, and project performance metrics.
• Review technical reports, foundations recommendations, earthwork evaluations, and geotechnical design documents.
• Support business development efforts, proposals, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff while contributing to the development of department processes and standards.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams on complex transportation, marine, and industrial projects.
• Contribute to design-build pursuits and contractor-partnered project delivery efforts.

Project Portfolio

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work across a broad and technically interesting range of projects, including:

• South Carolina DOT infrastructure projects, with planned expansion into North Carolina DOT programs.
• Design-build transportation projects in partnership with leading contractors.
• Port and marine developments, including work associated with the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal and surrounding logistics infrastructure.
• Large-scale industrial developments driven by continued port growth and manufacturing investment.
• Commercial developments for repeat private-sector clients.
• Residential projects throughout the Charleston and North Charleston markets.
• Emerging industrial and logistics facilities connected to port-related expansion initiatives across the Midwest.

This diversity of work provides exposure to both technically challenging projects and long-term client relationships that support sustained career growth.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field.
• Approximately 5-10 years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure in South Carolina within a reasonable timeframe.
• Experience managing geotechnical projects and client relationships.
• Strong technical knowledge of site investigations, foundation systems, earthwork, and geotechnical reporting.
• Ability to work independently and confidently manage multiple concurrent projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Approximately 5 years of project management, team leadership, or supervisory experience.
• Experience supporting or leading design-build projects.
• Previous involvement with DOT, transportation, marine, or heavy civil infrastructure projects.
• Strong communication and client management skills.
• Interest in mentoring staff and contributing to departmental growth initiatives.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $110,000 - $150,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Semi-annual bonus program (currently evolving as part of the firm's continued growth).
• Salary reviews conducted twice annually, with typical increases ranging between 5-8% based on performance and progression.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements available.
• Remote working may be considered for exceptional candidates, though a local presence is strongly preferred.
• Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, retirement planning, paid time off, and professional development support.