Full Job Description
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.
Key Responsibilities
• 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
Qualifications
• 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 successfully drive business development efforts and expand regional relationships
• Ability to operate effectively in a hands-on leadership role within a fast-paced consulting environment
Preferred Experience
• Existing relationships with developers, transportation agencies, municipalities, public works entities, higher education, healthcare, or federal clients within Southern California
• Experience leading or growing regional offices or service lines
• Familiarity with laboratory operations, field testing, and construction-phase consulting services
