Your Impact at SAM
The Director of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) oversees the operations, performance, and strategic growth of the SUE department across the Mid-Atlantic region (VA, MD, DE, DC, PA, WV, NJ). This role provides leadership to multidisciplinary SUE teams, ensuring the delivery of high-quality utility engineering services, consistent safety practices, and efficient project execution. The Director of SUE drives operational excellence, staff development, client satisfaction, and market expansion while aligning departmental goals with overall company strategy.
The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and demonstrates strong leadership, technical expertise in SUE practices, and the ability to inspire and guide teams toward operational and strategic success.
Department Operations and Leadership- Lead day-to-day operations of the SUE department, ensuring efficient use of personnel, equipment, and resources
- Establish staffing plans, workflows, and utilization strategies to support project delivery and growth
- Develop and implement standardized procedures to improve efficiency, consistency, and quality
- Oversee project scopes, budgets, schedules, safety plans, and QA/QC processes
- Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and client requirements
Project Management and Technical Oversight- Provide technical oversight and guidance on SUE services including QL-A, QL-B, utility designation, vacuum excavation, GPR, and survey integration
- Monitor key performance metrics to ensure productivity, profitability, and risk mitigation
- Support complex or high-profile projects with technical review and problem resolution
- Ensure adherence to industry best practices and evolving SUE standards
Client Relations and Business Development- Build and maintain strong client relationships to drive satisfaction and repeat business
- Partner with executive and business development teams to identify and pursue new SUE opportunities
- Support proposal development, scope definition, pricing strategies, and client presentations
- Represent the company at client meetings, industry events, conferences, and trade shows
Team Leadership and Development- Recruit, mentor, and develop SUE leadership, project managers, and technical staff
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and safety-focused team culture
- Support career development, training initiatives, and succession planning
- Align staffing resources with current workloads and future growth initiatives
Strategic Planning and Cross-Functional Collaboration- Align SUE department goals with company-wide strategies and regional growth plans
- Collaborate with Survey, GIS, BIM/LiDAR, and other service lines to deliver integrated solutions
- Identify opportunities to optimize workflows, technology, and resource allocation
- Contribute to long-term strategic planning and expansion of SUE services across multiple markets
What You Bring to SAM
- Previous relevant industry experience
- Strong knowledge of SUE principles, methods, technologies, and industry standards
- Professional Surveyor or Engineer License is preferred
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Demonstrated success in managing teams, client relationships, and business development with a proven track record in leadership and project management
Our Perks
- Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, with dental plans available and free vision coverage for employees, company-paid premiums for Long-term disability/Life Insurance (with HSA + FSA plans), SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being
- Financial Benefits: Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend
- Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including vacation/sick/holidays, parental leave to support families
- Professional Development: Customized career development plan for licensing and certifications, Project Manager Business Academy, CAD Training Program, Individual Development Plans/Career Check-Ins, SAM WINS - our initiative for women-focused leadership and development, Milestone Anniversary Recognition, SAMbassador mentorship program
- Perks and Discounts: Access to "Perks at Work" for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases, company-sponsored events, free office snacks
