CMT Department Manager

ECS Limited is seeking an experienced leader to manage our construction materials testing group in our Houston office. The CMT Department Manager leads the overall operations, technical execution, and financial performance of the CMT department. This role is accountable for department success, including project delivery, staff development, client satisfaction, and business growth. The CMT Department Manager leads project managers, engineers, and technical staff, aligning with company standards, safety expectations, and strategic objectives while demonstrating ECS Core Values. Responsibilities Leadership & People Management Directly leads engineers, Project Managers, technicians, and support staffOwns performance management, coaching, career development, and succession planningBuilds a high-performing, accountable, and collaborative team cultureLeads recruiting, hiring, and retention strategiesDevelops future leadersBuilds and maintains an effective department structure aligned with departmental workload, growth objectives, and service offeringsCommunicates branch, subsidiary, and corporate initiatives to staff and supports their implementation at the local level Technical & Project Oversight Ensures quality, consistency, and technical excellence across all department projectsOversees project execution through delegation to Project Managers and technical leadersProvides escalation support for complex or high-risk projectsEnsures projects meet standards for safety, quality, schedule, and budgetAligns with Associate Principals/Principals on final technical review where requiredMaintains awareness of industry standards, codes, and best practicesSupports the development and improvement of technical practices, training programs, and initiativesCoordinates with leadership to align technical practices and resource utilization Financial & Operational Management Owns department P&L performance (revenue, margin, utilization, backlog)Develops and manages departmental budgets and forecastsMonitors KPIs and drives performance improvementOversees invoicing, collections, and contract executionManages staffing levels and workload planning for efficiency and growthEnsures compliance with company policies, procedures, and risk controls Client & Business Development Leads client relationship management and department growth strategyDevelops new business opportunities and expands key client accountsOversees proposal development, pricing strategy, and scope definitionRepresents the firm in external meetings, networking, and industry engagementDrives sustained revenue growth and market presence Safety, Compliance, & Alignment Promotes and enforces a strong safety cultureEnsures compliance with regulatory standards and company proceduresDrives quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, innovation, and operational excellenceCollaborates with other departments and office leaders to share resources, expertise, and best practicesAligns departmental objectives with office, subsidiary, and company strategiesParticipates in leadership meetings, company initiatives, and committees as requested Required Qualifications 6 years of related experience with a degree or 10 years of related experience without a degreeHigh school diploma or GED requiredBachelor's and/or Master's of Science in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Materials Science Engineering, Geology, or related field is preferredProfessional Engineer (P.E.) or Professional Geologist (P.G.) license preferredIf driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is requiredStrong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skillsAdvanced understanding of engineering consulting operations and project executionStrong financial acumen (P&L, budgeting, forecasting, KPIs)Ability to manage multiple teams, priorities, and deadlinesStrong problem-solving and decision-making capabilityClient-focused mindset with demonstrated business development successProficiency in construction materials testing principles and regional conditionsAbility to build, lead, and scale high-performing teams Military Qualifications The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":E-6/E-7/O-2/O-3 ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com. ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.