Group Leader- Materials Testing/Inspection

Welcome to Verdantas, where innovation meets sustainability, and your career finds purpose! At Verdantas, we’re redefining environmental consulting and sustainable engineering through our use of cutting-edge modeling and digital technology and our genuine commitment to people. Our work spans high-growth sectors like water resources, resilient land use, energy transformation, and civil infrastructure. We partner with clients to deliver smart, data-driven solutions to complex environmental and infrastructure challenges.

About the role

As Group Leader for Testing & Inspection, you'll have the authority and the accountability to shape how this group operates, grows, and wins. This role is a blend of operational leadership, creative thinking, business development/strategic growth, and mentorship, requiring a strong technical background. You'll be the person who sets the bar on quality, fills the pipeline, develops the next generation of Testing and Inspection (T&I) professionals, and makes sure our clients never have a reason to look elsewhere.

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership (~40% of your time)
  • Run the day-to-day of the T&I department — field ops, lab throughput, scheduling, and quality oversight — without losing sight of the bigger picture.
  • Develop and implement quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of all testing results.
  • Monitor and report on departmental performance metrics; maintain strong knowledge of sales pipeline and hard backlog.
  • Monitor maintenance of equipment and tools used for testing, ensuring they are properly calibrated and functioning correctly.
  • Oversee lab Quality Management and accreditations (AASHTO, Caltrans, AMRL, CCRL, DSA, OSHPD) and make sure we stay current on all of them.
  • Manage resource allocation.
  • Oversee subcontractor relationships, compliance and AP approvals, ensuring proper credentials and procedure are implemented throughout their engagement.
• Business Development (~20% of your time)
  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities; build and maintain relationships with clients, stakeholders, and industry partners.
  • Lead proposal development and contract negotiations.
  • Represent Verdantas at industry conferences, seminars, and networking events.
  • Know your pipeline. Own your pipeline. Whether it's a municipal roadway job or a high-rise with complex special inspection requirements, you'll be the one making sure Verdantas is the first call.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with clients and partners to promote the services of the T&I department.
• Mentorship & Technical Leadership (~10% of your time)
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff and project teams.
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
  • Be the person your personnel come to when a field situation gets complicated — and have the depth to back it up.
  • Stay current with industry/emerging trends, regulations, and best practices, with communication to the team.
  • Support and shape the company's people-focused culture by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration — reinforcing positive workplace values and encouraging teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.
• Senior Review / Project Management (30% of your time)
  • Provide senior review and quality control of daily and final reports.
  • Project management of special projects that demand dealing with key sustaining clients or new clients.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in construction materials testing, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Hands-on fluency with construction materials testing and special inspection scopes — you've been in the field, you know what it takes, and your team will respect you for it.
• Relevant certifications, current or prior — ACI, NICET, Caltrans ICC, AWS/CWI, or ASNT credentials are a big plus.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record in operational management and business development in the A/E industry.
• Strong understanding of industry standards and regulations related to construction materials testing.
• Ability to create, implement, and execute a strategic growth plan.
• California Registered Civil Engineer licensure.
• Experience managing lab accreditation programs (AASHTO, USACE, AMRL, DSA, OSHPD).
• Familiarity with Verdantas end markets: buildings, power, infrastructure, transportation, and government.

Pay

Salary Range: $140,000-$180,000

Benefits

• Flexible Work Environment
• Paid Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off + Holidays