Geospatial Department Manager
- Saint Louis, MO Merriam, KS
- Permanent
- Full-time
Your Impact at SAMAs the Geospatial Department Manager, you’ll have a unique opportunity to build a brand-new department from the ground up in our North Central Region while having support from geospatial SMEs across the company. This is a highly technical and strategic role that combines leadership, QA/QC excellence, and business development. You’ll lead the growth of our geospatial services by developing operational strategies, ensuring the highest technical quality of deliverables, and building a strong team to support projects across transportation, energy, and infrastructure markets.Key Responsibilities:
- Establish and grow SAM’s Geospatial/Aerial Services department in the region, including hiring, mentoring, and developing technical staff.
- Provide hands-on technical leadership in LiDAR, photogrammetry, aerial mapping, and geospatial data processing, with a strong focus on QA/QC to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards.
- Oversee project scoping, proposals, budgets, and contracts, ensuring financial health and alignment with client expectations.
- Partner with market leads and senior leadership to drive growth strategies and expand SAM’s presence in geospatial services.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships while serving as a trusted technical advisor.
- Monitor project and departmental performance through reporting, financial tracking, and resource allocation.
- Actively participate in recruitment, business development, and marketing to attract top talent and new clients.
- Serve as the company’s representative in regional geospatial operations, contributing to SAM’s national reputation as an industry leader.
- 10+ years of experience in geospatial, aerial mapping, or related technical services.
- Strong technical background in aerial mapping, LiDAR extraction/classification, photogrammetry, and geospatial technologies.
- Proven expertise in QA/QC of geospatial deliverables and developing workflows that improve accuracy and efficiency.
- Experience with MicroStation, TerraSolid, TopoDOT, PLS-CADD, or similar industry software strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success in building and managing technical teams and department operations.
- Strong business development, client engagement, and relationship management skills.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and effectively.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to establish and grow a new department in a dynamic environment.
- Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, Free Vision + Dental plans 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, Access to Ramsey Smart Dollar to support financial goals and retire with confidence, 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
- Culture and Awards/Achievements: SAM Named 2023 Top Workplace USA for Second Consecutive Year; 2023 SAM Ranks No. 88 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms