Service Excellence Leader

DEA's survey team harmonizes historical traditions with cutting-edge technology, honoring the legacy of original surveyors. Our commitment lies in a revenue-driving survey unit that pioneers traditional and specialized surveying services, spanning mobile and static laser scanning, sUAS/drone surveys, and hydrographic surveys. Within our daily land surveying and geomatics endeavors lies a diverse spectrum of tasks, akin to the variety found in any career. We cultivate an exclusive, collaborative workspace where precise skills converge to craft optimal client solutions.

The Surveying & Geomatics business unit is seeking a Service Excellence Leader in Houston or College Station, TX.

The Service Excellence Leader within Surveying & Geomatics is a senior leadership role that unites strategic practice growth, operational performance, and project delivery excellence. As both the practice and operations leader of the team, this position is responsible for setting the long-term vision for the Surveying & Geomatics group, driving operational results across its Western U.S. footprint, and leading its expansion into a nationwide presence. Reporting directly to the Operating Unit Leader, the Service Excellence Leader is both a strategic architect and an active delivery leader; establishing and enforcing technical standards, developing processes that consistently exceed client expectations, optimizing resources, and cultivating the next generation of leaders. This role is central to enhancing the group's national market position while ensuring that every project, whether local or large-scale, high-value work, meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and client satisfaction with precision and consistency.

• Lead and manage the overall operations of the Surveying & Geomatics group, ensuring the highest levels of delivery, quality, and client satisfaction.

• Oversee project workflows, resource allocation, and scheduling to ensure efficient and timely project execution.

• Performance Management: Establish and monitor KPIs for project delivery, quality, safety, and financial performance, ensuring continuous improvement across the practice.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with finance, HR, and business development to align operational resources with strategic priorities.

• Change Leadership: Lead adoption of new processes, tools, and technologies to drive efficiency, scalability, and innovation in delivery.

• Provide leadership and management for all Surveying & Geomatics delivery staff.

• Develop and execute people strategies that align staffing, training, and career development with organizational goals.

• Mentor and guide staff to foster technical excellence, collaboration, and leadership skills.

• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of technical standards and procedures.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, industry regulations, and company safety policies.

• Champion a culture of safety and risk awareness in all operations.

• Drive a client-first culture by ensuring delivering client expectations through service quality and responsiveness across all projects.

• Partner with project managers and field crews to anticipate needs, address concerns, and deliver exceptional client experiences.

• Monitor client feedback and incorporate lessons learned into process improvements.

• Serve as executive sponsor on strategic or high-value projects, ensuring alignment with client expectations, budget, and schedule.

• Champion consistent application of QA/QC, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies to safeguard project success.

• Actively engage with key clients post-delivery to strengthen relationships, identify future opportunities, and capture lessons learned.

• Promote the company's Surveying & Geomatics capabilities through industry events, thought leadership, and strategic marketing efforts.

• Contribute to overall business unit strategy, investment decisions, and operational planning.

• Support business development by providing operational insights, proposal input, and technical expertise.

• Comprehensive understanding of surveying, geomatics, and related operational fields.

• Proven leadership, mentoring, networking, negotiating, and partnering skills.

• Ability to articulate and implement long-term strategies while managing short-term priorities.

• Demonstrated success in achieving results through effective leadership, operational management, and problem-solving.

• Skilled in assessing and balancing risks, rewards, and costs in decision-making.

• Strong collaborator with the ability to build trust and foster teamwork.

• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day operational demands.

• Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams across multiple geographies.

• Ability to influence without direct authority in a matrix organization.

• Bachelor's degree in Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license preferred.

• 10+ years of progressive experience in surveying/geomatics operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

• Strong knowledge of surveying methods, equipment, and software (CAD, GIS, GPS, LiDAR, etc.).

• Proven track record in operational improvement, client service leadership, and team development.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.

• CAD/GIS software proficiency.

• Experience leading multi-office or geographically distributed teams.

• Background in large-scale infrastructure, energy, or transportation projects.

• Strong business acumen. MBA or formal leadership training.

We foster an environment where talented professionals have the freedom and support to do their most meaningful work. Our values and company culture form the foundation of our success, creating a positive and collaborative work environment. These guiding principles are vital to our continued achievements and unwavering commitment to improving the world around us.

As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to cultivate and develop your skills and work alongside talented colleagues who are committed to improving the quality of life while demonstrating stewardship of the built and natural environments.

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Financial wellness: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions
• Professional development: Support for continuing education and training opportunities.
• Work-life balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay
• Work Schedule: Flexible 9/80 schedule-every other Friday off!
• Retirement: 401k plan
• Wellbeing focus: Holistic Wellbeing Program centered on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health
• Growth opportunities: Access to mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement
• Potential salary range: $170,000 - $200,000

* The posted salary range represents the typical range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable state and local transparency laws. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

If you are a recruiter, search agency, or otherwise wish to refer a candidate to DEA, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate to DEA without an active and signed written agreement in place in advance with DEA Human Resources. Any resume submitted to any DEA employee by an external recruiter without a written agreement in place at the time of submission will be considered the property of DEA and DEA will not be liable for the payment of a placement fee. If you would like to notify DEA of your interest in initiating a written agreement for services or to resumes, please e-mail careers@deainc.com.

Potential office locations include: Houston, TX; College Station, TX.