Survey Operations and Technical Manager

We seek to move the world forward through innovative thinking.
Woolpert is an award‑winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. We blend design excellence with cutting‑edge technology to deliver exceptional client value, and as a certified Great Place to Work®, we embrace progress and innovation to create limitless opportunities for career growth.

As part of Woolpert, Murphy Geospatial – A Woolpert Company contributes deep geospatial expertise across Europe, supporting complex infrastructure, property, manufacturing, utilities, and natural‑environment projects through world‑class data capture, verification, and governance.

Position Overview

We are currently seeking an Operations & Survey Technical Manager to join our Survey UAV Department. This is a key leadership role responsible for the operational and technical management of our Topographical Survey and Mobile Mapping services.

Reporting to the Head of Department, the successful candidate will oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of survey projects, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and client satisfaction. Acting as the link between field teams, office-based processing staff, and clients, you will play a critical role in delivering projects on time, within budget, and to specification while supporting the continued growth and development of the department.

What You Will Do

• Lead the day-to-day operations of our Topographical Survey and Mobile Mapping teams
• Plan and coordinate survey crew schedules, resource allocation, and project staffing
• Monitor project progress and proactively resolve operational challenges
• Manage project mobilisation, logistics, risk assessments, and compliance requirements
• Act as the main point of contact for clients throughout project delivery, providing updates and responding to technical and operational queries
• Oversee the full project lifecycle from site works and data capture through processing, QA, and final delivery
• Coordinate workflows between field teams, processing teams, and subcontractors
• Provide technical guidance and support to surveyors, mobile mapping operators, and processing personnel
• Ensure project information is accurately maintained within project management systems
• Drive quality assurance processes and ensure deliverables meet client and company standards
• Develop and maintain operational procedures, workflows, and best practices
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, performance, and project delivery processes
• Support tendering activities, project estimating, resource forecasting, and departmental growth initiatives
• Promote the wider Murphy Geospatial service offering when engaging with clients
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, and performance management activities within the department
• Dedicate time to staff development, technical training, and succession planning initiatives
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture
• Support multi-disciplinary projects across the wider business where required

What You Will Bring

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Surveying, Geospatial, Engineering, or a related discipline
• Proven experience managing surveying, geospatial, mobile mapping, or similar technical operations
• Strong understanding of topographical surveying, mobile mapping, data capture, processing workflows, and project delivery
• Experience managing multiple projects, teams, and competing priorities simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability to lead operational planning, resource allocation, and project execution
• Strong client-facing experience with ability to build long-term relationships and manage stakeholder expectations
• Experience overseeing quality assurance processes and maintaining technical standards
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements relevant to field operations
• Experience supporting tender submissions, budgeting, forecasting, or commercial activities
• Previous people management, coaching, or mentoring experience

Key Attributes

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and support teams
• Excellent organisational and planning abilities with a proactive approach to problem solving
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance operational delivery and business objectives
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage changing priorities
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement
• Passion for developing people and promoting technical excellence
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across operational, technical, and commercial teams
• Adaptable and solutions-focused with a commitment to delivering exceptional client outcomes

Benefits You Will Love

At Murphy Geospatial – A Woolpert Company, you’ll join a collaborative and innovative team where your expertise makes a real impact. Our benefits include:

• Competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package aligned to your experience
• Access to cutting‑edge geospatial technology and industry‑leading tools
• Flexible working options designed to support work–life balance
• Enhanced wellbeing support, including employee assistance initiatives
• Opportunities within a growing, globally connected organisation through our partnership with Woolpert
• Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
• Performance‑related bonus scheme that rewards your contribution

Equal Employment Opportunity

Woolpert is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, and promote without regard to protected characteristics. For more information, see our EEO resources.

Applicants requiring accommodation during recruitment may contact [email protected]

Agency Notice

Please do not contact any employee of Woolpert or its subsidiaries about this requisition. Agencies not engaged by the Woolpert Talent Acquisition Team will not be eligible for fee payment.