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.