Department Manager Geosciences

Worley•Houston, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Worley is a global professional services company of energy, chemicals and resources experts. We partner with customers to deliver projects and create value over the life of their assets. We’re bridging two worlds, moving towards more sustainable energy sources, while helping to provide the energy, chemicals and resources needed now. Geoscience Practice Director – North America Location: Houston, Texas Purpose of the Role The Geoscience Practice Director – North America leads Worley Consulting’s Geoscience practice across the North American region, reporting to the Service Line Vice President. The role functions as the discipline and practice lead, accountable for people leadership, delivery performance, operational efficiency, and financial contribution across the practice. The position provides senior leadership across onshore and offshore geoscience delivery, supporting projects throughout the full asset lifecycle across energy, infrastructure, environmental, mining, and water markets. The Practice Director ensures the delivery of safe, technically robust, and commercially effective geoscience solutions while maintaining strong alignment with Worley’s strategy, governance frameworks, and business development objectives. In addition to project delivery, the role is responsible for strengthening geoscience capability across North America through operational leadership, technical governance, mentorship, and workforce development, ensuring the long‑term sustainability of the practice. This position is based in Houston, Texas and follows a 3-day hybrid schedule at the Worley office. Remote work is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Geology, Geophysics, Engineering Geology, or a related discipline.
Typically 15+ years of relevant experience, including senior leadership roles with operational accountability.
Recognized as a functional expert capable of providing consultation and guidance across multidisciplinary teams.
Demonstrated experience managing complex, multidisciplinary project portfolios across onshore and offshore environments.
Demonstrated knowledge and relevant delivery experience across a range of Worley’s core sectors, including: Conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons LNG and gas processing facilities Power generation and transmission infrastructure Offshore wind and renewable energy Ports, terminals, and coastal infrastructure Chemicals and industrial facilities Low‑carbon energy and broader energy transition initiatives
Broad understanding of onshore and offshore geoscience delivery, including: Site characterization and ground model development Geohazards and ground risk assessment Routing, corridor, and right‑of‑way studies Integration of geoscience and geotechnical inputs into multidisciplinary projects
Experience governing geoscience work across multiple asset types, sectors, and lifecycle stages, from early feasibility through detailed execution and operational support.
Ability to lead, review, and govern technical work undertaken by specialists, ensuring quality, consistency, and fitness for purpose without requiring deep specialization in every technical domain.
Strong operations‑focused leadership mindset with demonstrated ability to balance delivery quality, cost discipline, and client outcomes.
Proven ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to senior clients, leadership teams, and multidisciplinary audiences.
Effective decision‑maker with experience developing and implementing programs, policies, and governance frameworks.
Participative leadership style with a collaborative, team‑oriented approach.

Responsibilities

Lead the Geoscience practice across North America, encompassing both onshore and offshore delivery.
Serve as the senior line leader and discipline lead for geoscience within the region.
Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure consistent technical quality, delivery excellence, and financial performance across the practice.
Accountable for practice utilization, overhead (OH), cost discipline, and delivery performance within established targets.
Align North American geoscience capability with global practice standards, service line strategy, and regional business priorities.
Partner with Service Line and regional leadership to support growth, workforce planning, and capability development across the United States and Canada.
Oversee project execution, staffing, and delivery quality across the geoscience portfolio.
Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Line Managers, Focus Group Leads, and key discipline SMEs to manage resource assignments, utilization, and chargeability, ensuring balanced workloads, delivery efficiency, and alignment with financial targets.
Provide senior governance and escalation support for complex, high‑risk, or high‑value projects.
Support Project Managers and Delivery Leads in resolving execution, resourcing, and client interface challenges.
Partner with operations and commercial teams on forecasting, AR/WIP management, margin performance, and delivery improvement initiatives.
Ensure consistency and discipline in deployment of people and resources across the practice.
Provide senior technical stewardship and oversight across geoscience disciplines without acting as the primary technical doer.
Ensure appropriate technical authorities and subject matter experts are engaged for onshore and offshore scopes.
Govern geoscience methodologies covering site characterization, geohazards, routing studies, ground models, and integrated interpretations.
Ensure adherence to Worley technical standards, governance requirements, and quality expectations across all geoscience deliverables.
Maintain strong client relationships and serve as a trusted senior advisor for geoscience delivery across multiple assets or regions.
Support pursuit strategy and proposal development, providing leadership on scope definition, resourcing, and execution approach.
Drive client satisfaction and pull‑through by aligning technical solutions with client objectives, regulatory requirements, and commercial outcomes.
Identify emerging opportunities across traditional energy, energy transition, infrastructure, environmental, and water markets.
Provide direct leadership and performance management for geoscience staff across the practice.
Directly accountable for people management outcomes, including engagement, performance differentiation, capability development, retention, and succession planning, in partnership with HR and Service Line leadership.
Lead development of future line leaders and Practice Directors through mentoring and operational exposure.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performance culture aligned with Worley values.
Champion knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across the regional and global geoscience community.
Maintain expert understanding of systems, processes, and tools used across the geoscience practice.
Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of technical methodologies, delivery processes, and governance frameworks.
Work closely with Service Line and Operations leadership on initiatives influencing delivery performance and overall business results.