Director, Project Operations

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee fire protection project operations across multiple locations, ensuring alignment with both corporate and regional objectives.

• Establish standardized procedures for estimating, design, installation, commissioning, and project closure throughout all branches.

• Work collaboratively with regional and local leadership to ensure project capacity is sufficient to support pipeline and backlog growth.

• Collaborate with operations on P&L management, covering revenue, gross margin, labor productivity, and cash flow.

• Partner with finance to manage budgeting, WIP reviews, cost-to-complete accuracy, and financial forecasting.

• Enhance cost controls, change order processes, field productivity metrics, and material management strategies.

• Ensure that fire protection projects comply with NFPA codes and the expectations of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

• Provide direction on complex project challenges, including engineering coordination, logistics for fabrication, and execution in the field.

• Establish quality control checkpoints at the beginning, midpoint, and conclusion of projects.

• Act as a vital link between project teams, finance, branch leaders, and regional leadership.

• Assist with integration and alignment for newly acquired companies.

• Collaborate with design and engineering teams to enhance submittals, permitting processes, and planning for system installations.

• Develop and mentor project managers, estimators, coordinators, and design personnel across various branches.

• Aid branch leaders in recruiting and assessing project-related talent.

• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

• Promote organic growth through enhanced project execution, improved estimating capabilities, and expanded operational functionalities.

• Guide scalability planning for new geographic areas or expansions in service lines.

• Advocate for safety in all project and field operations.

• Ensure adherence to OSHA requirements, NFPA standards, and directives from the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

• Collaborate with safety leadership to enhance training, audits, and practices on job sites.

• Conduct site visits at potential acquisition targets.

• Analyze project backlog to identify scheduling, labor planning, and margin risks.

• Evaluate estimating accuracy, engineering workflows, material procurement, and operational maturity.

• Engage in due diligence concerning technical readiness, NFPA compliance, and requirements from the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

• Prepare written recommendations for senior leadership.

• Assist with the operational onboarding and process alignment for newly acquired project businesses.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in fire protection, life safety, mechanical contracting, or construction project management.

• At least 5 years of experience leading multi-location project operations in the fire protection sector.

• Deep understanding of NFPA codes, requirements from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), and fire protection system installation standards.

• Demonstrated experience managing project P&Ls, forecasting, WIP reviews, and job costing.

• Experience in supporting or participating in operational due diligence for M&A is preferred.

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, fire protection, construction management, or a related field is preferred.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

• Willingness to travel regularly for branch visits, project evaluations, and acquisition assessments.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement plan options with company matching.

• Opportunities for professional development and ongoing training.

• Flexible work arrangements and paid time off.

• Dynamic work environment with a focus on teamwork and innovation.