Director, Project Operations

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

📋 Description

• Provide strategic direction for a large, rapidly expanding fire protection project business encompassing fire sprinkler, fire alarm, suppression, and special hazards system installations.

• Oversee project operations across multiple branches, focusing on NFPA-compliant installations, precise planning, and efficient field execution.

• Ensure multi-location oversight that aligns with both corporate and regional objectives.

• Implement standardized procedures for estimating, designing, installing, commissioning, and closing projects.

• Collaborate with regional and local leadership to synchronize project capacity with pipeline and backlog growth.

• Manage project P&L performance, including revenue, gross margin, labor productivity, and cash flow.

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

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

• Ensure compliance with NFPA code requirements and expectations from the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

• Lead the resolution of complex project challenges related to engineering coordination, fabrication logistics, and field execution.

• Establish quality control checkpoints at project kickoffs, mid-project, and closeout stages.

• Act as an operational liaison among project teams, finance, branch leaders, and regional leadership.

• Facilitate the integration of newly acquired companies.

• Improve submittal processes, permitting workflows, and system installation planning.

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

• Assist in recruiting and evaluating project-related talent.

• Foster accountability, safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

• Support organic growth, estimating efficiency, operational capability expansion, and scalability planning.

• Advocate for a safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, and Authority Having Jurisdiction standards.

• Collaborate with safety leadership on training initiatives, audits, and jobsite practices.

• Conduct job site evaluations for acquisition targets and assess installation quality, project management, safety, and field execution.

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

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

• Participate in due diligence regarding technical readiness, NFPA compliance, and Authority Having Jurisdiction requirements.

• Prepare written recommendations for senior leadership.

• Assist with operational onboarding and process alignment for 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 within the fire protection industry.

• Extensive knowledge of NFPA codes, Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements, and standards for fire protection system installations.

• Proven track record in 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 skills.

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

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.

• Comprehensive health benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

• Work in a dynamic and innovative environment.