Director of Operations, Building Enclosure & Architecture

About the role

Lerch Bates is seeking an entrepreneurial, technically accomplished Licensed Architect to lead and grow our Building Enclosure Rehabilitation & Restoration practice. This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on leader who enjoys solving complex building challenges, mentoring technical professionals, and helping clients extend the life, performance, and value of their buildings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and actively contribute to projects ranging from focused building assessments to large, complex rehabilitation and modernization programs.
• Oversee project scope, schedule, budget, staffing, resource allocation, and overall project performance.
• Coordinate team workloads to achieve utilization, revenue, and client service objectives.
• Maintain quality standards across all project deliverables.
• Review Consultant and Specialist work products to ensure consistency, technical accuracy, and client satisfaction.
• Support proposal development through technical expertise, project planning, and staffing recommendations.
• Provide high-touch client engagement on sensitive, strategic, or complex assignments.
• Oversee project financial performance, including invoicing, forecasting, and operational reporting.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Consultants, Specialists, and technical professionals.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on technical excellence and client success.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance discussions, and career development planning.
• Provide coaching on project management, technical problem-solving, consulting skills, and client engagement.
• Serve as a role model and trusted resource for team members.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, retention, and succession planning efforts.
• Help shape the strategic direction and long-term growth of the Building Enclosure Rehabilitation & Restoration practice.
• Participate in annual business planning, including growth initiatives, staffing plans, training programs, and revenue objectives.
• Monitor market trends, industry developments, and client needs to identify emerging opportunities.
• Support operational improvements that enhance efficiency, profitability, and client satisfaction.
• Contribute to department forecasting, performance tracking, and resource planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Active Registered Architect (RA) license required.
• 10+ years of experience in building enclosure consulting, architecture, building science, rehabilitation, restoration, forensic investigation, or existing building consulting.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing client relationships.
• Strong knowledge of building enclosure systems, including roofing, waterproofing, facades, fenestration, air barriers, vapor barriers, and exterior wall assemblies.
• Experience conducting building assessments, investigations, and developing repair or rehabilitation strategies.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with team management, operational oversight, project delivery, and business development.
• Strong financial, project management, and operational planning capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with clients, colleagues, and industry stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with restoration, rehabilitation, modernization, or capital improvement projects for existing buildings.
• Experience with building enclosure investigations, water intrusion evaluations, and forensic consulting.
• Experience mentoring and developing technical professionals.
• Additional building enclosure, building science, or industry certifications.
• Established industry relationships and business development experience.