Director of Operations - Building Enclosure Consulting

Department: Building Science Lerch Bates is seeking a Director of Operations to lead one of the industry's premier building enclosure consulting organizations. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical consulting, making it ideal for an experienced engineering or architectural professional who enjoys developing people, improving operations, and remaining actively involved in client projects. As Director of Operations, you will lead operational performance across multiple offices while spending approximately 50% of your time performing billable consulting work, including building investigations, site assessments, technical reviews, field observations, testing oversight, and client consulting. The remaining time will focus on operational leadership, team development, business planning, and driving organizational growth. Success in this role is measured not only by financial performance, but also by the strength of the team, consistency of project delivery, client satisfaction, technical excellence, innovation, and the ability to scale best practices across the organization. About Lerch Bates Lerch Bates (LB) is a global technical consulting firm focused on improving how buildings perform for owners, designers, and the people who use them every day. For more than 75 years we’ve partnered on some of the world’s most complex and high-profile projects. Today we provide Total Building Performance expertise that integrates Building Science and Building Flow into a unified delivery model. Our work spans design, construction, investigation, repair, rehabilitation, management, and modernization with one consistent goal: helping clients make confident, well-informed decisions in an increasingly complex built environment. We are 100% employee-owned through our ESOP, which fosters an ownership mindset and accountability in everything we do. At Lerch Bates, your expertise matters, your voice carries weight, and your work directly contributes to our shared success as OneLB. What You’ll Do The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed in this position. They are not intended to prescribe or restrict the assignments that management may make. Technical Consulting & Project Delivery Perform building science consulting services, including building investigations, condition assessments, field observations, testing oversight, technical evaluations, and client consulting Lead or support complex building enclosure, restoration, rehabilitation, forensic, and existing building projects Serve as a trusted technical advisor for owners, architects, contractors, attorneys, property managers, and project teams Review technical reports, repair recommendations, construction documents, and project deliverables to ensure quality and consistency Participate in site visits, client meetings, and construction observations while maintaining individual billable utilization goals Operational Leadership Lead operational performance across multiple offices, including utilization, backlog, staffing, forecasting, invoicing, accounts receivable, profitability, and project execution Optimize resource planning and workload balancing across teams and geographic regions Monitor operational metrics and implement improvements that increase efficiency, consistency, and client satisfaction Drive continuous improvement through standardized processes, technology, automation, and operational best practices Ensure projects are delivered safely, profitably, on schedule, and in accordance with company quality standards Team Development & Leadership Develop consultants into trusted technical advisors, project managers, and future business leaders Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement Mentor project managers, consultants, and senior technical staff through coaching, project reviews, and career development planning Identify future leaders and support succession planning initiatives Encourage collaboration and resource sharing across offices and service lines Technical Excellence Champion consistent technical standards across the organization Drive adoption of standardized specifications, technical details, QA/QC procedures, and project delivery tools Promote knowledge sharing and continuous technical development across offices and disciplines Support innovation in building science, restoration, rehabilitation, forensic investigations, and consulting services Business Growth & Strategic Leadership Partner with Market Development to identify strategic opportunities, pursue new business, and strengthen key client relationships Support seller-doers in expanding existing client accounts and introducing additional Lerch Bates services Participate in annual business planning, including revenue, profitability, utilization, backlog, staffing, and growth objectives Analyze business performance using operational metrics and implement strategies that improve financial performance and client experience Support mergers, acquisitions, organizational initiatives, and company-wide strategic priorities as needed Represent the Building Science practice in national initiatives and cross-functional leadership activities What You’ll Bring Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Architectural Engineering, or a related disciplineMinimum of 8 years of experience in engineering, architecture, construction management, building science, restoration, rehabilitation, forensics, or related consulting fieldsMinimum of 2 years of leadership experience with responsibility for staff management, business operations, financial performance, strategic planning, and business developmentProfessional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (AIA) license preferredStrong understanding of building science principles, building enclosure systems, structural systems, and the design and construction processDemonstrated experience managing complex consulting projects while maintaining strong client relationshipsProven ability to mentor technical professionals and build high-performing teamsStrong financial acumen with experience managing utilization, project budgets, forecasting, backlog, profitability, and operational performanceExcellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, executives, and technical teamsAbility to read, interpret, and review construction drawings, specifications, and technical documentsStrong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced consulting environmentCommitment to quality, technical excellence, and continuous improvement Why Work with Lerch Bates? Competitive base salary of $120,000 - $150,000 per year, based on experience, qualifications, and locatioAnnual performance-based bonus opportunity, with target incentive levels varying by position and based on individual and company performance100% Employee-Owned ESOP (company-funded retirement benefit that allows eligible employees to share in the company's long-term successHealth, dental, and vision insurancPaid time off (starting at 17 days annually10 paid holiday401(k) with 6% employer matcPaid parental leavProfessional development and tuition reimbursemenEmployee assistance and wellness programs Become an Employee-Owner One of the biggest advantages of working at Lerch Bates is that we are 100% employee-owned through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Unlike many companies that offer only a salary and retirement plan, eligible employees receive company-funded ESOP shares at no cost to them as part of their long-term retirement benefits. As Lerch Bates grows, employee-owners share in the company's success. For many employees, the ESOP becomes one of the most valuable financial benefits of their career by helping build meaningful long-term wealth in addition to their salary and traditional 401(k). When you join Lerch Bates, you are not just building better buildings. You also have the opportunity to build your financial future alongside the company's success. Core Values Ownership Community Integrity Respect Optimism Working Environment This role involves both physical and mental demands and may be performed in various settings, including offices, construction sites, and confined spaces like elevator pits. Tasks often require frequent movement in multiple directions. Lerch Bates will provide reasonable accommodations upon request through Human Resources. Physical Demands This role requires regular sitting, talking, and hearing in meetings and by phone. Employees must navigate tight spaces, climb ladders, move around construction sites, take measurements, and travel by car, air, or rail. Duties may involve working at heights and in confined spaces, using hands for tasks like typing and operating elevator components, and applying up to 30 lbs. of force. Close visual attention is also required. Mental Demands This position requires strong written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Employees must interpret complex information, apply mathematical and logical reasoning, quickly learn new skills, and manage detailed, multitask workloads under shifting deadlines. Regular interaction with executives, colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders is also expected. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug test. The drug test includes screening for marijuana, regardless of state or local laws permitting its use. A conditional offer of employment will be rescinded if a candidate fails either the background check or the drug test. This requirement is mandated by federal regulations applicable to our government contracting obligations. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.