Director of Operations - Building Science

About the role

The Director of Operations – Building Science role at Lerch Bates combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical consulting. Ideal for an experienced engineering or architectural professional, this role involves leading operational performance across multiple offices while spending approximately 50% of your time performing billable consulting work.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Architectural Engineering, or a related discipline
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in engineering, architecture, construction management, building science, restoration, rehabilitation, forensics, or related consulting fields
• Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience with responsibility for staff management, business operations, financial performance, strategic planning, and business development
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (AIA) license preferred
• Strong understanding of building science principles, building enclosure systems, structural systems, and the design and construction process
• Demonstrated experience managing complex consulting projects while maintaining strong client relationships
• Proven ability to mentor technical professionals and build high-performing teams
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing utilization, project budgets, forecasting, backlog, profitability, and operational performance
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, executives, and technical teams
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced consulting environment
• Commitment to quality, technical excellence, and continuous improvement