Director of Operations - Existing Building

About the role

The Director of Operations at Lerch Bates oversees and grows the firm's building envelope repair and modernization practice. This is a technical leadership role for an experienced professional who enjoys leading teams while remaining actively involved in project execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a small technical team, supporting growth in technical expertise, project management, and professional development
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance discussions, and development planning with team members
• Serve as a technical mentor while remaining actively involved in project execution
• Participate in company initiatives and foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment
• Lead and actively contribute to projects involving existing building investigations, repair strategies, rehabilitation, restoration, and modernization
• Manage projects ranging from quick-turn assessments to large, highly complex projects
• Coordinate staffing and resource planning to achieve utilization and revenue goals
• Review Consultant and Specialist deliverables to ensure quality, consistency, compliance, and adherence to project schedules
• Support proposal development through technical expertise and staffing recommendations
• Provide high-touch client engagement on sensitive or high-profile projects
• Manage invoicing and project-related operational responsibilities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and industry partners
• Identify opportunities for growth, service expansion, and operational improvements
• Anticipate market trends, client needs, and industry changes while developing strategies to capitalize on opportunities or mitigate risks
• Support annual business planning, including growth strategies, staffing, training, and revenue targets

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related discipline
• Professional Engineer (PE), Structural Engineer (SE), or Architecture (AIA) license preferred
• 8+ years of experience in architecture, engineering, construction management, forensics, rehabilitation, or existing building consulting
• 2+ years of leadership experience with team management, revenue accountability, business development, and operational oversight
• Strong understanding of building structures, building envelope systems, rehabilitation, restoration, and existing building construction
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and developing teams
• Strong financial, project management, and operational planning capabilities
• Ability to build trusted relationships with clients, project teams, and industry stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and changing deadlines
• Strong reading and interpretation of drawings and construction documents
• Demonstrated commitment to quality, consistency, and attention to detail