Director of Operations, Structural Forensics & Investigations (Licensed PE)

About the role

Lerch Bates is seeking an entrepreneurial, technically accomplished Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) to lead and grow our Structural Forensics practice. This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on leader who enjoys solving complex structural failures, investigating building performance issues, mentoring technical professionals, and helping clients understand and address some of their most challenging building and infrastructure problems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex forensic investigations involving structural failures, construction defects, building movement, settlement, water intrusion impacts, storm damage, material deterioration, and other building performance issues.
• Direct field investigations, condition assessments, failure analyses, and root-cause evaluations.
• Review structural designs, construction documents, field observations, testing results, and investigative findings.
• Develop technical conclusions, repair recommendations, rehabilitation strategies, and corrective action plans.
• Serve as a senior technical advisor on high-profile and technically complex projects.
• Provide technical review of forensic reports, engineering analyses, and expert opinions.
• Support litigation matters, insurance investigations, dispute resolution efforts, and expert witness services when required.
• Remain actively involved in project execution and technical consulting activities.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to building owners, attorneys, insurers, developers, contractors, architects, engineers, and other industry stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to expand services and support additional client needs.
• Participate in networking, business development, industry involvement, and client engagement activities.
• Support proposal development and pursuit strategies for new opportunities.
• Help shape the strategic direction and continued growth of the Structural Forensics practice.
• Monitor market trends, industry developments, regulatory changes, and emerging risks that may impact clients and business opportunities.
• Support forecasting, business performance tracking, and operational planning.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability, and client service.
• Oversee project execution across a diverse portfolio of forensic consulting engagements.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Cook up team workloads to achieve utilization, revenue, and performance objectives.
• Maintain quality standards across all technical deliverables.
• Review project documentation to ensure consistency, technical accuracy, and client satisfaction.
• Monitor project financial performance, including forecasting, backlog management, invoicing, and revenue tracking.
• Support proposal development through technical expertise, project planning, and staffing recommendations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of forensic engineers, consultants, and technical professionals.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance discussions, and career development planning.
• Provide coaching on forensic investigations, client management, project leadership, and technical consulting.
• Serve as a role model and trusted resource for team members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• 10+ years of experience in forensic engineering, structural engineering, failure analysis, rehabilitation consulting, building investigations, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing client relationships.
• Strong knowledge of structural systems, building construction, engineering principles, and construction practices.
• Experience conducting structural investigations, condition assessments, failure analyses, and developing repair recommendations.
• Proven leadership experience with responsibility for team development, project delivery, business operations, and strategic planning.
• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary of $140,000 - $165,000 per year, based on experience, qualifications, and location.
• Annual performance-based bonus opportunity, with target incentive levels varying by position and based on individual and company performance.
• 100% Employee-Owned ESOP (company-funded retirement benefit that allows eligible employees to share in the company's long-term success).
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off (starting at 17 days annually).
• 10 paid holidays.
• 401(k) with 6% employer match.
• Paid parental leave.
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement.
• Employee assistance and wellness programs.