Director of Operations - Building Enclosure Consulting

LERCH BATES•Tampa, FL

96d•$120,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

Lerch Bates is seeking a Director of Operations to lead its Building Science building enclosure consulting organization. The role combines strategic and operational leadership with hands-on technical consulting. Approximately 50% of the role is billable consulting, including building investigations, site assessments, technical reviews, field observations, testing oversight, and client consulting. The remaining time is devoted to operational leadership, team development, business planning, and organizational growth. The Director leads performance across multiple offices and is accountable for operational results, team strength, consistent project delivery, client satisfaction, technical excellence, innovation, and scaling best practices. The role includes managing resources and financial performance, developing technical professionals and future leaders, championing quality standards, supporting business development, and contributing to company-wide strategic initiatives. Work may take place in offices, construction sites, and confined spaces.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Architectural Engineering, or a related discipline.
At least 8 years of experience in engineering, architecture, construction management, building science, restoration, rehabilitation, forensics, or a related consulting field.
At least 2 years of leadership experience involving staff management, business operations, financial performance, strategic planning, and business development.
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 and experience managing utilization, project budgets, forecasting, backlog, profitability, and operational performance.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with clients, executives, and technical teams.
Ability to read, interpret, and review construction drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced consulting environment.
Commitment to quality, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
Ability to travel by car, air, or rail and perform duties at construction sites, at heights, and in confined spaces.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug test, including marijuana screening.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Registered Architect (AIA) license.

Responsibilities

Perform building science consulting, 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.
Advise owners, architects, contractors, attorneys, property managers, and project teams on technical matters.
Review technical reports, repair recommendations, construction documents, and project deliverables for 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 to increase efficiency, consistency, and client satisfaction.
Improve processes through standardization, technology, automation, and operational best practices.
Ensure projects are delivered safely, profitably, on schedule, and in accordance with company quality standards.
Develop consultants into technical advisors, project managers, and future business leaders.
Foster 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.
Champion consistent technical standards and adoption of standardized specifications, technical details, QA/QC procedures, and project delivery tools.
Promote knowledge sharing, technical development, and innovation across building science, restoration, rehabilitation, forensic investigations, and consulting.
Partner with Market Development to identify opportunities, pursue new business, and strengthen client relationships.
Support seller-doers in expanding client accounts and introducing additional Lerch Bates services.
Participate in annual business planning for revenue, profitability, utilization, backlog, staffing, and growth.
Analyze business performance and implement strategies to 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.

Benefits

Competitive base salary of $120,000–$150,000 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.
Company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) shares for eligible employees.
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Paid time off starting at 17 days annually.
10 paid holidays.
401(k) with a 6% employer match.
Paid parental leave.
Professional development and tuition reimbursement.
Employee assistance and wellness programs.