Director of Operations - Building Enclosure Consulting

LERCH BATES•Myrtle Beach, SC

30d

About The Position

Lerch Bates is seeking a Director of Operations to lead operational performance across its Building Science organization and multiple offices. The position 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 focused on operational leadership, team development, business planning, and organizational growth. The Director will guide project delivery, resource planning, financial and operational performance, technical standards, staff development, and business growth. Success is evaluated by financial performance as well as team strength, consistent delivery, client satisfaction, technical excellence, innovation, and the ability to scale effective practices across the organization. The position may involve work in offices, construction sites, and confined spaces, as well as travel.

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 related consulting fields.
At least 2 years of leadership experience with responsibility for 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, including the ability to communicate 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, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced consulting environment.
Commitment to quality, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Perform building science consulting services, including 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 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 technical advisors, project managers, and future business leaders; mentor staff through coaching, project reviews, and career development planning.
Foster accountability, collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement; 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 and technical development and support innovation in building science, restoration, rehabilitation, forensic investigations, and consulting.
Partner with Market Development to identify opportunities, pursue new business, strengthen client relationships, and support seller-doers in expanding accounts.
Participate in annual business planning for revenue, profitability, utilization, backlog, staffing, and growth objectives.
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 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 with company-funded retirement benefits for eligible employees.
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Paid time off starting at 17 days annually.
10 paid holidays.
401(k) with 4% employer match.
Paid parental leave.
Professional development and tuition reimbursement.
Employee assistance and wellness programs.