Fire Sprinkler Operations Chief
Position Overview
The Fire Sprinkler Operations Chief is the executive operational leader responsible for directing all field, design, fabrication, and project management activities across the fire sprinkler division. This role bridges strategic corporate goals with daily execution—driving labor efficiency, safety compliance, project profitability, and client satisfaction. The Operations Chief optimizes division-wide workflows, enforces strict NFPA and safety standards, and builds a culture of accountability across multi-trade construction and service environments.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Resource Allocation
Division-Wide Oversight: Direct daily operations across Field Installation, Design/BIM, Service/Inspections, Fabrication, and Project Management departments.
Manpower & Resource Optimization: Oversee manpower scheduling, labor utilization, tool/fleet logistics, and material procurement across all active projects to eliminate site downtime and cost overruns.
Process & Workflow Optimization: Design, implement, and enforce standardized operational workflows across contract review, pre-construction handoffs, fabrication, and field turnover.
Financial Performance & Project Governance
P&L Responsibility: Hold direct accountability for division P&L, gross margins, project profitability, labor budget variances, and overhead cost controls.
Project Monitoring: Conduct regular WIP (Work in Progress) reviews with Project Managers to monitor project schedules, billing milestones, change orders, and risk mitigation strategies.
Strategic Growth: Partner with executive leadership and Sales/Estimating to evaluate bid-capacity, align project pursuits with field capabilities, and support long-term revenue targets.
Quality, Safety & Code Compliance
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all field installations, service contracts, and design deliverables strictly comply with NFPA standards (13, 14, 20, 25), state fire codes, OSHA regulations, and AHJ requirements.
Safety & Risk Management: Partner with the Safety Director to enforce zero-tolerance safety policies, review jobsite hazard assessments, and maintain a low Experience Modification Rate (EMR).
Quality Assurance: Standardize quality assurance protocols to minimize punch lists, warranty calls, and rework.
Talent Management & Organizational Culture
Workforce Development: Lead, mentor, and evaluate department heads, field superintendents, and project managers; foster leadership pipelines within field and management teams.
Labor & Trade Relations: Oversee workforce strategy, including union relations/bargaining unit compliance (where applicable) or non-union recruitment, retention, and apprenticeship programs.
Cross-Department Collaboration: Build strong alignment between Sales, Engineering, Field Operations, and Finance to maintain cross-functional transparency.
Qualifications & Requirements
Experience & Track Record
Experience: 10–15+ years of progressive leadership experience within the fire sprinkler or specialty fire protection contracting industry, with at least 5 years in an executive or senior management role (e.g., Operations Director, VP, or Division Manager).
Proven Results: Demonstrated track record of managing multi-million dollar project portfolios and leading cross-functional teams of 50+ field fitters, designers, and managers.
Technical & Business Knowledge
Domain Expertise: Deep technical understanding of fire sprinkler system installation (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, fire pumps), fabrication processes, and hydraulics.
Codes & Regulations: Comprehensive knowledge of NFPA standards, IBC/IFC codes, local AHJ regulations, and OSHA workplace safety rules.
Business Acumen: Strong proficiency in construction financial management, WIP accounting, contract law, labor forecasting, and negotiation.
Certifications & Education (Preferred)
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or equivalent practical trade leadership experience.
Credentials: NICET Level III/IV certification in Water-Based Systems Layout or Inspection and Testing, state fire sprinkler contractor licenses, or PMP credentials are strong assets.
