Project Operations Manager

Manager, Project Operations

At Total Fire Protection, our mission is simple: "Embracing Relationships, while keeping you safe, and delivering First Class Service." You won't just be a team member at Total Fire Protection, but a valuable contributor. Our diverse team members support one another as we work toward our common goal of bringing Fire and Life Safety to our customers nationwide.

Our Company culture has been built on the foundation of our Core Values that define "Who We Are."

Core Values

• Committed to Growth We pursue excellence and believe in continuous learning and personal and corporate development. We prepare diligently, pay attention to the details, and strive for perfection in everything we do.
• Proactive and Solutions-Oriented We are problem solvers, inquisitive and discerning, and we use our knowledge to provide expert solutions. We anticipate needs, think ahead, and act with purpose.
• Caring We are conscientious, giving, and community focused. We care deeply for our employees, clients, and the communities we serve, always prioritizing well-being and support.

Location: Woodbury, NY (on-site)

Reports To: Sr. Director, Project Operations

Position Overview

Total Fire Protection is expanding rapidly, presenting exciting and challenging opportunities to bring your fresh ideas, operational expertise, and collaborative leadership to support our growth. As the Manager, Project Operations, you will oversee the execution of fire and life safety system projects, with a predominant focus on fire alarm installation projects. While this role may support coordination across related service lines, including Sprinkler and Kitchen Fire Suppression, its primary responsibility is driving consistent fire alarm project delivery from planning and design coordination through installation, commissioning, AHJ approval, and closeout. This role is responsible for supporting consistent project delivery, driving day-to-day operational performance, and ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, within scope and budget, and in full compliance with applicable codes, standards, and customer expectations.

The Manager, Project Operations will guide project management, and field operations resources while partnering closely with operations leadership, sales, service, finance, and customers to achieve strong safety, quality, schedule, customer satisfaction, and profitability outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Live Our Values and model Total Fire Protection's culture of growth, accountability, teamwork, and care.
• Oversee project delivery across a portfolio of fire alarm installation projects from planning and design coordination through installation, testing, commissioning, AHJ approval, and closeout.
• Manage, coach, and support project managers, field operations leaders, and project support team members.
• Implement and reinforce fire alarm project management standards, installation coordination processes, governance routines, and performance expectations across the Project Operations function.
• Monitor schedule, budget, labor productivity, gross margin, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction performance across active projects.
• Support project backlog management, resource allocation, manpower planning, and operational capacity planning to meet business needs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable fire alarm codes and standards, including NFPA 72, OSHA requirements, local codes, customer specifications, and company safety policies.
• Review project financials, including WIP reports, forecasting, change orders, billing status, collections support, and margin performance, escalating concerns as appropriate.
• Identify, escalate, and resolve project risks, field issues, customer concerns, and operational roadblocks.
• Drive continuous improvement, process standardization, and cross-functional alignment between sales, estimating, design, procurement, service, and field operations.
• Prepare and present project portfolio updates, performance dashboards, and operational recommendations to operations leadership.
• Support customer retention, project coordination, and strategic account relationships as needed.
• Perform other duties, responsibilities, and activities as assigned.

Required Education, Skills and Experience

• 7+ years of progressive experience in fire alarm installation, fire protection, construction operations, project management, or a closely related field.
• Experience managing project managers, field teams, operational supervisors, or cross-functional project teams.
• Strong knowledge of fire alarm systems, installation practices, project sequencing, commissioning, documentation, with working familiarity across broader fire and life safety systems.
• Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards, with a strong emphasis on NFPA 72, OSHA regulations, and local building and fire codes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, customers, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong construction financial acumen, including WIP reporting, forecasting, labor productivity, project profitability, and change order management.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management, scheduling, or construction management systems.
• Valid driver's license and reliable means of transportation to job sites as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• NICET Fire Alarm Systems certification preferred.
• PMP, APM, or related project management certification preferred.
• Experience supporting large commercial, industrial, multi-site, or complex construction projects.
• Experience in the NYC Metro and Tri-State fire protection market preferred.

Additional Information

• Travel to project sites throughout the NYC Metro area, Long Island, New Jersey, and surrounding markets may be required based on business needs.
• Must be able to work on-site at the Woodbury, NY office during core business hours and as operational needs require.
• This role requires strong collaboration with office-based, field-based, customer-facing, and executive-level stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

• Able to perform occasional physical tasks associated with job site visits, including walking active construction sites, climbing stairs or ladders, standing for extended periods, and wearing required personal protective equipment.
• Able to occasionally lift or move materials or equipment as needed in connection with project site reviews.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a growing fire and life safety organization.
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture where your voice and expertise matter.
• Commitment to continuous learning, leadership development, and career growth.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $140,000 to $175,000 per year. Total compensation is determined based on a full picture of relevant factors, including experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, bonus opportunities, benefits, and other components of Total Fire Protection's rewards package.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Total Fire Protection is Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating and maintaining a workplace that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.