Operations Manager

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionQAI Job Number:QAI-IL-BPOPS-04232026JOB TITLE:Operations ManagerLOCATION:Loves Park, IllinoisNUMBER OF POSITIONS:1CATEGORY: BP – PhysicalCLOSING DATE:OPEN UNTIL FILLED BACKGROUND:Founded in 1995 by a group of experienced certification and testing experts, QAI is an independent third-party testing, inspection and certification organization which serves the building, technology, and construction industries (among others) with cost effective solutions through our in-house capabilities / services, and an established world-wide network of qualified affiliates. The QAI name and logo have become well recognized throughout the Certification world resulting in steady growth of our Certification, Testing, and Inspection business streams.QAI has an exciting career opportunity within the Building Products Department. The Operations Manager position will play a key role in overseeing the day-to-day activities of the Loves Park, IL branch, ensuring operational excellence, financial performance, staff development, and client satisfaction. The ideal candidatewill be someone who is talented and motivated individual, with years of experience related to laboratory management or product compliance, to fulfill the following tasks at our office located in Loves Park, IL.DUTIES:The successful candidate will perform, but not be limited to, the following duties:Overall leadership of the branch location.Responsible for the financial performance of the location, assess and analyze budgets to minimize expenses and maximize profits.Responsibility for management/supervision of the operation and employees.Responsible for overall client satisfactionRecommends capital expenditures.Recommend areas for growth, develop plans and budgets for expansion, as approved.Assist in matters of accreditation.Local responsibility for document control, quality, and safety requirements.Experienced in building strong teams, by inspiring and motivating employees to perform at their best.Ability to respond quickly to shifting reality and adjust initiatives and priorities accordingly.Recommends local hiring, promotion, discipline, and training of employees.Responsibility for maintaining competency in testing standards.Ensures quality management system policies, procedures and work instructions are followed.Works with sales manager and sales representatives to develop existing and new business and assist with quotations.Other duties as assigned by the VP of Operations or its designee.QUALIFICATIONS:The successful candidate will, as minimum, have:MinimumBachelor’s Degree in a relevant technical field, or equivalent work experience5+ years’ experience in a management or supervisory role. Ability to manage a team autonomously and uphold company values and integrity.5+ years’ experience working in a relevant testing field.Demonstrated history managing diverse teams.Demonstrated history of effective problem-solving, planning and decision-making skills.Experience managing a P&L.Experience creating strategic plans and supporting business development.Excellent written/oral communication skills.Advanced knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.Preferred:Experience working in an ISO 17025 accredited testing lab.Knowledge of USA and international building product standards and codes.Registration or ability for registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) is useful but not mandatory.Understanding of certification (ISO 17065) and inspection (ISO 17020) accreditation requirements.Key Technical Competence:Strong leadership skills. Ability to effectively organize and manage a team of employees.Multi-tasking, organization and flexibility to jump from priority to priority are essential to a role that juggles a variety of functions and projects.Knowledge of testing, inspection and certification procedures in the relevant business fields.Sound knowledge of business requirements of the areas under supervision.Able to identify resource requirements and communicate those requirements throughout the organization.Able to communicate business and technical requirements to others under supervision.Applies sound judgement to business and technical solutions.Ability to develop and implement strategic plans and support business development.Ability to manage a P&L statement to meet financial objectives.Strong interpersonal communications, both internal and external.Ability to collaborate with ATL’s network of employees outside.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Candidates must hold a valid driver’s license.Candidates must hold a valid passport, or be able to obtain a valid passport, and must be able to travel to local and international destinations. APPLYING:QAI Laboratories offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including base salary and bonus/commissions, medical, dental, and other perks. We are committed to the long-term success of our employees.Interested? Please submit your resume and cover letter View email address on click.appcast.io. Applications will only be accepted when emailed in MS Word or PDF format and must have a job-specific cover letter. Please be sure to include the QAI job number in the subject line of your communication.Check out our other career opportunities on our website careers page:qai.org/careers.Equal Opportunity EmployerQAI Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.Note: No sponsorship is available. ***