Service Operations Manager - Fire Protection

Since its inception in 1979 Overhead Fire Protection, Inc. has provided services within the fire sprinkler and alarm industry throughout Nevada and Northern California. We are a full-service company that designs, installs, repairs, services and inspects a variety of fire suppression systems. We are dedicated to providing complete customer satisfaction, competitive rates and personal attention to every single client. We are always available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Division Manager, Fire Protection Service is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and profitability of the company's Fire Sprinkler Service & Inspection, Fire Alarm Service & Inspection, and Fire Extinguisher business lines. This role directs daily field operations, manpower planning, scheduling, quality control, and financial performance across all three service lines to ensure work is completed safely, on time, within budget, and in full compliance with applicable codes, AHJ requirements, and company standards.

The Division Manager acts as the connective tissue between ownership/executive leadership, office and administrative staff, and field technicians and inspectors — driving operational excellence, technician accountability, customer retention, and revenue growth across the combined life safety service portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Multi-Line Service & Inspection Operations

• Oversee day-to-day operations across all three service lines:

◦ Fire Sprinkler – inspection, testing, maintenance (ITM) and service/repair

◦ Fire Alarm – inspection, testing, monitoring coordination, service, and repair of fire alarm and detection systems

◦ Fire Extinguishers – inspection, recharge, hydrostatic testing, and sales/replacement programs

• Coordinate cross-trained manpower allocation and technician scheduling to maximize route density and billable utilization across all three lines.

• Partner with dispatch/scheduling staff to manage recurring inspection cycles, renewal cadence, and deficiency follow-up work.

• Ensure timely completion of inspection reports, code-required documentation, and submission to AHJs, monitoring companies, and customers.

• Monitor fleet, tools, testing equipment, and inventory (parts, extinguishers, alarm devices) across the division.

• Drive continuous improvement of field workflows, technology adoption (e.g., mobile inspection software), and operational systems.

Field Leadership

• Directly lead Managers, Lead Technicians, Inspectors, and field personnel across sprinkler, alarm, and extinguisher teams.

• Conduct regular jobsite and ride-along visits to audit workmanship, safety practices, and customer interaction quality.

• Provide coaching, performance evaluations, and accountability structures for technicians and inspectors.

• Lead recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts for licensed and certified field staff.

• Champion technician certification, cross-training, and apprenticeship development across all three service lines.

Financial Oversight

• Own the division's P&L, including revenue growth, labor efficiency, and gross margin performance by service line.

• Review job costing, labor hours, and production tracking; identify and correct cost overruns or productivity gaps.

• Partner with ownership/executive leadership on forecasting revenue, backlog, staffing needs, and cash flow.

• Drive deficiency-to-repair conversion and inspection-to-service upsell to grow recurring revenue.

• Review and approve quotes, change orders, and pricing for service and inspection work.

• Establish and track production goals and KPI metrics by service line.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce OSHA safety standards and company safety policies across all field operations.

• Ensure compliance with applicable NFPA standards, including NFPA 10, 13, 14, 20, 25 and 72 as well as local AHJ requirements and state/local licensing regulations.

• Maintain required technician licensing, certifications, and continuing education across all three services.

• Lead safety meetings, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.

• Promote and reinforce a strong, visible safety culture throughout the division.

Customer & Vendor Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with building owners, facility and property managers, general contractors, and AHJs/inspectors.

• Serve as an escalation point for customer concerns, deficiency disputes, and service issues across all three lines.

• Attend customer and contract review meetings, renewal discussions, and site walkthroughs as needed.

• Manage relationships with equipment, parts, and monitoring vendors/suppliers.

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with ownership/executive leadership on division growth planning, including geographic expansion and service line growth.

• Develop scalable, repeatable operational systems and standard operating procedures across sprinkler, alarm, and extinguisher service lines.

• Identify opportunities to bundle and cross-sell inspection, service, and extinguisher offerings to grow account value.

• Evaluate and recommend new markets, service offerings, or acquisitions that strengthen the life safety portfolio.

Qualifications

Required

• 5–10+ years of experience in fire/life safety services, with hands-on exposure to at least two of the following: fire sprinkler, fire alarm, or fire extinguisher service and inspection.

• Working knowledge of NFPA 10, 13, 14, 20, 25 and 72, along with applicable state and local code requirements.

• Proven leadership experience managing multi-disciplined field technicians, inspectors, and service teams.

• Ability to read blueprints, riser diagrams, and system as-builts across sprinkler and alarm systems.

• Strong scheduling, dispatch, and route/coordination skills for recurring inspection and service work.

• Solid understanding of labor tracking, job costing, and service department profitability drivers.

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred

• NICET Certification in Fire Alarm Systems and/or Water-Based Systems Layout.

• OSHA 30 Certification.

• State fire alarm and/or fire sprinkler license, or ability to obtain one.

• Experience with inspection/service software such as ServiceTrade, or similar platforms.

• Experience with ADP, Sage Intacct, Salesforce, and Excel.

• Experience operating a multi-branch, multi-service-line, or high-growth service business.

Compensation Structure

• Base Salary: $100,000–$150,000+ DOE

• Performance Bonus Program tied to P&L and KPIs

• Company Vehicle

• Fuel Card

• Phone & Laptop

• Health Benefits

• PTO & Paid Holidays

• Retirement Plan / 401(k)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to visit active jobsites, commercial buildings, and mechanical/riser rooms.

• Ability to climb ladders and navigate construction and mechanical environments.

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs

• Ability to travel, with occasional overnight travel as needed.

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Strong leader and communicator

• Highly organized with strong multi-line prioritization skills

• Financially aware and metrics-driven

• Problem solver who stays calm under pressure

• Customer-focused with a service mindset

• Operationally minded and process-oriented

• Team-oriented, hands-on leader

We Value All Experiences  

We understand that no candidate is perfectly qualified for any job. Experience comes in different forms; many skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. Even more important than your resume is a clear demonstration of dedication, impact, and the ability to thrive in a fluid and collaborative environment. We want you to learn new things in this role and encourage you to apply if your experience is close to what we're looking for. 

We also know that diversity of background and thought makes for better problem-solving and more creative thinking, so we're dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team. 

Our Commitment to Diversity  

Overhead Fire Protection is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Overhead Fire Protection is committed to an inclusive experience for all applicants and will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations in the interview process, to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.