Fire Sprinkler Operations Manager

Fire Sprinkler Operations Manager

The Fire Sprinkler Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, field execution, manpower coordination, scheduling, profitability, and overall performance of the fire sprinkler division. This role manages installation, service, inspections, underground, fabrication coordination, subcontractors, and field leadership to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with all applicable codes and company standards. The Operations Manager serves as the bridge between ownership, office staff, project management, and field operations while driving operational excellence, accountability, customer satisfaction, and financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations Management
• Oversee day-to-day fire sprinkler operations including: new construction, tenant improvement projects, service work, inspections & testing, underground fire line operations.
• Coordinate manpower allocation and workforce planning.
• Develop and manage project schedules with Superintendents and Project Managers.
• Monitor labor productivity and job cost performance.
• Ensure proper material procurement and equipment availability.
• Manage fleet, tools, and operational assets.
• Improve workflow efficiency and operational systems.
• Field Leadership
• Lead Superintendents, Foremen, and field personnel.
• Conduct regular jobsite visits and operational reviews.
• Ensure field teams maintain high workmanship standards.
• Provide coaching, accountability, and performance evaluations.
• Assist in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and retention of field employees.
• Support apprenticeship and training development.
• Financial Oversight
• Review project budgets, labor hours, and production tracking.
• Analyze job cost reports and identify cost overruns early.
• Assist ownership with forecasting revenue, backlog, labor needs, and cash flow.
• Improve gross profit performance through labor efficiency and operational planning.
• Review change orders and operational impacts.
• Help establish production goals and KPI metrics.
• Safety & Compliance
• Enforce OSHA safety standards and company safety policies.
• Ensure compliance with: NFPA standards, local AHJ requirements, state licensing requirements, company quality standards.
• Conduct safety meetings and incident investigations.
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout operations.
• Customer & Vendor Relations
• Maintain strong relationships with: general contractors, building owners, facility managers, inspectors & AHJs, vendors & suppliers.
• Resolve customer concerns and operational issues professionally.
• Attend project meetings and client coordination meetings.
• Strategic Leadership
• Assist ownership with operational growth planning.
• Help develop scalable operational systems and procedures.
• Support expansion of service, inspections, and underground divisions.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and profitability growth.

Qualifications Required

• 5–10+ years of fire sprinkler industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of: wet, dry, pre-action, and deluge systems, underground fire mains, NFPA standards, installation and service operations.
• Proven leadership experience managing field personnel.
• Ability to read blueprints and sprinkler plans.
• Strong scheduling and coordination skills.
• Knowledge of labor tracking and job costing.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred

• NICET Certification preferred.
• OSHA 30 Certification preferred.
• Experience with inspection and service operations.
• Experience using: ServiceTrade, BuildOps, ServiceTitan, QuickBooks, Viewpoint, Microsoft Project, Excel.
• Experience in multi-branch or high-growth operations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Gross profit margin performance
• Labor productivity
• On-time project completion
• Safety performance
• Customer satisfaction
• Change order capture rate
• Employee retention
• Backlog execution
• Inspection deficiency conversion rates
• Service response times

Compensation Structure (Example)

• Base Salary: $90,000–$150,000+ (depending on market and experience)
• Performance Bonus Program
• Company Vehicle or Vehicle Allowance
• Fuel Card
• Phone & Laptop
• Health Benefits
• PTO & Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan / 401(k)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to visit active construction jobsites.
• Ability to climb ladders and navigate construction environments.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to travel locally and occasionally overnight if needed.

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Strong leader and communicator
• Highly organized
• Problem solver
• Results-driven
• Calm under pressure
• Financially aware
• Team-oriented
• Operationally minded
• Customer-focused