Director of Operations, Building Enclosure & Architecture

Director Of Operations, Building Enclosure & ArchitectureThe Colony, TX (hybrid)Lerch Bates is seeking an entrepreneurial, technically accomplished licensed architect to lead and grow our Building Enclosure Rehabilitation & Restoration practice.This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on leader who enjoys solving complex building challenges, mentoring technical professionals, and helping clients extend the life, performance, and value of their buildings.As Director of Operations, you will provide both the business leadership and technical direction for a growing team focused on existing building enclosure systems. You will oversee project delivery, team development, client relationships, operational performance, and strategic growth while remaining actively engaged in investigations, condition assessments, rehabilitation design, repair strategies, and modernization projects.The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with leadership capability, client relationship skills, and a passion for developing both people and business opportunities.This role focuses on existing building rehabilitation, restoration, and modernization projects, not new construction design.About Lerch Bates:Lerch Bates (LB) is a global technical consulting firm focused on improving how buildings perform for owners, designers, and the people who use them every day. For more than 75 years we've partnered on some of the world's most complex and high-profile projects. Today we provide Total Building Performance expertise that integrates Building Science and Building Flow into a unified delivery model.Our work spans design, construction, investigation, repair, rehabilitation, management, and modernization with one consistent goal: helping clients make confident, well-informed decisions in an increasingly complex built environment.We are 100% employee-owned through our ESOP. That means when the company succeeds, our employee-owners share in that success. It's more than a retirement benefit—it's an ownership mindset backed by the opportunity to build long-term financial value while helping shape the future of the company.What You'll Do:The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed in this position. They are not intended to prescribe or restrict the assignments that management may make.Technical Leadership & ConsultingLead investigations involving building enclosure failures, water intrusion, facade deterioration, roofing issues, waterproofing deficiencies, air leakage, and other performance-related concerns.Direct building condition assessments and building enclosure evaluations for existing structures.Develop rehabilitation, restoration, and modernization strategies for roofing, waterproofing, facade, fenestration, wall systems, and related enclosure components.Review investigation findings, technical reports, repair recommendations, drawings, and specifications to ensure technical accuracy and quality.Serve as a senior technical advisor on complex or high-profile projects.Remain actively engaged in project execution, providing guidance and expertise throughout the project lifecycle.Operations & Project DeliveryLead and actively contribute to projects ranging from focused building assessments to large, complex rehabilitation and modernization programs.Oversee project scope, schedule, budget, staffing, resource allocation, and overall project performance.Coordinate team workloads to achieve utilization, revenue, and client service objectives.Maintain quality standards across all project deliverables.Review Consultant and Specialist work products to ensure consistency, technical accuracy, and client satisfaction.Support proposal development through technical expertise, project planning, and staffing recommendations.Provide high-touch client engagement on sensitive, strategic, or complex assignments.Oversee project financial performance, including invoicing, forecasting, and operational reporting.Leadership & Team DevelopmentLead, mentor, and develop a team of Consultants, Specialists, and technical professionals.Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on technical excellence and client success.Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance discussions, and career development planning.Provide coaching on project management, technical problem-solving, consulting skills, and client engagement.Serve as a role model and trusted resource for team members.Support recruitment, onboarding, retention, and succession planning efforts.Business Development & Client RelationshipsServe as a trusted advisor to building owners, property managers, developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and other industry partners.Develop and maintain long-term client relationships through exceptional service and technical expertise.Identify opportunities to expand services and support additional client needs.Participate in networking, business development, industry involvement, and client engagement activities.Present findings, recommendations, and technical solutions to clients and project teams.Support proposal development, interviews, and pursuit strategies for new opportunities.Strategy & Practice GrowthHelp shape the strategic direction and long-term growth of the Building Enclosure Rehabilitation & Restoration practice.Participate in annual business planning, including growth initiatives, staffing plans, training programs, and revenue objectives.Monitor market trends, industry developments, and client needs to identify emerging opportunities.Support operational improvements that enhance efficiency, profitability, and client satisfaction.Contribute to department forecasting, performance tracking, and resource planning.What You'll Bring:Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.Active Registered Architect (RA) license required.10+ years of experience in building enclosure consulting, architecture, building science, rehabilitation, restoration, forensic investigation, or existing building consulting.Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing client relationships.Strong knowledge of building enclosure systems, including roofing, waterproofing, facades, fenestration, air barriers, vapor barriers, and exterior wall assemblies.Experience conducting building assessments, investigations, and developing repair or rehabilitation strategies.Demonstrated leadership experience with team management, operational oversight, project delivery, and business development.Strong financial, project management, and operational planning capabilities.Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.Proven ability to build trusted relationships with clients, colleagues, and industry stakeholders.Preferred QualificationsExperience with restoration, rehabilitation, modernization, or capital improvement projects for existing buildings.Experience with building enclosure investigations, water intrusion evaluations, and forensic consulting.Experience mentoring and developing technical professionals.Additional building enclosure, building science, or industry certifications.Established industry relationships and business development experience.Why Work with Lerch Bates?Competitive base salary of $140,000 - $165,000 per year, based on experience, qualifications, and locationAnnual performance-based bonus opportunity, with target incentive levels varying by position and based on individual and company performance.100% Employee-Owned ESOP (company-funded retirement benefit that allows eligible employees to share in the company's long-term success)Health, dental, and vision insurancePaid time off (starting at 17 days annually)10 paid holidays401(k) with 6% employer matchPaid parental leaveProfessional development and tuition reimbursementEmployee assistance and wellness programsBecome an Employee-OwnerOne of the biggest advantages of working at Lerch Bates is that we are 100% employee-owned through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).Unlike many companies that offer only a salary and retirement plan, eligible employees receive company-funded ESOP shares at no cost to them as part of their long-term retirement benefits.As Lerch Bates grows, employee-owners share in the company's success. For many employees, the ESOP becomes one of the most valuable financial benefits of their career by helping build meaningful long-term wealth in addition to their salary and traditional 401(k).When you join Lerch Bates