General Manager

Div. 4 - Knoxville, TN

Summary

Responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and financial performance of the fire protection business, including fire sprinkler, fire alarm, inspection, service, and special hazard systems; oversees operations, safety, quality, customer relationships, and growth while ensuring compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and company standards.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead, develop, and hold accountable operations, service, inspection, project management, and administrative leaders.
• Establish clear performance expectations, goals, and accountability across all teams.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee daily fire protection operations, including installation, service, inspection, and testing.
• Ensure full compliance with NFPA standards, AHJ requirements, OSHA regulations, and company policies.
• Own full P&L responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Drive profitability through labor efficiency, pricing discipline, cost control, and change management.
• Partner with sales and estimating to grow installation, service, and recurring inspection revenue.
• Maintain strong relationships with key customers, general contractors, vendors, and authorities having jurisdiction.
• Champion safety, training, licensing, and audit readiness across the organization.
• Lead process improvement initiatives, system optimization, and KPI tracking (margin, growth, safety, inspections, retention).

Experience and Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience) and 10-15 years of experience in fire protection with leadership responsibility; proven P&L management and financial leadership experience; demonstrated success managing large teams and complex operations; NICET certification(s) in Water-Based Systems and/or Fire Alarm Systems; State or local contractor or qualifying agent licenses, where applicable.

Computer Skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with construction or service management software (ERP, project management, scheduling, and work order systems), ServiceTrade preferred.

Physical Demands

Office and field-based role with regular job site visits; ability to stand, walk, kneel, and climb for extended periods; computer use while in office; travel may be required based on operational footprint

Century Fire Protection is one of the largest and most successful full-service fire protection companies based in the Southeast and we are still growing! There are a wide range of positions and countless opportunities for career growth. Each employee is empowered to do their job and serve our clients. There is no better place to work in the industry!

We are experts in design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of all types of fire protection systems in virtually all commercial markets for each stage of a buildings life cycle. Headquartered in Duluth, GA, Century Fire has more than 20 offices across seven states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Benefits

We believe our people are our biggest asset and as such, we offer comprehensive benefits, education, and training to ensure employees succeed and grow. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Short-term & Long-term Disability
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• 401(K) with Company Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Relief Fund
• Supplemental Insurance including Critical Illness, Hospitalization & Accident

Century Fire Protection is a GREAT place to work! Come and GROW WITH US!