Operations Manager - Fire Sprinkler Division

About Tier 1 Fire Protection

Tier 1 Fire Protection is a growing fire life safety company serving commercial, industrial, and institutional clients through sprinkler systems, fire alarms, extinguishers, inspections, service repairs, and related solutions. The company has built a reputation around doing quality work, following through, and operating with professionalism and integrity. Its growth has come through strong leadership, recurring service work, expanded capabilities, and a clear commitment to doing what is right.

Technology, systems, and operational discipline matter here, but so do trust, accountability, and quality execution. Tier 1 needs leaders who can strengthen the business while protecting the reputation that helped build it.

Who We Are Looking For

We’re looking for a strong, experienced, and highly accountable Operations Manager who can lead the sprinkler department with confidence and minimal oversight. This is a role for a true operator, someone who understands how sprinkler work comes together across design, field execution, and project management, and can keep all three aligned.

The right candidate brings a strong foundation in fire sprinkler systems design, along with leadership experience managing both field and office teams. They do not need to be a full-time designer, but they must be comfortable reviewing plans, working closely with design teams, and ensuring design intent translates effectively in the field.

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Thrives in high-responsibility environments
• Can lead both field and office functions effectively
• Understands sprinkler operations from design through closeout
• Has experience across construction, service, and inspection work
• Can make sound decisions without waiting for constant direction
• Knows how to hold people accountable while building trust
• Understands that leadership means owning results, not just activity

The right candidate will be both operationally sharp and technically credible. They will not just keep the department moving, they will strengthen it, organize it, and make it more scalable.

Who We Are Looking For (cont.)

If you are someone who:

• Can run sprinkler operations and lead people
• Understands how design, project flow, and field execution connect
• Communicates clearly and directly
• Takes initiative and earns trust through execution
• Wants true ownership of a department

We want to talk to you.

About the Position

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and operating the sprinkler division at Tier 1 Fire Protection. This role reports directly to the owner, sits on the leadership team, and is expected to run the department with a high level of independence and accountability.

This position owns department performance across people, projects, labor efficiency, profitability, safety, and customer outcomes. It oversees sprinkler work across construction, service, and inspections, ensuring alignment from design and planning through field execution and closeout. The goal is to run a disciplined, organized, and financially sound operation.

This role requires strong industry experience, operational maturity, and the ability to lead through both technical credibility and consistent follow-through. The Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring alignment between sprinkler design, field execution, and project management, preventing breakdowns that lead to delays, rework, or margin loss, while reducing the amount of day-to-day involvement required from ownership.

While ownership sets direction, this leader owns execution. Success in this role is measured by department performance, project quality, labor efficiency, accountability, and the ability to run a profitable, well-structured, and scalable sprinkler operation.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead and operate the fire sprinkler department with full accountability
• Own department performance, labor efficiency, scheduling, and profitability
• Oversee all sprinkler work across construction, service, and inspections
• Oversee sprinkler projects from handoff through closeout
• Ensure alignment between sprinkler design, field execution, and project management to prevent errors, delays, and rework
• Review plans and collaborate with design teams to ensure accurate execution in the field
• Hold the Superintendent accountable for field productivity, safety, and quality
• Hold the Project Manager accountable for planning, cost control, billing, and documentation
• Ensure compliance with NFPA standards, local codes, and AHJ requirements
• Serve as the escalation point for major project, customer, or operational issues
• Hire, develop, and hold department staff accountable
• Build stronger structure, rhythm, and operational discipline across the sprinkler division
• Participate in company leadership discussions and contribute to broader strategy

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in the fire sprinkler or fire protection industry
• NICET Certification preferred
• Proven leadership experience managing field and office teams
• Strong knowledge of NFPA 13, 13R, 13D, and AHJ processes
• Experience working with sprinkler design and layout, including reviewing plans and coordinating with design teams
• Ability to read and interpret sprinkler drawings and system designs
• Experience overseeing construction, service, and/or inspection operations preferred
• Proven ability to run projects, people, and operations independently
• Strong decision-making skills and financial awareness
• Ability to lead with accountability while maintaining credibility and trust
• High level of ownership, follow-through, and operational discipline