Operations Manager

Company DescriptionFDS Engineering & Electrical Services is an electrical engineering and technical services firm based in Iron Mountain, Michigan, serving utilities, municipalities, and industrial clients throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, and the surrounding region.Our services include electrical engineering, industrial automation and SCADA, custom control panel manufacturing, and electrical field services. We specialize in power distribution, protective relaying, and electrical and control systems for industrial facilities, water and wastewater treatment plants, hydroelectric stations, and utility infrastructure.Our team combines professional engineering expertise with hands-on field experience to deliver practical, reliable solutions from design through installation, testing, and commissioning.Primary ResponsibilitiesEngineering Design Project ManagementManage engineering design projects from initial inquiry and proposal through completion.Develop project estimates, scopes of work, budgets, and schedules.Coordinate engineering personnel, project deliverables, and customer requirements.Visit customer facilities to evaluate existing conditions, gather technical information, and establish project requirements.Track project progress, budgets, deadlines, and scope changes.Maintain regular communication with customers throughout project execution.Industrial Controls & Control Panel Project ManagementManage industrial control system and control panel projects from estimating through production, testing, and delivery.Prepare project estimates, proposals, schedules, and material budgets.Develop and coordinate technical submittal packages for customer review and approval.Review customer specifications, drawings, equipment requirements, and other technical documentation.Visit customer sites to collect technical information, identify existing equipment, and establish control system requirements.Develop bills of materials and identify components needed for control panel production.Obtain vendor quotations, select and order electrical and control system components in coordination with engineering personnel.Coordinate panel shop production schedules, material availability, fabrication, assembly, and testing.Communicate with customers, vendors, engineers, and shop personnel to resolve technical and scheduling issues.Track project costs, change orders, production progress, and delivery commitments.Operations ManagementServe as a primary point of contact for new customer inquiries and project opportunities.Coordinate daily project activities and personnel scheduling across engineering, panel production, and field service.Schedule field service technicians and coordinate service work with customers.Manage purchasing, vendor communications, and material deliveries.Monitor project workloads, resource availability, and upcoming commitments.Assist with project documentation, closeout, and invoicing.Identify opportunities to improve estimating, scheduling, purchasing, project tracking, and internal operations.QualificationsExperience in project management, operations, estimating, or resource coordination within an engineering, electrical contracting, industrial automation, or related technical environment.Working knowledge of electrical power distribution, industrial control systems, automation equipment, or electrical construction practices.Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, technical specifications, equipment documentation, and bills of materials.Technical aptitude and ability to conduct customer site visits, assess existing equipment and conditions, gather project requirements, and communicate findings to engineering and production personnel.Experience preparing project estimates, technical submittals, material lists, purchase orders, and other project documentation.Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple projects, schedules, and competing priorities.Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with project scheduling, estimating, purchasing, and CRM or business management software.Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to coordinate engineering, panel shop production, field service personnel, vendors, and subcontractors.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a professional and responsive approach to customer relationships.Ability to exercise independent judgment, take initiative, and follow projects through to completion.Commitment to safety, quality workmanship, and applicable industry standards.A bachelor's degree in engineering, engineering technology, construction management, business, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent technical training and relevant practical experience will be considered.Experience with electric utilities, municipal infrastructure, industrial facilities, electrical services, or industrial control panel manufacturing is highly desirable.