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 environmentsCan lead both field and office functions effectivelyUnderstands sprinkler operations from design through closeoutHas experience across construction, service, and inspection workCan make sound decisions without waiting for constant directionKnows how to hold people accountable while building trustUnderstands 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 peopleUnderstands how design, project flow, and field execution connectCommunicates clearly and directlyTakes initiative and earns trust through executionWants 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 accountabilityOwn department performance, labor efficiency, scheduling, and profitabilityOversee all sprinkler work across construction, service, and inspectionsOversee sprinkler projects from handoff through closeoutEnsure alignment between sprinkler design, field execution, and project management to prevent errors, delays, and reworkReview plans and collaborate with design teams to ensure accurate execution in the fieldHold the Superintendent accountable for field productivity, safety, and qualityHold the Project Manager accountable for planning, cost control, billing, and documentationEnsure compliance with NFPA standards, local codes, and AHJ requirementsServe as the escalation point for major project, customer, or operational issuesHire, develop, and hold department staff accountableBuild stronger structure, rhythm, and operational discipline across the sprinkler divisionParticipate in company leadership discussions and contribute to broader strategy Qualifications:7+ years of experience in the fire sprinkler or fire protection industryNICET Certification preferredProven leadership experience managing field and office teamsStrong knowledge of NFPA 13, 13R, 13D, and AHJ processesExperience working with sprinkler design and layout, including reviewing plans and coordinating with design teamsAbility to read and interpret sprinkler drawings and system designsExperience overseeing construction, service, and/or inspection operations preferredProven ability to run projects, people, and operations independentlyStrong decision-making skills and financial awarenessAbility to lead with accountability while maintaining credibility and trustHigh level of ownership, follow-through, and operational discipline