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

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent