Director of Operations

L. L. Blue Engineering; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

L. L. Blue Engineering is seeking a Director of Operations in Atlanta to lead day-to-day business operations while supporting the firm’s growth. The ideal candidate will partner closely with the Managing Principal to execute organizational visions, manage operational processes, and enhance financial performance.

This leadership role involves overseeing project delivery, business development activities, and financial management within a hybrid work setting. A strong background in operational leadership and industrial services is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience with operational responsibility.
• Experience in industrial services, engineering, or technical environments.
• Proven ability to build and scale operational processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations across delivery and development.
• Oversee project delivery to ensure timelines and budgets are met.
• Manage business development processes and proposal development.

Skills

Leadership

Operational management

Financial literacy

Communication

Project delivery expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, operations management or related field

Job description

About this position

About L. L. Blue Engineering

L.L. Blue Engineering is an industrial systems integration firm specializing in industrial control system engineering, instrumentation and controls, systems commissioning, construction oversight, and maintenance services. With 25 years of deep technical expertise, we serve clients across energy, utilities, manufacturing, and water/wastewater. We are a founder‑led firm becoming an AI‑native organization—re‑thinking how industrial systems integration firms plan, deliver, and manage work. We are looking for an operational leader who wants to help us build the infrastructure to scale—not just manage what already exists.

Director of Operations

About the Role

L.L. Blue Engineering is seeking a Director of Operations to lead day‑to‑day business operations and support the firm’s next phase of growth. This senior leadership role partners closely with the Managing Principal to translate company vision into disciplined execution, scalable operations, and strong financial performance.

The Director of Operations serves as the firm’s operational leader across project delivery, business development execution, financial coordination, and people operations. This role is ideal for an experienced operator who thrives in founder‑led, growth‑oriented environments and has a proven ability to build systems, processes, and accountability where they do not yet exist.

What You’ll Do

Operational Leadership

• Lead day‑to‑day business operations across delivery, business development, and internal operations.
• Establish and maintain operational cadences, including weekly leadership meetings, monthly business reviews, and quarterly planning.
• Drive accountability, performance management, and cross‑functional alignment.
• Manage operational escalations and decision‑making.

Project Delivery Oversight

• Oversee the project delivery organization to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to quality standards.
• Monitor project performance metrics including margins, schedules, change orders, and client satisfaction.
• Develop and improve delivery SOPs, templates, and management systems.
• Intervene on at‑risk projects through recovery planning and resource coordination.
• Ensure smooth transition from business development to execution.

Business Development Execution

• Oversee operational execution of business development activities, including pipeline reviews and CRM accountability.
• Lead pursuit and pipeline review cadences to align opportunities with firm capacity and capabilities.
• Oversee proposal development processes to ensure quality and on‑time submission.
• Coordinate capacity planning between sales and delivery teams.

Financial & Performance Management

• Partner with the Controller on budgeting, cost management, and financial reporting.
• Provide operational context for project profitability, overhead analysis, and variance tracking.
• Identify operational inefficiencies impacting margins and financial performance.

People & Culture

• Provide day‑to‑day people leadership, including performance expectations and accountability.
• Partner with HR on onboarding, employee relations, training, and compliance.
• Support hiring, team development, and retention initiatives.

Process & Systems

• Build scalable SOPs, workflows, and management systems to support growth.
• Support adoption of AI‑enabled and data‑driven operational workflows.
• Develop operational dashboards and reporting structures to improve visibility and decision‑making.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience with significant operational responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience in industrial services, engineering, construction, or technical services environments.
• Proven ability to build and scale operational processes and management systems.
• Experience overseeing project delivery organizations.
• Strong financial literacy, including P&L understanding and margin management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, operations management, or a related field.
• Experience supporting business development operations and proposal processes.
• Prior experience in founder‑led or entrepreneurial organizations.
• Familiarity with regulated, safety‑conscious industrial environments.

Key Attributes

• Strong people leader with excellent communication and accountability skills.
• Builder mindset with the ability to create structure and discipline in growing organizations.
• Comfortable operating in technical environments and holding teams accountable.
• Adaptable, execution‑focused, and comfortable adopting new technologies and workflows.

Additional Information

• Hybrid role based in the Atlanta area with regular office presence.
• Travel required for client sites and operational oversight.
• Valid driver’s license, background check, and ability to meet client site requirements.