Director of Operations & Building Science Consulting

Lerch Bates Inc.; Myrtle Beach (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance bonus

ESOP

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

401(k) with employer match

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness programs

Job summary

Lerch Bates Inc. seeks a Director of Operations to lead a premier building enclosure consulting practice.

The role blends strategic leadership with hands-on technical work, including building investigations and client consulting, while guiding multi-office operations and growth initiatives. The role requires a civil/architectural engineering background, 8+ years in related fields, and 2+ years in leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Architectural Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in engineering, architecture, construction management, building science, restoration, rehabilitation, forensics, or related consulting fields.
• Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience with staff management, business operations, financial performance, strategic planning, and business development.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (AIA) license preferred.
• Strong understanding of building science principles, building enclosure systems, structural systems, and the design and construction process.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex consulting projects while maintaining strong client relationships.
• Proven ability to mentor technical professionals and build high-performing teams.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing utilization, project budgets, forecasting, backlog, profitability, and operational performance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, executives, and technical teams.
• Ability to read, interpret, and review construction drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced consulting environment.
• Commitment to quality, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Perform building science consulting services, including building investigations, condition assessments, field observations, testing oversight, technical evaluations, and client consulting.
• Lead or support complex building enclosure, restoration, rehabilitation, forensic, and existing building projects.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor for owners, architects, contractors, attorneys, property managers, and project teams.
• Review technical reports, repair recommendations, construction documents, and project deliverables to ensure quality and consistency.
• Participate in site visits, client meetings, and construction observations while maintaining individual billable utilization goals.
• Lead operational performance across multiple offices, including utilization, backlog, staffing, forecasting, invoicing, accounts receivable, profitability, and project execution.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Mentoring

Reading drawings

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) or Architect (AIA) license preferred

Job description

Lerch Bates Inc. seeks a Director of Operations to lead a premier building enclosure consulting practice.

The role blends strategic leadership with hands-on technical work, including building investigations and client consulting, while guiding multi-office operations and growth initiatives. The role requires a civil/architectural engineering background, 8+ years in related fields, and 2+ years in leadership.