Discipline Ops Mgr I (Plumbing)

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

401(k) match

Health benefits

Insurance coverage

Flexible schedules

Parental leave

PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. is seeking an experienced Discipline Operations Manager I in Houston to lead a discipline subgroup, align staffing and schedules, and drive performance for project success.

You will mentor team members, manage evaluations, and collaborate with project managers to ensure proper skill mix and staffing levels across programs. The role emphasizes adherence to professional standards, client requirements, and corporate objectives, with a focus on process improvements and

Qualifications

• Registered technical professional with 10+ years in a technical discipline.
• 5+ years in a consulting engineering firm.
• Proficient in the discipline of expertise.
• NCEES council record active and up to date, if applicable.
• Experience managing small to mid-scale projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead discipline subgroup-building people and processes; align staffing and schedules; drive performance for Total Project Success.
• Partner with other Discipline Operations Managers and the Discipline Operations Director to allocate weekly hours and staff across projects.
• Guide and mentor subgroup members; foster growth, accountability, and collaboration.
• Manage performance expectations, provide feedback, conduct evaluations, and address gaps proactively.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to ensure staffing and skill mix; support recruiting and onboarding.

Job description

What You'll Do

• As a Discipline Operations Manager I, you'll lead a discipline subgroup-building people and processes, aligning staffing and schedules, raising technical quality, and driving performance so our teams deliver Total Project Success for clients.
• Partner with other Discipline Operations Managers and the Discipline Operations Director to allocate weekly hours and staff across projects.
• Guide, direct, and mentor subgroup members; cultivate a culture of growth, accountability, and collaboration.
• Manage performance-set expectations, provide feedback, conduct evaluations, and address performance gaps proactively.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to ensure adequate staffing and skill mix; support recruiting, onboarding, and annual performance cycles.
• Ensure design services meet professional standards, client requirements, and corporate objectives; oversee subgroup QA/QC execution.
• Evaluate and resolve atypical or complex design issues; provide expert guidance to teams and clients.
• Coordinate with the Technical Discipline Leader to implement process improvements and discipline standards; publish procedures.
• Foster engagement within the subgroup and program; ensure effective interdiscipline coordination and communication.
• Address and resolve conflicts within the team or across departments; improve processes to prevent recurrence.
• Develop and execute employee development plans; facilitate mentorship pairings and internal training.
• Establish and maintain relationships with clients, contractors, and manufacturers; perform engineer/PM responsibilities as needed.
• Review and approve timesheets and expense reports; support annual budgeting and provide datadriven input to leadership.
• Partner with HR and the Discipline Operations Director on recruitment strategies, performance management, policy implementation, and compensation assessments to ensure equitable pay practices.
• Manage and drive subgroup KPIs (utilization, chargeable goals, timesheets, overtime, turnover, engagement); report progress and actions.
• Maintain inoffice presence and meaningful connections across locations, including periodic visits to offices with direct reports.

Who We're Looking For

Minimum Requirements:

• A registered technical professional or technical professional with at least 10 years of practical experience in one of the technical disciplines practiced by the firm
• 5 years of experience in a consulting engineering firm
• Proficient within the discipline of expertise
• Active and up to date in NCEES council record, if applicable
• Experience managing projects of small to mid-scale scope and complexity

Preferred Qualifications:

• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web browsers; general knowledge of Revit and discipline software.
• Knowledge of contracts, project management, resource allocation, and financial/KPI fundamentals for a technical unit.
• Clear written communication, technical writing, effective presentations, and strong speech clarity.
• Team building, mentoring, delegation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills across disciplines and offices.
• Judgment, organization, and attention to detail to orchestrate multiple activities and drive continuous improvement.

What We Offer

• 100% Employee-Owned - Ownership from day one with immediate ESOP vesting.
• Retirement Savings - 401(k) with immediate vesting and a generous company match.
• Health & Wellness - Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus companyfunded HSA contributions for HDHP plans.
• Company-Paid Protection - Life insurance, AD&D, and short and long term disability at no cost to you.
• Work-Life Balance - Flexible schedules, paid parental leave, generous PTO, and paid company holidays.
• Career Growth - Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development support.

SSR is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

EEO Disabled/Veterans

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities