Operations Manager

Qai Laboratories; Loves Park (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Qai Laboratories is seeking an Operations Manager for the Loves Park, Illinois branch. The role involves leadership of branch operations, ensuring financial performance, and supporting staff development.

Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree and over 5 years of experience in management roles, particularly in relevant testing fields. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills are essential. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a respected organization in the certification industry.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a team autonomously and upholding company values.
• Demonstrated history of managing P&L.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day activities of the Loves Park branch.
• Responsible for the financial performance of the location.
• Manage client satisfaction and assess areas for growth.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Written and oral communication

Knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant technical field

5+ years’ experience in a management or supervisory role

Job description

QAI Job Number: QAI-IL-BPOPS-04232026

Job Title: Operations Manager

Location: Loves Park, Illinois

Number of Positions: 1

Category: BP – Physical

Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Background

Founded in 1995 by a group of experienced certification and testing experts, QAI is an independent third‑party testing, inspection and certification organization which serves the building, technology, and construction industries (among others) with cost effective solutions through our in‑house capabilities / services, and an established world‑wide network of qualified affiliates. The QAI name and logo have become well recognized throughout the Certification world resulting in steady growth of our Certification, Testing, and Inspection business streams.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager position will play a key role in overseeing the day‑to‑day activities of the Loves Park, IL branch, ensuring operational excellence, financial performance, staff development, and client satisfaction. The ideal candidate will be a talented and motivated individual, with years of experience related to laboratory management or product compliance, to fulfill the following tasks at our office located in Loves Park, IL.

Duties

• Overall leadership of the branch location.
• Responsible for the financial performance of the location, assess and analyze budgets to minimize expenses and maximize profits.
• Responsibility for management/supervision of the operation and employees.
• Responsible for overall client satisfaction.
• Recommends capital expenditures.
• Recommend areas for growth, develop plans and budgets for expansion, as approved.
• Assist in matters of accreditation.
• Local responsibility for document control, quality, and safety requirements.
• Experienced in building strong teams, by inspiring and motivating employees to perform at their best.
• Ability to respond quickly to shifting reality and adjust initiatives and priorities accordingly.
• Recommends local hiring, promotion, discipline, and training of employees.
• Responsibility for maintaining competency in testing standards.
• Ensures quality management system policies, procedures and work instructions are followed.
• Works with sales manager and sales representatives to develop existing and new business and assist with quotations.
• Other duties as assigned by the VP of Operations or its designee.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant technical field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years’ experience in a management or supervisory role. Ability to manage a team autonomously and uphold company values and integrity.
• 5+ years’ experience working in a relevant testing field.Demonstrated history managing diverse teams.
• Demonstrated history of effective problem‑solving, planning and decision‑making skills.
• Experience managing a P&L.
• Experience creating strategic plans and supporting business development.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an ISO 17025 accredited testing lab.
• Knowledge of USA and international building product standards and codes.
• Registration or ability for registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) is useful but not mandatory.
• Understanding of certification (ISO 17065) and inspection (ISO 17020) accreditation requirements.

Key Technical Competence

• Strong leadership skills. Ability to effectively organize and manage a team of employees.
• Multi‑tasking, organization and flexibility to jump from priority to priority are essential to a role that juggles a variety of functions and projects.
• Knowledge of testing, inspection and certification procedures in the relevant business fields.
• Sound knowledge of business requirements of the areas under supervision.
• Able to identify resource requirements and communicate those requirements throughout the organization.
• Able to communicate business and technical requirements to others under supervision.
• Applies sound judgement to business and technical solutions.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans and support business development.
• Ability to manage a P&L statement to meet financial objectives.
• Strong interpersonal communications, both internal and external.
• Ability to collaborate with ATL’s network of employees outside.

Additional Information

• Candidates must hold a valid driver’s license.
• Candidates must hold a valid passport, or be able to obtain a valid passport, and must be able to travel to local and international destinations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

QAI Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

Note

No sponsorship is available.