Operations Manager, Environmental Consulting

MEA Energy; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Unlimited PTO

11 paid holidays

Flexible work arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

MEA Energy in Houston is seeking an Operations Manager to lead Environmental Consulting Services, shape regional growth, and drive performance across multiple service lines. This high-autonomy role requires managing P&L and budgets, developing senior client relationships, and building a scalable local team while expanding the book of business.

You will recruit talent, provide technical leadership across permitting, compliance and engineering, and partner with executives to align resources with

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in environmental consulting or related professional services.
• Proven leadership of operations across multiple service lines or P&Ls.
• Strong technical understanding of environmental permitting, compliance, and engineering.
• Established book of business or demonstrated ability to develop client relationships.
• Ability to recruit and retain talent and operate autonomously.

Responsibilities

• Lead Houston operations, including office performance and staffing.
• Manage and optimize P&L, revenue, budgets, and profitability.
• Develop and execute local and regional growth strategies.
• Build senior-level client relationships and expand accounts.
• Leverage network to drive revenue growth.
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing professionals.
• Provide technical leadership across permitting, compliance, and engineering.
• Align resources with business development efforts.
• Represent the firm with clients and industry organizations in the Houston market.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Client relationships

Financial acumen

People management

Entrepreneurial mindset

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, Business, or related field

Job description

Summary

We are partnered with an environmental consulting firm seeking an Operations Manager to lead their Environmental Consulting Services in Houston and help shape its broader regional growth strategy.

This is a high-autonomy leadership role for an ambitious environmental professional who can lead operations, manage financial performance, develop client relationships, and bring a strong network to the business. The firm is evolving its organizational structure and is looking for a leader who can operate across service lines, bring teams together, and help build a scalable regional business.

The ideal candidate will have a broad environmental background with experience across permitting and compliance (air, water, waste) or environmental engineering (remediation/ site investigation) along with a demonstrated ability to manage people, P&L, and client relationships.

If you are a proven environmental leader who can operate independently, bring clients and talent with you, and help build the strategy for a growing regional business, we would be interested in speaking with you.

**If you are not located in Houston, there are additional opportunities in other office locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Houston operations, with responsibility for office performance, staffing, resource allocation, and day-to-day business operations.
• Manage and optimize P&L, revenue, budgets, and profitability across multiple environmental service lines.
• Develop and execute local and regional growth strategies in alignment with broader company objectives.
• Build and maintain senior-level client relationships, identifying opportunities to expand existing accounts and develop new business.
• Leverage an established book of business and professional network to drive revenue growth.
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing environmental professionals and build a strong local team.
• Provide technical leadership across environmental permitting, compliance, and engineering services.
• Partner with service line and executive leadership to align resources, operations, and business development efforts.
• Serve as a visible leader in the Houston market and represent the firm with clients, industry organizations, and the broader environmental community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, Business, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in environmental consulting or related professional services.
• Proven experience leading operations, multiple service lines, departments, or P&Ls.
• Strong technical understanding of environmental service lines, including permitting, compliance, and engineering in the industrial services sector.
• Demonstrated success in business development and client relationship management; established book of business strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to recruit and retain talent.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate autonomously and build a business.
• Strong financial, strategic, and operational acumen.

Benefits

• Starting salary of $200-250k + performance-based incentives + stock options
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Unlimited PTO and 11 paid holidays
• Flexible work arrangements
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to play a key role in the growth and evolution of the business