Operations Manager (Systems Integration)

Automationtechies; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) match with ESOP

Career development and growth

Job summary

Automationtechies in Richmond, VA is seeking an Operations Manager to lead operational performance and drive profitability across engineering and automation projects. You will partner with the Business Unit Manager and Business Development to optimize resources, develop talent, and strengthen client relationships.

You will oversee staffing, financial performance, and strategic objectives, while fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture and ensuring timely project delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational functions within the business unit and coordinate with other units.
• Support short- and long-term strategic plans including revenue and profitability objectives.
• Lead periodic business reporting and participate in leadership meetings.
• Promote a positive, collaborative culture and ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly.
• Manage timesheets, expense reports, invoicing, and other admin tasks.
• Support recruiting and hiring aligned with the staffing plan.
• Mentor engineering staff and lead project teams.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Operations management

Client relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

PE license preferred

Job description

Operations Manager

The Operations Manager plays a key leadership role in the growth and success of the business unit by driving operational performance, profitability, client satisfaction, and strategic objectives. This position partners closely with the Business Unit Manager and Business Development team to optimize resources, develop talent, strengthen client relationships, and ensure successful execution of engineering and automation projects.

The Operations Manager provides leadership across project execution, staffing, financial performance, business development, and client management while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

Why Work Here

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance


• 401(k) match and 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan


• Strong reputation within the engineering and systems integration industry


• Excellent opportunity for professional development and career advancement

Responsibilities

• Report to the Business Unit Manager and oversee assigned operational functions within the business unit, including coordination with other business units.


• Support the development and execution of short- and long-term strategic plans, including revenue and profitability objectives.


• Prepare and support periodic business reporting and participate in business unit leadership meetings.


• Promote a positive, collaborative culture while ensuring effective day-to-day operations of the team.


• Ensure operational activities, including timesheet approvals, expense reports, invoicing, and other administrative requirements, are completed accurately and on schedule.


• Support recruiting and hiring initiatives in accordance with the business unit’s strategic staffing plan.


• Manage staffing changes, including hiring, promotions, and terminations, in partnership with Human Resources.


• Support and provide recommendations to the Business Unit Manager regarding employee compensation, salary adjustments, and bonuses.


• Monitor employee performance and ensure timely completion of annual performance evaluations.


• Evaluate project requirements, staffing needs, and employee competencies to maintain an effective and appropriately skilled resource pool.


• Support employee career development, mentoring, and professional growth.


• Partner with the Business Unit Manager and Business Development team to identify and pursue new business opportunities.


• Manage business unit communications and special initiatives, including internship, community service, and employee development programs.


• Develop and maintain key customer relationships, including contract and rate negotiations, client-specific staffing strategies, business development, and long-term account planning.


• Provide leadership and oversight for projects of varying size and complexity, including scope, schedule, budget, quality, resource allocation, and financial performance.


• Develop project budgets, execution plans, work breakdown structures, schedules, and related project controls.


• Provide customer and business unit reporting related to project scope, schedule, budget, and earned value.


• Balance operational leadership responsibilities with billable project work and direct management of engineering and automation projects.


• Lead and mentor engineering staff and promote effective collaboration across project teams.


• Communicate effectively with employees, customers, and leadership at all levels.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering required.


• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

Experience

A minimum of 10 years of systems integration experience, with at least 5 years of project management experience delivering automation solutions across various industries involving PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA platforms. Strong leadership and client relationship skills are required.

Experience should include:

• Leading engineering and design projects from conception through execution.


• Developing customer-specific construction specifications.


• Developing conceptual P&C one-lines.


• Developing detailed P&C one-lines and three-lines.


• Developing detailed P&C schematics and wiring diagrams.


• Applying NEC, IEEE, NFPA, ISO, NERC, OSHA, and other applicable regulations and industry standards to engineering designs and installations.


• Performing detailed design for industrial and utility low-, medium-, and high-voltage generation, distribution, and transmission electrical systems.


• Providing control enclosure manufacturing support and facility designs, including station electrical service, lighting, cable tray, AC load centers, DC load centers, battery sizing, and other facility design requirements.


• Performing detailed engineering, project management, and construction cost estimating.


• Developing detailed proposals for contract engineering opportunities.


• Developing detailed proposals for Owner’s Engineer, Project Management, Construction Management, and Project Controls opportunities.


• Leading and mentoring junior staff in engineering and design efforts.


• Communicating effectively with employees, customers, and project stakeholders.

Working Environment

This position offers a hybrid work environment combining standard office responsibilities with work-from-home leadership activities. The role requires frequent use of a personal computer and standard office equipment.

The ability and willingness to travel up to 30% for client and project needs is strongly preferred.

**The annual base salary range for this position has been provided. The range given is broad and should be considered as a guideline only. The company will consider a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, the salaries of current employees in similar roles, and other factors when extending an offer.**