Operations Manager

The Operations Manager supports the Business Unit (BU) by providing operational leadership, project execution oversight, and team development to ensure the BU meets its revenue, profitability, and strategic objectives. This role enhances day to day operational performance, strengthens team effectiveness, and supports business development and client management activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities The following responsibilities are essential to the satisfactory performance of this role. Reasonable accommodation may be made as needed. Non-essential functions are assumed to be included under “other related duties as assigned.”

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Support development and execution of annual BU strategic plans and operational goals
• Help cultivate a positive, high‑performing culture aligned with BU and corporate values
• Collaborate with the BU Manager and other Operations Managers to increase utilization of the team
• Support BU business planning activities, including staffing plans, operational metrics, and performance reporting
• Interpret and reinforce company policies and procedures within the BU

Operational Support

• Support the BU Manager in achieving revenue, margin, utilization, and backlog targets
• Provide timely operational data for BU financial reporting, including project performance, staffing forecasts, and key metrics
• Ensure adherence to corporate business processes in coordination with Project Accounting
• Support the Corporate Project Accountant (PA) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) by adhering to timely and effective business process requirements
• Ensure periodic operational activities (timesheet approval, expense report approval, invoicing) are completed on time and within the defined budget.

Sales & Business Development

• Partner with the BU Manager and Business Development team to identify new opportunities and support proposal development
• Contribute to client presentations, scope development, and rate/contract discussions
• Support key account management, including client‑specific staffing and strategic planning
• Utilize Salesforce for accounts, project, proposal, and client management

Projects The Operations Manager may serve as a Project Manager, which may include the following responsibilities:

• Lead or support project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management activities
• Provide guidance to Project Managers on project execution, purchasing, invoicing, and accounts receivable tracking
• Ensure project delivery aligns with scope, schedule, and budget expectations
• Support technical system design reviews and project governance
• Balance operational responsibilities with billable project work, including managing capital or automation projects when required
• Work weekends, holidays, nightshift, and extended hours to meet deadlines and commissioning requirements as needed

Principal Project Manager Responsibilities The Operations Manager will support the BU Manager in developing the BU’s Project Management best practices, which may include the following responsibilities:

• Lead and provide direction for small to large, high-complexity, multi-disciplinary projects and programs
• Manage and oversee the end-to-end project lifecycle, ensuring successful delivery
• Develop project concepts and detailed execution plans
• Build and lead high-performing teams to meet project goals and objectives
• Maintain regular contact with clients and report on project progress and accomplishments
• Manage vendor and client relationships to ensure service expectations are met
• Coordinate with all required functions and groups to effectively plan and execute projects

Team Management & Development

• Oversee staffing lifecycle activities for the BU office, including recruitment, hiring, performance reviews, career development, and retention strategies
• Support compensation planning in collaboration with the BU Manager
• Mentor and develop engineers, project managers, and technical staff
• Promote employee engagement and a collaborative, team‑oriented environment
• Support workforce planning to ensure staffing aligns with project and technical needs

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with corporate teams on national initiatives and policy implementation
• Serve in multiple roles as needed, including business development, sales, project management, operations, controls engineering, technical consulting, and client account management

Vendor & Partner Relations

• Support relationships with vendors, general contractors, contract partners, A&E firms, and professional associations
• Assist in the review, edit, and management client agreements and contracts in collaboration with the WM Legal Team

Facilities & Logistics

• Support office logistics for [Location] offices, including leases, infrastructure, custodial services, security, and lunchroom operations

Safety & Compliance

• Support implementation of BU and national safety programs
• Ensure compliance with Quality Management Systems and support internal and external audits
• Stay informed of and comply with policies outlined in the Employee Handbook

Field Work & Travel

• Willingness to travel up to 25% for on-site support and commissioning
• Comply with safety protocols and client-specific requirements
• Valid driver’s license and international passport (or ability to obtain quickly)

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering is preferred
• Business or other technical degrees with equivalent experience may be considered
• Minimum ten years’ experience in project or operations management within an engineering-centric organization
• Background in business administration, business development, and sales is highly desirable
• Experience as an automation engineer with hardware and software design of control systems across multiple industries preferred
• Experience managing project portfolios, resource planning, and operational performance preferred
• Experience in [Business Sector] preferred
• Additional targeted experience

Core Competencies

• Demonstrates perseverance in overcoming challenges and achieving goals
• Passion for quality, craftsmanship, innovation, and problem-solving
• Communicates ideas and perspectives clearly while promoting alignment through active listening, collaboration, and constructive feedback
• Drives organizational performance through operational excellence and business growth
• Develops and maintains trusted relationships with clients, partners, and company leadership
• Balances technical, financial, operational, and organizational priorities to achieve long-term business objectives

Supervisory Responsibilities

• The Operations Manager may supervise project managers, engineers, technicians, and administrative staff, depending on BU structure.

Work Conditions

• This role involves both office and on-site work. In the office, employees should be able to sit or stand for extended periods, use computers and standard office tools, and read technical documents. On-site work may include standing and moving for long shifts, climbing ladders, lifting up to 40 pounds, and working around machinery. Tasks may require color recognition, clear communication in noisy environments, and safe operation of vehicles or equipment. Employees must wear required PPE (e.g., safety glasses, steel-toed boots, hard hats) and comply with client-specific safety protocols. Work environments may include construction sites, industrial facilities, and chemical processing areas with exposure to noise, temperature changes, and industrial materials.

Our People

• Empowered Employee-Owners – As owners of Wunderlich-Malec, we are invested in its success. We hire top talent and empower them to take initiative, drive innovation, and deliver impactful solutions
• Motivated & Rewarded – We invest in continuing education and offer world-class benefits, ensuring our employee-owners stay motivated, fulfilled, and future-ready
• Positive & Committed – Our experts bring long-term dedication and a positive, can-do attitude to every project
• Industry-Smart – Recognized as leaders in their fields, our employee-owners stay sharp through ongoing training and deep knowledge of evolving industry trends

*Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance.

Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance

Salary range is $120K~$155K annually depending on experience and qualifications plus a discretionary bonus and employee stock program.