Director of Operations - Building Science

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Operations – Building Science

Location: Raleigh, NC

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: $120,000–$150,000

About the Opportunity:

A nationally recognized, employee-owned engineering consulting firm is seeking a Director of Operations – Building Science to lead one of its growing Building Science consulting practices.

This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical consulting, making it an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineering or architectural professional who enjoys developing teams, improving operations, and remaining actively involved in technically challenging projects.

Approximately 50% of your time will be spent performing billable consulting work, including building investigations, condition assessments, technical reviews, field observations, testing oversight, and client consulting, while the remaining time will focus on operational leadership, business planning, team development, and practice growth.

Success in this role is measured not only by financial performance, but also by technical excellence, client satisfaction, operational consistency, and the development of high-performing teams.

About the Company:

Our client is a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in building science, existing buildings, restoration, rehabilitation, forensic investigations, and building enclosure consulting. The firm partners with building owners, architects, engineers, contractors, developers, attorneys, and property managers to solve complex building performance challenges across a wide variety of project types.

As a 100% employee-owned company , employees have the opportunity to share in the firm's long-term success through an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), while working in a collaborative environment that values technical excellence, leadership, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Consulting & Project Delivery

• Perform building science consulting services, including investigations, condition assessments, field observations, testing oversight, technical evaluations, and client consulting.
• Lead or support projects involving building enclosure systems, restoration, rehabilitation, forensic investigations, and existing buildings.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to owners, architects, contractors, attorneys, property managers, and project teams.
• Review technical reports, repair recommendations, and construction documents.
• Participate in site visits, client meetings, and construction observations while maintaining individual billable goals.

Operational Leadership

• Lead operational performance across multiple offices.
• Manage staffing, forecasting, utilization, backlog, invoicing, profitability, and project execution.
• Optimize resource planning and workload balancing.
• Monitor operational metrics and implement process improvements.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Team Development

• Mentor consultants, project managers, and senior technical staff.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support leadership development and succession planning.
• Encourage knowledge sharing across offices and disciplines.

Technical Excellence

• Champion consistent technical standards throughout the organization.
• Support QA/QC initiatives, standardized specifications, and project delivery tools.
• Promote innovation in building science, restoration, rehabilitation, and forensic consulting.

Business Growth

• Partner with business development to pursue strategic opportunities.
• Strengthen client relationships and expand existing accounts.
• Participate in annual business planning and growth initiatives.
• Analyze operational metrics to improve financial performance and client satisfaction.
• Support strategic organizational initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in building science, engineering, architecture, restoration, rehabilitation, forensic consulting, or related fields.
• 2+ years of leadership experience managing teams and business operations.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect license preferred.
• Strong understanding of building science principles, building enclosure systems, structural systems, and construction.
• Experience managing technically complex consulting projects.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor technical professionals.
• Strong financial and operational management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to review construction documents and technical reports.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• 401(k) with employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement
• Employee wellness and assistance programs

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to lead a respected Building Science practice while remaining deeply involved in technical consulting. You'll help shape the future of the business, mentor the next generation of professionals, and work on challenging projects involving building investigations, restoration, rehabilitation, and forensic consulting—all while sharing in the long-term success of a 100% employee-owned company.