OPERATIONS MANAGER - ELECTRICAL TESTING GROUP
Operations Manager – Electrical Testing GroupOur client is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States — an ENR Top 500 firm with 40+ years of industry history, also rated as a top Systems Integrator Giant. Their Electrical Testing Group (ETG) is expanding, and they are seeking an entrepreneurial Operations Manager to lead a new regional location from the ground up. This role combines operational leadership with entrepreneurial drive — serving as both Integrator and Builder of a new ETG Business Unit. You'll take ownership of day-to-day execution, lead a growing technical team, manage P&L objectives, and work alongside ETG national leadership to bring a proven business model to a new region. This is a rare opportunity to witness a business evolve from Infancy → Growth → Maturity — with your leadership at the center of that transformation.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership & ExecutionExecute the ETG business plan — achieving or exceeding P&L, revenue, and performance goalsLead all regional operations including scheduling, resource planning, quality assurance, safety, and project deliveryImplement and maintain ETG's operating systems, testing standards, and documentation processesManage field operations for protective relaying, SCADA, and IEC 61850 systems commissioningEnsure alignment between technical execution and business objectives — balancing efficiency, quality, and profitabilityIntegration & Team AlignmentIntegrate all major functions of the local ETG operation — ensuring everyone is aligned and working toward the same goalsLead, manage, and hold team members accountable for results and commitmentsBuild and nurture a healthy, cohesive leadership team under the EOS frameworkResolve issues effectively: identify root causes, address conflict constructively, and drive solutions to completionBusiness Unit DevelopmentBuild the BU from the ground up — recruiting, training, and developing a skilled team of field engineers and techniciansEstablish vendor partnerships and client relationships within the regionDrive growth through operational excellence, local market development, and client satisfactionCreate and maintain structure and process as the BU transitions from startup to sustainable operationVision & CollaborationCollaborate closely with ETG national leadership to ensure clear direction and alignmentTranslate vision into actionable, measurable goalsMaintain a strong partnership with ETG leadership — ensuring ideas are filtered, prioritized, and implemented effectivelyEnsure key messages and decisions are properly cascaded across the teamSystems, Structure & ProcessOperate within ETG's EOS framework: own the scorecard, lead local L10s, and manage defined KPIsEnsure consistency in how core processes are followed, documented, and improvedDemonstrate strong project management discipline and operational consistencyUphold values of safety, integrity, quality, and innovation in every aspect of operationsWhat Success Looks LikeFirst 6–12 Months: Establish the foundation: hire key staff, build client relationships, deliver first projects successfully, and drive the BU toward break-even12–24 Months: Transition into the Growth Phase: solid team structure, sustainable backlog, and strong client confidenceLocal L10s running consistently, scorecard metrics trending upward, P&L tracking toward profitabilityBeyond 24 Months: The BU is Mature: operating as a profitable, independently functioning unit within the national ETG network, recognized for its technical quality and reliabilityQualifications7+ years in power systems testing, commissioning, or utility operationsProven leadership experience managing people, budgets, and project deliveryStrong understanding of protective relaying, automation, and SCADA systemsEntrepreneurial mindset — thrives in building structure from scratchExcellent communication, organization, and conflict-resolution skillsExperience with EOS or similar operating systems preferredWillingness to travel regionally and work in a dynamic field environmentCompensation & BenefitsSalary: $160,000–$190,000 annually (depending on location and qualifications)Discretionary bonus14% of total annual compensation (salary + bonus) contributed to ESOP retirement each year100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)Full benefits package: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & AD&D, Long-Term Disability, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, HSA, FSA, PTO, Paid Holidays, Tuition Reimbursement, Referral Bonus, 401(k)/Profit Sharing, EAP, Will Preparation Resources, Worldwide Travel Assistance