Director of Operations/Firm Administrator

Director of Operations / Firm AdministratorLocation: Vancouver, WashingtonSalary Range: $80,000 – $110,000 depending on experienceIndustry: Civil Engineering, Planning, GIS, CM, Grant Writing - Professional Consulting FirmHow to Apply: In order to be considered for this position, include in your cover letter your experience in operational leadership within professional services organizations and tell us why you feel you are fit for this tremendous opportunity to join a growing firm in a critical point of inflection on its journey. Email your cover letter and resume to: kristi.aldinger@red-plains.com. To be considered for this position, your submission must be sent to the email address listed in this paragraph regardless of the platform you have encountered this job posting on. Posting/Interview/Hire Schedule: ·        Job Posting: 03/16/26 through 04/05/26. ·        Interviews: Week of April 20, 2026·        Offer of Employment: April 29, 2026·        Anticipated Start Date: No later than June 1, 2026  About Red Plains ProfessionalRed Plains Professional, Inc. is a nationally respected civil engineering, planning, GIS, CM, grant writing, and program management consulting firm serving Tribal governments and public agencies across the United States. Our growing team of 25+ professionals strategically located in various regional offices specializes in infrastructure planning, transportation systems, and community development. With annual revenue currently over $8 million, Red Plains is entering an exciting stage of growth and organizational development. The firm is positioned to expand to $12–15 million in revenue over the next several years while continuing to strengthen its national reputation and internal leadership structure. Our leadership’s focus on company culture, improved systems, and exceptional talent acquisition and development, has led to Red Plains Professional’s significant growth over the past few years. To support this next phase, Red Plains is seeking a Director of Operations who will play a central role in strengthening the firm’s internal systems and operational infrastructure.Position OverviewThe Director of Operations will serve as the central leader responsible for managing and improving the firm’s internal operational systems. Working directly with the President and firm leadership, this individual will oversee administrative functions, project support systems, billing coordination, operational procedures, and internal workflows that support the delivery of professional consulting services. This role is both strategic and hands-on. The successful candidate will be expected to actively engage in the details of operational management while also helping leadership improve systems that support the firm’s continued growth. A balance of understanding the past, evaluating the present, and designing for the future must be accomplished to enable the next stage of growth at RPP. The Director of Operations will work closely with project managers, directors, and administrative staff to develop consistent processes that allow technical professionals to focus on delivering high-quality work to clients in the most efficient and effective manner possible, with focus on system scalability as the firm continues to grow.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational LeadershipOversee the firm’s internal administrative and operational systemsDevelop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) supporting project managers and directorsIdentify opportunities to improve efficiency and operational consistency across the firmCoordinate operational support functions including administration, systems management, and internal proceduresProject Administration & Billing SystemsManage project setup processes and coordination with accounting and billing systemsSupport project managers in maintaining consistent billing procedures across the firmMonitor and improve internal workflows within project management and accounting systems (Ajera or similar ERP platforms)Assist leadership in maintaining financial visibility and operational accountabilityAdministrative Team ManagementProvide leadership and coordination for administrative and operational staff supporting multiple Regional Office locationsEstablish clear roles, procedures, and operational expectations within the administrative team responsible for coordination and oversight of Accounting, HR, IT, Legal, Operations, Marketing, and Production Support. Develop systems that allow project managers and technical staff to work efficiently with administrative supportSystems & Technology CoordinationCoordinate with the firm’s external IT service provider regarding system needs and equipment deploymentManage internal technology procurement and equipment setup coordinationSupport the integration of technology systems that improve operational efficiencyStrategic Operations SupportWork directly with the President and firm leadership on operational planning and organizational developmentEvaluate internal processes and recommend improvements to support firm growthAssist leadership in developing operational structures that will support the firm as it grows in size and complexityDesired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Accounting, or related field preferred5+ years of operational management experience within a professional services environmentExperience working within engineering, architecture, consulting, or construction firms strongly preferredFamiliarity with project accounting or ERP systems such as Ajera, Deltek, or similar platformsDemonstrated ability to manage operational systems and administrative teamsProfessional Traits We ValueThe ideal candidate will demonstrate:A strong ownership mindset toward operational responsibilitiesComfort working both strategically and in operational detailsThe ability to lead with professionalism, accountability, and consistencyStrong organizational and problem-solving abilitiesEmotional intelligence and the ability to work effectively with technical professionalsThis position requires someone who enjoys building systems, improving processes, and helping a growing firm operate at a high level. The right person enjoys a role that shares responsibility, with the President and supporting team, in aiding the Directors and Project Managers to operate well from a solid supported Operations and Administration Team that ultimately improves company efficiency. An owner mindset, who is helping shape and implement the foundational systems through a shared vision and mission with the President and Directors, who defines success and growth by improving company culture, as much as KPIs, is essential. The selected candidate will be well-supported with the understanding that with authority comes responsibility. Through direct and quality communication the candidate will deploy the tact, skill, and professionalism needed to assess existing systems and personnel, and aid in the continue evolution of the firm that started in 1997.  Growth OpportunityThe Director of Operations will work closely with the President and firm leadership as Red Plains continues to strengthen its operational structure. As the firm grows, this role offers the opportunity to take on increasing leadership responsibilities within the organization. The President and management team places value on improved operations that continue to build the foundation enabling growth, and as such, this position is performance bonus eligible. Compensation & BenefitsSalary Range: $80,000 – $110,000 depending on experienceBenefits include:Health benefitsEmployer paid premiums (for employee only)HSA Program paid by employer401K Retirement Plan w/matchPaid time off and holidays (balanced professional/flexible environment)Opportunity to grow with a nationally respected consulting firmPerformance bonus eligible positionRPP is an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other non-merit factor. Red Plains professional makes its hiring, promotion, and all employment decisions based on qualifications, merit and business needs. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind and adhere to all federal, state, and local laws.How to ApplyTo be considered for this position, submit a resume and cover letter to the following email: kristi.aldinger@red-plains.com. In your cover letter, describe your experience in operational leadership within professional services organizations and tell us why you feel you are fit for this tremendous opportunity to join a growing firm in a critical point of inflection on its journey. To be considered for this position, your submission must be sent to the email address listed in this paragraph regardless of the platform you have encountered this job posting on.