Operations Manager – Electrical Testing Group

Our 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 Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Execution
• Execute the ETG business plan — achieving or exceeding P&L, revenue, and performance goals
• Lead all regional operations including scheduling, resource planning, quality assurance, safety, and project delivery
• Implement and maintain ETG's operating systems, testing standards, and documentation processes
• Manage field operations for protective relaying, SCADA, and IEC 61850 systems commissioning
• Ensure alignment between technical execution and business objectives — balancing efficiency, quality, and profitability
• Integration & Team Alignment
• Integrate all major functions of the local ETG operation — ensuring everyone is aligned and working toward the same goals
• Lead, manage, and hold team members accountable for results and commitments
• Build and nurture a healthy, cohesive leadership team under the EOS framework
• Resolve issues effectively: identify root causes, address conflict constructively, and drive solutions to completion
• Business Unit Development
• Build the BU from the ground up — recruiting, training, and developing a skilled team of field engineers and technicians
• Establish vendor partnerships and client relationships within the region
• Drive growth through operational excellence, local market development, and client satisfaction
• Create and maintain structure and process as the BU transitions from startup to sustainable operation
• Vision & Collaboration
• Collaborate closely with ETG national leadership to ensure clear direction and alignment
• Translate vision into actionable, measurable goals
• Maintain a strong partnership with ETG leadership — ensuring ideas are filtered, prioritized, and implemented effectively
• Ensure key messages and decisions are properly cascaded across the team
• Systems, Structure & Process
• Operate within ETG's EOS framework: own the scorecard, lead local L10s, and manage defined KPIs
• Ensure consistency in how core processes are followed, documented, and improved
• Demonstrate strong project management discipline and operational consistency
• Uphold values of safety, integrity, quality, and innovation in every aspect of operations

What Success Looks Like

First 6–12 Months: Establish the foundation: hire key staff, build client relationships, deliver first projects successfully, and drive the BU toward break-even

12–24 Months: Transition into the Growth Phase: solid team structure, sustainable backlog, and strong client confidence

Local L10s running consistently, scorecard metrics trending upward, P&L tracking toward profitability

Beyond 24 Months: The BU is Mature: operating as a profitable, independently functioning unit within the national ETG network, recognized for its technical quality and reliability

Qualifications

7+ years in power systems testing, commissioning, or utility operations

Proven leadership experience managing people, budgets, and project delivery

Strong understanding of protective relaying, automation, and SCADA systems

Entrepreneurial mindset — thrives in building structure from scratch

Excellent communication, organization, and conflict-resolution skills

Experience with EOS or similar operating systems preferred

Willingness to travel regionally and work in a dynamic field environment

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $160,000–$190,000 annually (depending on location and qualifications)

Discretionary bonus

14% of total annual compensation (salary + bonus) contributed to ESOP retirement each year

100% 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