Operations Manager – Construction Testing & Inspection

We're hiring: Operations Manager – Construction Testing & Inspection 
Employment type: Full-time   
Location: Syracuse, NY  
Work set-up: On-site in the Syracuse office, managing local operations and staff day-to-day. 

“Relocation support and visa sponsorship are available for the right candidates who meet the experience 
and skills criteria.”.   

We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead a busy division within a specialist construction testing and inspection business, based in Syracuse, New York. This role will take ownership of people, performance, commercial delivery, and client service across a multi-disciplinary team.

The Role 

• Manage all aspects of divisional operations, including staff, equipment, vehicles, and facilities, ensuring work is delivered safely, accurately, on time, and within budget. 
• Plan, coordinate, and optimize labor and equipment to maximize utilization and efficiency across all projects. 
• Lead the development and execution of annual divisional goals, action plans, and performance metrics. 
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies, procedures, and safety standards to embed a strong safety culture. 
• Oversee technical service quality, making sure work complies with internal quality practices, standard operating procedures, and guidance documents. 
• Ensure contracts are in place for all projects and that reporting turnaround times meet internal and client requirements. 

People leadership 

• Lead recruitment for the division, including reviewing applications, interviewing, and coordinating offers. 
• Maintain a properly trained, certified, and/or licensed workforce capable of delivering professional and timely services. 
• Own performance management: conduct reviews, identify promotions, manage absence, and address disciplinary issues where required. 
• Ensure safety audits, technical training, and competency assessments are carried out and documented. 
• Conduct exit interviews and use feedback to drive continuous improvement within the team.

Risk, quality, and client service 

• Ensure the division operates professionally and safely to minimise risk and liability. 
• Regularly review technical output from the team to ensure compliance with quality standards and client expectations. 
• Maintain systems and processes that support consistent, on-time reporting and high levels of client satisfaction. 
• Develop, manage, and maintain strong client relationships, always promoting a positive client experience. 

Business development and finance 

• Lead regular business development meetings to secure an appropriate workload and backlog to meet budgeted revenue. 
• Oversee the preparation of statements of qualifications (SOQs) and proposals and ensure timely follow-up on outstanding opportunities. 
• Actively market and promote the full range of services, holding regular project and business development discussions with clients. 
• Develop and deliver the divisional budget and staffing plan, maintaining acceptable sales/salary ratios and operating income. 
• Review and approve expenses and purchases in line with company policy and oversee all payroll-related items for the division. 
• Ensure timely invoicing (regularly or upon project completion) to support effective cash collection.  

About you

• Proven experience in an operations leadership role within construction, engineering, testing, inspection, or a related technical services environment. 
• Strong people leadership skills, with experience managing multidisciplinary teams and driving performance. 
• Commercially astute, comfortable with budgeting, P&L drivers, and operational KPIs. 
• Quality and safety focused, with a track record of improving processes and managing risk. 
• Confident communicator who can build long-term client relationships and represent the division in 
  meetings and industry events.