Director of Operations - Structural Forensics

Job DetailsJob Location: The Colony, TX 75056Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $140,000.00 - $165,000.00 Salary/yearDepartment: Forensics

 

 

 

Lerch Bates is seeking an experienced leader to oversee and grow our structural forensic engineering team. The Director of Operations will lead business operations, technical project delivery, team development, and client relationships while driving strategic growth initiatives.

This role combines technical expertise, operational leadership, and business strategy. The ideal candidate brings experience leading forensic, rehabilitation, or building consulting teams and is comfortable managing complex projects, mentoring professionals, developing client relationships, and driving business performance.

As a leader within Lerch Bates, you will help shape the future of the practice by guiding team development, strengthening client partnerships, and contributing to long-term growth objectives.

 

 

 

About Lerch Bates:

Lerch Bates (LB) is a global technical consulting firm focused on improving how buildings perform for owners, designers, and the people who use them every day. For more than 75 years we’ve partnered on some of the world’s most complex and high-profile projects. Today we provide Total Building Performance expertise that integrates Building Science and Building Flow into a unified delivery model.

Our work spans design, construction, investigation, repair, rehabilitation, management, and modernization with one consistent goal: helping clients make confident, well-informed decisions in an increasingly complex built environment.

We are 100% employee-owned through our ESOP, which fosters an ownership mindset and accountability in everything we do. At Lerch Bates, your expertise matters, your voice carries weight, and your work directly contributes to our shared success as OneLB. 

 

 

 

What You’ll Do:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed in this position. They are not intended to prescribe or restrict the assignments that management may make.

Leadership & Team Development


Lead, mentor, and develop team members through coaching, technical guidance, and career development opportunities
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance discussions, and development planning with direct reports
Foster a collaborative culture focused on technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement
Support hiring, staffing, succession planning, and team growth initiatives


Operations & Project Delivery


Oversee project execution across multiple engagements, ensuring quality, schedule, and budget objectives are met
Coordinate staffing and resource allocation to support utilization goals and business performance objectives
Review technical deliverables for quality, consistency, and compliance with company standards
Support proposal development and provide technical guidance on project scope and staffing needs
Monitor project financial performance including revenue, invoicing, forecasting, and backlog management


Client Relationships & Business Development


Build and strengthen relationships with existing and prospective clients
Serve as a trusted advisor for key projects and strategic client engagements
Identify opportunities for service expansion and business growth
Support business development efforts through networking, presentations, and industry involvement


Strategic Leadership


Monitor market trends, client needs, and industry developments to identify opportunities and risks
Participate in strategic planning activities including forecasting, growth initiatives, staffing plans, and operational goals
Provide business updates, performance metrics, and operational reporting to leadership teams


 

 

 

What You’ll Bring:


Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related discipline
PE, SE, AIA, or other relevant professional licensure preferred
8+ years of experience in forensic engineering, rehabilitation, building consulting, architecture, engineering, or construction
2+ years of leadership experience with responsibility for team management, business operations, and strategic planning
Strong understanding of building systems, structural systems, design, and construction practices
Experience managing complex projects, budgets, schedules, and client relationships
Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop teams
Strong business acumen and financial understanding
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment


 

 

 

Why Work with Lerch Bates?


Competitive compensation
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off (starting at 17 days annual