Position Title: Fire Protection Operations Manager
This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an experienced fire protection professional ready to take ownership of operations and grow into executive leadership. A well-established national fire protection and life-safety company is seeking a Fire Protection Operations Manager to lead its Gurnee, Illinois operation. This role will oversee technicians and office support staff while driving scheduling, productivity, service quality, team development, customer relationships, and overall operational performance.
The ideal candidate brings at least 5 years of private-sector fire protection or life-safety experience, proven leadership of technicians or field teams, and hands-on knowledge of kitchen hood suppression systems. This person must be equally comfortable leading people, understanding the technical work, and stepping into the field when needed.
Salary: $95,000 / Year
Responsibilities - Lead and manage a team of 7-10 fire protection technicians and office support staff
- Oversee daily scheduling, workflow, productivity, and service quality across field operations
- Hire, train, coach, and develop employees while conducting team meetings and performance reviews
- Track KPIs, labor efficiency, and operational performance to drive consistent results
- Ensure compliance with NFPA standards, AHJ requirements, and company safety policies
- Manage customer relationships and resolve escalated service or operational issues
- Oversee inventory, vendors, purchasing, and operational costs while partnering with sales and operations on customer and project needs
Requirements - 5+ years of private-sector fire protection or life-safety experience
- Proven leadership or supervisory experience managing technicians or field service teams
- Hands-on kitchen hood suppression experience with systems such as ANSUL, Amerex, Pyro-Chem, Kidde, or Range Guard
- Strong knowledge of fire extinguishers and commercial fire protection service requirements
- Strong customer service, communication, and team leadership skills
- Ability to work onsite in Gurnee, Illinois in both office and field environments
- Ability to travel approximately 6-8 times per year, with limited multi-day travel
Preferred Qualifications - Experience with emergency and exit lighting
- Working knowledge of fire alarms, sprinkler systems, or backflow systems
- NAFED certification
- NICET certification or applicable fire protection licenses
- Broader experience across commercial fire protection and life-safety systems
Benefits - Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Optional short-term and long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) with a company match
- PTO
- Paid holidays
- Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
If you're an experienced fire protection leader who understands the technical side of the business and knows how to build, lead, and develop a strong team, apply today.
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