Bachelor's degree in engineering preferred; business or technical degrees with equivalent experience considered
Minimum ten years' experience in project or operations management within an engineering-centric organization
Background in business administration, business development, and sales is highly desirable
Experience as an automation engineer with hardware and software design of control systems preferred
Experience managing project portfolios, resource planning, and operational performance preferred
Experience in Data Centers and Life Sciences preferred
Entrepreneurial spirit
Responsibilities
Support development and execution of annual strategic plans and operational goals
Cultivate a positive, high-performing culture aligned with corporate values
Collaborate with management to increase team utilization
Provide timely operational data for financial reporting
Partner with business development to identify new opportunities
Lead or support project planning, budgeting, and risk management activities
Oversee staffing lifecycle activities, including recruitment and performance reviews
Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D insurance
Long Term and Voluntary Short Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account
Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement and Referral Bonus Program
401(k)/Profit Sharing and 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Full Job Description
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following responsibilities are essential to the satisfactory performance of this role. Reasonable accommodation may be made as needed. Non-essential functions are assumed to be included under "other related duties as assigned." Strategic Leadership & Planning
Support development and execution of annual BU strategic plans and operational goals
Help cultivate a positive, high-performing culture aligned with BU and corporate values
Collaborate with the BU Manager and other Operations Managers to increase utilization of the team
Support BU business planning activities, including staffing plans, operational metrics, and performance reporting
Interpret and reinforce company policies and procedures within the BU
Operational Support
Support the BU Manager in achieving revenue, margin, utilization, and backlog targets
Provide timely operational data for BU financial reporting, including project performance, staffing forecasts, and key metrics
Ensure adherence to corporate business processes in coordination with Project Accounting
Support the Corporate Project Accountant (PA) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) by adhering to timely and effective business process requirements
Ensure periodic operational activities (timesheet approval, expense report approval, invoicing) are completed on time and within the defined budget.
Sales & Business Development
Partner with the BU Manager and Business Development team to identify new opportunities and support proposal development
Contribute to client presentations, scope development, and rate/contract discussions
Support key account management, including client-specific staffing and strategic planning
Utilize Salesforce for accounts, project, proposal, and client management
Projects
The Operations Manager may serve as a Project Manager, which may include the following responsibilities:
Lead or support project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management activities
Provide guidance to Project Managers on project execution, purchasing, invoicing, and accounts receivable tracking
Ensure project delivery aligns with scope, schedule, and budget expectations
Support technical system design reviews and project governance
Balance operational responsibilities with billable project work, including managing capital or automation projects when required
Work weekends, holidays, nightshift, and extended hours to meet deadlines and commissioning requirements as needed
Principal Project Manager Responsibilities
The Operations Manager will support the BU Manager in developing the BU's Project Management best practices, which may include the following responsibilities:
Lead and provide direction for small to large, high-complexity, multi-disciplinary projects and programs
Manage and oversee the end-to-end project lifecycle, ensuring successful delivery
Develop project concepts and detailed execution plans
Build and lead high-performing teams to meet project goals and objectives
Maintain regular contact with clients and report on project progress and accomplishments
Manage vendor and client relationships to ensure service expectations are met
Coordinate with all required functions and groups to effectively plan and execute projects
Team Management & Development
Oversee staffing lifecycle activities for the BU office, including recruitment, hiring, performance reviews, career development, and retention strategies
Support compensation planning in collaboration with the BU Manager
Mentor and develop engineers, project managers, and technical staff
Promote employee engagement and a collaborative, team-oriented environment
Support workforce planning to ensure staffing aligns with project and technical needs
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with corporate teams on national initiatives and policy implementation
Serve in multiple roles as needed, including business development, sales, project management, operations, controls engineering, technical consulting, and client account management
Vendor & Partner Relations
Support relationships with vendors, general contractors, contract partners, A&E firms, and professional associations
Assist in the review, edit, and management client agreements and contracts in collaboration with the WM Legal Team
Facilities & Logistics
Support office logistics for the Atlanta office, including leases, infrastructure, custodial services, security, and lunchroom operations
Safety & Compliance
Support implementation of BU and national safety programs
Ensure compliance with Quality Management Systems and support internal and external audits
Stay informed of and comply with policies outlined in the Employee Handbook
Field Work & Travel
Willingness to travel up to 25% for on-site support and commissioning
Comply with safety protocols and client-specific requirements
Valid driver's license and international passport (or ability to obtain quickly)
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in engineering is preferred
Business or other technical degrees with equivalent experience may be considered
Minimum ten years' experience in project or operations management within an engineering-centric organization
Background in business administration, business development, and sales is highly desirable
Experience as an automation engineer with hardware and software design of control systems across multiple industries preferred
Experience managing project portfolios, resource planning, and operational performance preferred
Experience in Data Centers and Life Sciences preferred
Entrepreneurial sprit
Core Competencies
Demonstrates perseverance in overcoming challenges and achieving goals
Passion for quality, craftsmanship, innovation, and problem-solving
Communicates ideas and perspectives clearly while promoting alignment through active listening, collaboration, and constructive feedback
Drives organizational performance through operational excellence and business growth
Develops and maintains trusted relationships with clients, partners, and company leadership
Balances technical, financial, operational, and organizational priorities to achieve long-term business objectives
Supervisory Responsibilities
The Operations Manager may supervise project managers, engineers, technicians, and administrative staff, depending on BU structure.
Work Conditions
This role involves both office and on-site work. In the office, employees should be able to sit or stand for extended periods, use computers and standard office tools, and read technical documents. On-site work may include standing and moving for long shifts, climbing ladders, lifting up to 40 pounds, and working around machinery. Tasks may require color recognition, clear communication in noisy environments, and safe operation of vehicles or equipment. Employees must wear required PPE (e.g., safety glasses, steel-toed boots, hard hats) and comply with client-specific safety protocols. Work environments may include construction sites, industrial facilities, and chemical processing areas with exposure to noise, temperature changes, and industrial materials.
Benefits
Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance
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About WunderlichMalec Engineering Inc
Wunderlich-Malec Engineering, Inc is an engineering and construction company that provides services to various industries, including energy, water, and manufacturing. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia. Wunderlich-Malec Engineering, Inc offers a wide range of services, including design, construction, and maintenance. The company has several offices across the United States and has completed projects in various countries.
