Operations Manager - Construction Testing & Inspection

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Phenna Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer

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