Manager Solutions Operations

Department: Solutions

Lerch Bates is seeking a Manager, Solutions Operations to lead and optimize the administrative and operational functions that support our consulting teams. This role is responsible for aligning people, processes, and performance across the Solutions administrative team while driving operational consistency, process improvement, and achievement of departmental objectives.

As a key operational leader, you will partner closely with the Vice President of Solutions Operations and leaders across the organization to implement strategic initiatives, improve business processes, support client relationships, and develop a high-performing administrative team. This position combines people leadership, operational management, data-driven decision making, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure the successful delivery of business objectives.

If you are passionate about building efficient processes, leading teams, improving performance, and creating operational excellence, we encourage you to apply.

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.

Operations Leadership

• Partner with the Vice President of Solutions Operations to support strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth and operational excellence
• Implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures that support departmental and company objectives
• Align administrative operations with peer departments to improve consistency, efficiency, and standardization across the organization
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve processes, and enhance team performance

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Solutions administrative team
• Support workforce planning, recruiting, onboarding, employee development, performance management, and succession planning efforts
• Establish clear priorities and ensure team members have the resources, tools, and training needed to succeed
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
• Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation resource for administrative operations

Performance & Process Improvement

• Track departmental performance metrics and progress toward operational objectives
• Analyze data and trends to identify opportunities for improvement and implement corrective actions when needed
• Develop action plans that improve efficiency, productivity, service delivery, and team effectiveness
• Prepare reports, dashboards, and updates for senior leadership as requested

Client & Business Support

• Maintain and support key client relationships and assigned client portfolios
• Collaborate with operational and consulting teams to ensure exceptional client service and support
• Assist with special projects, strategic initiatives, and operational priorities as assigned
• Support continuous improvement efforts that enhance both employee and client experiences

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered
• 7+ years of experience in operations, business administration, professional services, project support, consulting operations, or a related environment
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or team management experience preferred
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance strategic objectives and day-to-day operational execution
• Experience developing, improving, and managing business processes and operational workflows
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to gather, interpret, and present data to support decision-making
• Demonstrated ability to develop action plans and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Excellent leadership, coaching, mentoring, and employee development skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across departments and organizational levels
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Experience with Deltek, ERP systems, project management software, or professional services environments preferred

Why Work with Lerch Bates?

• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (starting at 17 days annually)
• 9 paid holidays
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• Paid parental leave
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses
• Employee assistance and wellness programs

Be more than just an employee…

Lerch Bates is 100% employee-owned! Our employee-owners bring a distinct “we own what we do” brand of technical consulting to every project and partnership. When you work with us, you join a company with an ownership mindset. Expect responsibility, service, and performance in everything we do. So, what does that mean for you? After a certain service time, you are eligible for stock ownership, which essentially works as an additional wealth accumulation and/or retirement account! 

Core Values

Ownership • Community • Integrity • Respect • Optimism

Working Environment:

This position is primarily performed in a professional office environment and requires regular interaction with employees, clients, vendors, and visitors. The role involves supporting daily office operations, coordinating administrative activities, and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, an employee is regularly required to sit; talk or hear, in meetings, in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. An employee is regularly required to walk and stand.

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, an employee is are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret people and situations; learn and apply new skills and information rapidly; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks with frequently changing deadlines and interruptions; and interact with LB Executives, Project Managers and Administrative Assistants as well as clients, members of governmental agencies, professional and community organizations and committees, the media and the public.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug test. The drug test includes screening for marijuana, regardless of state or local laws permitting its use. A conditional offer of employment will be rescinded if a candidate fails either the background check or the drug test. This requirement is mandated by federal regulations applicable to our government contracting obligations.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.