Fire Protection Operations Manager

Location: Gurnee, IL | Full-Time | In-Person

About Averus

At Averus Inc., we provide fire protection, kitchen exhaust cleaning, and life safety services to commercial customers nationwide. Since 1988, we have built our reputation through strong customer relationships, operational excellence, and a commitment to safety.

Averus is proud to be an Inc. 5000 honoree, recognized among America's fastest-growing privately owned companies.

We are seeking an experienced Fire Protection Operations Manager to lead and grow our fire protection division. This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who understands both field operations and customer service within the fire protection industry.

This position requires hands-on experience with commercial kitchen fire suppression systems. Experience with ANSUL, Amerex, CaptiveAire, Kidde, Pyro-Chem, Range Guard, or similar systems is required. NAFED certification is preferred.

Position Overview

The Fire Protection Operations Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of our fire protection service team, including fire extinguishers, commercial kitchen suppression systems, emergency/exit lighting, and related life safety services.

This position will lead approximately 7–10 local technicians and office support staff, driving operational performance, service quality, customer satisfaction, and team development.

The Operations Manager will work closely with local and regional partners in fire safety and collaborate with sales and leadership to support customer retention and continued business growth.

The ideal candidate is an experienced fire protection professional who combines technical industry knowledge, leadership ability, accountability, and strong customer-service skills.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage fire protection field technicians and support staff
Oversee scheduling, workflow, productivity, and service quality
Recruit, train, coach, and develop technicians
Monitor KPIs, labor efficiency, productivity, and operational performance
Ensure compliance with NFPA standards, AHJ requirements, licensing requirements, and company safety policies
Maintain strong customer relationships and resolve escalated service concerns
Support customer retention and business growth through strong service and industry relationships
Manage inventory, vendor relationships, purchasing, and cost controls
Coordinate with sales and operations teams to ensure successful project and service execution
Conduct regular team meetings, performance reviews, and training initiatives
Identify opportunities to improve processes, productivity, and profitability
Assist with field operations and customer needs when necessary
Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement

Required Qualifications

5+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in the fire protection or life safety industry
Hands-on experience with commercial kitchen fire suppression systems is required
Strong working knowledge of:
Kitchen suppression systems, including ANSUL, Amerex, CaptiveAire, Kidde, Pyro-Chem, Range Guard, or similar systems
Portable fire extinguishers
Emergency and exit lighting
Basic fire alarm, sprinkler, or backflow systems
Experience leading service technicians or field operations teams
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Excellent communication and customer service abilities
Ability to work effectively in both office and field environments
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
Ability to complete required pre-employment screening
Willingness to obtain required fire protection licenses with company support

Preferred Qualifications

NAFED certification
NICET certification or other applicable fire protection licenses
Experience managing multi-technician service operations
Experience with inventory control, purchasing, and operational budgeting
Experience working in commercial service environments
Experience managing KPIs, labor efficiency, and service profitability

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
Quarterly performance bonus opportunities
401(k) with company match
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Life insurance
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Company-supported licensing and professional development
Long-term career growth with an established, growing national company

Location Requirement

This is an in-person leadership position based in Gurnee, Illinois.

Relocation to the Gurnee, IL area is required prior to the start date.

Build Your Career With Averus

At Averus, we believe strong operations start with strong people. We are looking for a leader who can develop a team, build customer trust, improve operational performance, and help grow a successful fire protection business.

If you have the fire protection experience, leadership skills, and hands-on kitchen suppression knowledge to lead a growing team, we want to hear from you.

Apply today to join Averus.

Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: From $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Experience:

fire protection or life safety: 5 years (Required)
leadership or supervisory: 3 years (Preferred)
kitchen fire suppresion system: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

Gurnee, IL 60031: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

25% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Averus Inc.

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