What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fire Suppression Operations Manager position at Averus Inc.?
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
Salary : $95,000