Job Description

Willdan Lighting and Electric, a subsidiary of Willdan Group Inc., is seeking an Operations Manager.

The Operations Manager is the operational lead for a multifamily energy efficiency program, responsible for overseeing inspections, engineering, and QA/QC activities to ensure high-quality, compliant, and timely program delivery. This role provides senior-level leadership, manages cross-functional technical teams, and serves as a key point of contact for the utility client and subcontractors on operational and technical execution. This position requires strong judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex workflows and priorities in a fast-paced program environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Planning

• Lead day-to-day program operations across inspections, engineering reviews, and QA/QC.
• Forecast inspection volumes, staffing needs, and engineering workloads to support current and future program years.
• Identify and implement process improvements, standardization, and automation opportunities.
• Negotiate and oversee contracts with subcontractors, including developing a seasonal volume management strategy.

Performance & Risk Management

• Monitor key operational KPIs including inspection pass/fail rates, turnaround times, reinspection trends, and pipeline aging.
• Identify operational and compliance risks early and drive corrective actions.
• Oversee root cause analysis and resolution of recurring technical or process issues.
• Oversee inspection and engineering pipelines to ensure timely assignment and completion of work.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks by coordinating across internal teams and external partners.

Team Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction to Engineering and Inspection Leads and their teams.
• Oversee scheduling, staff training, workload balancing, and resource planning across technical teams.
• Set clear priorities and performance expectations while supporting team development.

Client & Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as a primary operational contact for the utility client on field execution, inspection issues, and engineering clarifications.
• Support resolution of inspection exceptions, technical disputes, and measure eligibility questions.
• Partner with staff to develop strong working relationships with stakeholders, ensuring positive contractor experience with engineering, inspection, and QAQC processes.

Program Design & Continuous Improvement

• Provide input on inspection protocols, engineering review criteria, and QA/QC standards.
• Support updates to operating procedures and QA/QC documentation.
• Incorporate QA/QC findings and audit feedback into ongoing program improvements.
• Develop training resources and SOPs for inspectors and engineers to inform high-quality deliverables.

Reporting & Communication

• Prepare and review operational reports and dashboards for leadership and the utility client.
• Clearly communicate performance, risks, and improvement initiatives to stakeholders.

Job Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Energy Management, Business, or a related field required.
• Advanced degree or professional certifications preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in operations, program management, or project delivery within energy efficiency, utilities, or a related technical field.
• Experience leading engineering, inspection, and/or QA/QC teams in a complex program environment.
• Strong understanding of multifamily energy efficiency programs, inspections, and engineering review processes.
• Demonstrated experience improving organizational processes to maximize efficiency and resources.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, make sound decisions, and drive execution independently.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Excel, data analysis, and reporting tools; dashboard experience a plus.

EEO Non-Discrimination and ADA Reasonable Accommodation Statement
Willdan is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, religion, military service or veteran status, disability, medical condition, childbirth and related medical conditions, genetic testing, reproductive status or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Willdan does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability where the essential functions of the job can be reasonably accommodated. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us.

Willdan Lighting & Electric participates in E-Verify.