Operations Manager (Kitchen Suppression / Fire Extiguisher

Job Title: Operations Manager (Kitchen Suppression / Fire Extinguisher)

Location: Toledo, OH

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full-time, on-site with regular travel to customer sites within the Toledo territory

FLSA Status: Exempt (salaried)

Why Silco

• Eight-time Top Workplaces winner and an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private company.
• Family-owned since 1931, with approachable leadership and real advancement across branches and departments.
• Veteran-friendly: about 30% of our team has served in the military.

About Silco

Silco Fire & Security protects lives and property for more than 45,000 businesses across Ohio, Kentucky and surrounding states. We design, install, inspect, service and monitor fire protection and security systems, from fire alarms, sprinklers and kitchen suppression to video surveillance and access control. Founded in 1931 and still family-owned and operated, Silco has more than 500 team members across seven branches: Cincinnati (headquarters), Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo and Louisville.

The Role

As Operations Manager for our Kitchen Suppression and Fire Extinguisher Division in Toledo, you will own the day-to-day delivery and growth of the division: installations of kitchen suppression systems, semi-annual inspections, extinguisher service and sales, and repairs. You will lead the technicians and support staff who do that work, keep the division compliant with NFPA 17A, NFPA 96 and NFPA 10 and local fire code, manage inventory and scheduling, and be the primary point of contact for customers in your territory. You will report to the [Branch Manager / Director of Operations] and be accountable for the division's revenue, margin and customer retention.

What You'll Do (Essential Functions)

• Lead, schedule, coach and supervise kitchen suppression and fire extinguisher technicians and support staff, including hiring, training, performance reviews and safety accountability.
• Plan and oversee installations, inspections, maintenance and repair work so jobs are completed on time, on budget and to code.
• Drive revenue growth in the division by developing sales strategies, pricing work, quoting repairs and new installs, and expanding extinguisher and suppression accounts in the territory.
• Ensure every job complies with local, state and national fire codes and standards (NFPA 10, 17A and 96) and with manufacturer requirements (Ansul, Amerex, Pyro-Chem or similar).
• Conduct field audits and quality checks of technician work and inspection reports.
• Serve as the primary customer contact for the division: resolve service issues, handle escalations, and build relationships with restaurant operators, facility managers and AHJs.
• Manage division inventory, vehicles, tools and equipment; coordinate with purchasing and warehouse staff to keep materials on hand and control costs.
• Coordinate with sales, service dispatch, other Silco divisions and subcontractors on shared projects.
• Review division financials and operating metrics and act on them.
• Identify and lead process improvements that make the division faster, safer and more profitable, and keep current on industry trends and new products.

What You Bring

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3 or more years of fire protection industry experience focused on kitchen suppression systems and portable fire extinguishers.
• Proven success in operations management, project management, service management or a comparable leadership role.
• Strong working knowledge of fire safety codes and standards, including NFPA 10, 17A and 96.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage technicians and customers alike.
• Ability to prioritize and manage competing demands in a fast-moving service environment.
• Proficiency with scheduling, service management and standard office software.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred

• State of Ohio or Michigan fire equipment certifications for kitchen suppression and portable extinguishers, and manufacturer certifications (Ansul, Amerex, Pyro-Chem or similar).
• Prior responsibility for a division or branch P&L.
• Experience selling or quoting fire protection services.
• Experience with a field service management platform.

Physical Requirements

• Regular travel to customer sites, including commercial kitchens, by company vehicle.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb ladders and work in commercial kitchen environments, including on rooftops and in tight spaces, during field audits and job site visits.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, such as extinguishers, cylinders and system components.
• Prolonged periods of computer and phone work in an office setting.
• Ability to communicate clearly by phone, email, video call and in person.
• Exposure to heat, noise and kitchen conditions at customer sites, with appropriate personal protective equipment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance; accident and illness insurance; Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid holidays and generous paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement and company-paid training and certifications.
• Up to 8 paid volunteer hours per year, plus dollar-for-dollar matching of your charitable gifts.
• Company events and recognition programs that celebrate success.

Equal Opportunity

Silco Fire & Security is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Reasonable accommodation: Silco provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants and employees with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions. If you need an accommodation to apply or interview, contact Human Resources at (513) 733-5655 or [email protected].

Offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screen, conducted in accordance with applicable law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Positions that drive for work also require a motor vehicle record review. Criminal history is evaluated individually in light of the position's duties.

This description outlines the essential functions, qualifications and physical demands of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of duties; other duties may be assigned. It does not create a contract of employment. Employment with Silco is at will.