A growing mechanical services organization is seeking an ambitious and results-oriented Plumbing Operations Manager to oversee and accelerate the growth of the commercial plumbing department. This leadership role extends well beyond traditional plumbing management responsibilities. Today's commercial plumbing environment requires expertise in building performance, water system reliability, preventative maintenance strategies, technology integration, and long-term customer partnerships.
The successful candidate will possess extensive technical plumbing knowledge, strong leadership capabilities, and a demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth while developing high-performing teams. This individual will serve as both an operational leader and business builder, capable of guiding technicians through complex mechanical challenges while cultivating new client relationships and expanding market presence.
From day one, the selected candidate should be comfortable providing technical direction in the field, engaging confidently with property managers and facility leaders, and identifying opportunities to increase service agreements, project work, and overall departmental profitability.
Key Attributes for Success
Technical Expertise
Possesses advanced commercial plumbing knowledge with the ability to evaluate job sites, troubleshoot complex system issues, support field personnel, and communicate solutions effectively to customers.
Innovation & Technology Focus
Comfortable utilizing field service software, digital reporting platforms, connected building technologies, and data-driven management practices to improve operational performance and customer experience.
Business Growth Mindset
Views every customer interaction as an opportunity to strengthen relationships, expand service offerings, and contribute to sustained departmental growth through proactive sales and business development efforts.
Primary Responsibilities
Department Leadership & Operations
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Direct all plumbing department activities, including service, maintenance, repair, installation, project execution, and customer support.
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Manage daily field operations through coordination with service administration staff, ensuring efficient scheduling, technician productivity, and resource allocation.
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Promote adoption and effective use of operational technologies throughout the team.
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Recruit, mentor, train, and develop plumbing personnel while fostering accountability and technical excellence.
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Lead regular team meetings and oversee annual performance evaluations.
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Utilize internal training resources to strengthen technician development and career progression.
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Maintain a strong safety culture across all work environments, including facilities, vehicles, and customer locations.
Business Development & Market Expansion
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Generate new business through networking, relationship building, and strategic outreach to facility managers, property management firms, building owners, and key decision-makers.
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Create and implement growth strategies targeting commercial, healthcare, educational, institutional, hospitality, industrial, and mixed-use properties.
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Expand recurring revenue through preventative maintenance programs, service agreements, and capital improvement projects.
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Identify cross-selling opportunities among HVAC, Plumbing, and Building Automation service offerings.
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Work closely with estimating and sales personnel to ensure timely proposal delivery and improved close rates.
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Serve as a professional representative of the organization within the local business community and industry associations.
Financial Management
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Maintain full responsibility for departmental profit and loss performance.
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Monitor gross margins, labor efficiency, operational costs, and budget compliance.
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Develop and implement strategies that improve profitability while maintaining service quality and customer satisfaction.
Areas of Oversight
Preventative Maintenance Programs
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Asset lifecycle planning
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Maintenance strategy development
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Equipment management initiatives
Commercial Plumbing Service & Repair
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Domestic water systems
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Drain and waste systems
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Pumps, boilers, and water heaters
System Assessments & Capital Planning
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Facility audits
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Equipment evaluations
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Budget forecasting
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Replacement planning
Backflow Prevention Compliance
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Testing oversight
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Regulatory compliance
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Documentation and reporting
Drainage & Sewer Systems
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Hydro jetting operations
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Video inspections
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Sewer diagnostics and troubleshooting
Grease Trap & Wastewater Services
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Grease trap maintenance
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Commercial kitchen plumbing systems
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Wastewater management solutions
Pipefitting & Welding Operations
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Hydronic piping systems
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Mechanical room installations
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Welding and fabrication oversight
Water Damage Prevention & Emergency Response
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Flood mitigation planning
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Emergency water response services
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Smart monitoring technologies
Industries Served
Commercial Office | Healthcare | Education | Institutional | Hospitality | Industrial | Mixed-Use Developments | Property Management
Qualifications
Required Experience
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Minimum of 9+ years of commercial plumbing experience.
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Previous leadership experience managing a plumbing department, division, project team, or similar operation.
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Demonstrated success in sales, client development, and revenue generation.
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Experience supervising field personnel, subcontractors, and administrative staff.
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Strong understanding of commercial building infrastructure and facility operations.
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Experience working with healthcare organizations, educational institutions, property management companies, and commercial real estate portfolios.
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Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
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Familiarity with the Baltimore metropolitan market and surrounding regions.
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Strong interest in technology and modern service management platforms.
Required Licensing
Applicants must possess one of the following:
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Maryland Master Plumber License (preferred), or
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Maryland Journeyman Plumber License with 5–9+ years of commercial leadership experience.
Preferred Credentials
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Backflow Prevention Certification (ASSE 5110 or Maryland-recognized equivalent)
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Active participation in PHCC or related industry organizations
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OSHA 30-Hour Certification (Construction or General Industry)
Additional Advantages
Candidates with the following experience will stand out:
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Certification or advanced experience with field service management platforms such as ServiceTrade, FieldEdge, or similar systems.
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Knowledge of Building Automation Systems (BAS), IoT technologies, and smart building applications.
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Familiarity with platforms from leading controls manufacturers and building technology providers.
Compensation & Benefits
Comprehensive compensation package designed to attract and retain top industry talent.
Insurance Benefits
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Medical, dental, and vision coverage fully paid for employees and eligible family members.
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Company-paid deductibles.
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Employee responsibility limited to applicable copays.
Retirement Savings
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401(k) program with dollar-for-dollar employer matching up to 7% of base pay.
Paid Time Off
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20 days of PTO annually on an accrual basis.
Holidays
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Eight paid holidays plus two additional half-day holidays.
Additional Company-Paid Benefits
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Life insurance coverage.
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Short-term disability insurance.
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Long-term disability insurance.
Vehicle & Technology
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Choice of company vehicle or vehicle allowance.
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Fuel card provided.
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Company-issued cell phone and laptop.
Starting salary: $130,000+ annually, with opportunities based on experience, performance, and qualifications.
