Our client is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States — an ENR Top 500 firm with 40+ years of industry history, also rated as a top Systems Integrator Giant. Their Electrical Testing Group (ETG) is expanding, and they are seeking an entrepreneurial Operations Manager to lead a new regional location from the ground up. This role combines operational leadership with entrepreneurial drive — serving as both Integrator and Builder of a new ETG Business Unit. You'll take ownership of day-to-day execution, lead a growing technical team, manage P&L objectives, and work alongside ETG national leadership to bring a proven business model to a new region. This is a rare opportunity to witness a business evolve from Infancy Growth Maturity — with your leadership at the center of that transformation.
First 6–12 Months: Establish the foundation: hire key staff, build client relationships, deliver first projects successfully, and drive the BU toward break-even
12–24 Months: Transition into the Growth Phase: solid team structure, sustainable backlog, and strong client confidence
Local L10s running consistently, scorecard metrics trending upward, P&L tracking toward profitability
Beyond 24 Months: The BU is Mature: operating as a profitable, independently functioning unit within the national ETG network, recognized for its technical quality and reliability
7+ years in power systems testing, commissioning, or utility operations
Proven leadership experience managing people, budgets, and project delivery
Strong understanding of protective relaying, automation, and SCADA systems
Entrepreneurial mindset — thrives in building structure from scratch
Excellent communication, organization, and conflict-resolution skills
Experience with EOS or similar operating systems preferred
Willingness to travel regionally and work in a dynamic field environment
Salary: $160,000–$190,000 annually (depending on location and qualifications)
Discretionary bonus
14% of total annual compensation (salary + bonus) contributed to ESOP retirement each year
100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Full benefits package: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & AD&D, Long-Term Disability, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, HSA, FSA, PTO, Paid Holidays, Tuition Reimbursement, Referral Bonus, 401(k)/Profit Sharing, EAP, Will Preparation Resources, Worldwide Travel Assistance
Markent Personnel, Inc is a Wisconsin based recruiting firm that specializes in placing engineering and manufacturing professionals. We recruit for engineering, purchasing, quality, accounting, safety, human resources and management roles. Our candidates are not looking for jobs, but careers!
We are currently a team of 3 recruiters and a support staff of researchers. We are members of Top Echelon, the world's largest network of independent recruiters and a franchisee of Sanford Rose Associates (SRA), the 9th largest US Search firm. Markent Personnel has developed an extensive database, a dedication to professional training, and a complete set of research tools (both internet and traditional). We are recognized as a leader in technical recruiting in the Midwest. Whether you are a technical professional looking for a new position or a hiring authority searching for professional staff, the members of our firm will work diligently to help you fulfill your goals.