Fire Alarm Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Fire Alarm Design Manager

Company: J. F. Ahern Co.

Location: Chicago, IL (Remote option available for candidates within the United States)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations Management / Engineering Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-18

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid / Fully Remote (US-based candidates)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and scale the Fire Alarm Design team, establishing a strategic vision for growth and operational excellence.

• Drive project design progression from inception through completion, including design, permitting, as-builts, and operations and maintenance manuals.

• Focus on people leadership, including attracting, hiring, coaching, and developing a high-performing team.

• Ensure adherence to codes, industry standards, project specifications, and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a strategic leadership opportunity within J. F. Ahern Co.'s fire protection division. While direct fire alarm design experience is beneficial, the primary emphasis is on leading and scaling a team, managing design processes, and ensuring operational efficiency. The remote option suggests a focus on results and team performance over physical presence, aligning with modern operations management practices.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a clear vision for the Fire Alarm Design group, aligning resources, processes, and talent to achieve business objectives and growth targets.

• Provide direct leadership and mentorship to the Fire Alarm Design team, fostering professional development and performance management.

• Oversee the end-to-end design process for fire alarm systems, ensuring quality, compliance, and timely delivery.

• Establish and maintain robust engineering and design standards, policies, and procedures, including best practices for tools like Revit and CAD.

• Implement and manage effective file management systems and training programs to support the design team's technical proficiency.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by gathering feedback from field staff, sales teams, and external customers.

• Collaborate with other Design Managers to share best practices, standardize processes, and enhance overall departmental performance.

• Participate actively in team and on-site progress meetings, providing design insights and ensuring alignment with project timelines and budgets.

• Ensure all designs comply with relevant building codes, industry standards (e.g., NFPA), project specifications, and AHJ requirements.

• Manage the delegation of tasks and prioritize workload effectively to maintain structure and efficiency in a dynamic environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical oversight of fire alarm design and, more significantly, on people and process management. The emphasis on scaling the team and driving continuous improvement points to a role that requires strategic thinking and operational execution within a growing business unit.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Fire Protection, Mechanical), Construction Management, or a related technical field is typically expected for such a leadership role in this industry. Relevant certifications would also be highly valued.

Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience, with a significant portion dedicated to leadership and team management, preferably within the construction, engineering, or fire protection sectors. Proven track record of developing and scaling high-performing teams is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven people leadership and team development capabilities, with experience in hiring, coaching, and mentoring.

• Strong strategic planning and execution skills, with the ability to set a vision and drive results.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Effective communication, interpersonal, and decision-making skills, essential for stakeholder management and team collaboration.

• Experience in developing and implementing policies, standards, and procedures.

• Ability to foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Understanding of project lifecycles, codes, and field coordination within the construction or engineering industry.

• Proficiency in managing resources, budgets, and operational workflows. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in fire alarm or special hazard system design.

• Familiarity with design software such as Revit and AutoCAD.

• Understanding of Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements and permitting processes.

• Construction management background.

• Experience with operations and maintenance (O&M) manual creation and as-built documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize leadership and strategic management over deep technical expertise in fire alarm systems, though the latter is considered a strong asset. The "10+" years of experience points to a senior-level position requiring substantial professional maturity and proven leadership outcomes. The preference for construction background suggests an understanding of operational realities in the field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented examples of successfully leading and scaling design or engineering teams, showcasing team growth and performance metrics.

• Case studies demonstrating strategic planning and execution that resulted in improved design efficiency, quality, or throughput.

• Evidence of developing and implementing new processes, standards, or workflows that enhanced operational effectiveness.

• Examples of how you have managed budgets, allocated resources, and ensured projects stayed within scope and timeline.

• Demonstrations of problem-solving methodologies applied to complex design or team management challenges. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to defining and documenting engineering and design standards, policies, and procedures.

• Provide examples of workflow optimization strategies, particularly those involving design software (e.g., Revit, CAD) and file management.

• Illustrate how you have implemented feedback loops from field staff, sales, and customers to drive continuous process improvement.

• Detail your methods for ensuring compliance with industry codes, standards, and AHJ requirements within design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on leadership and process improvement, a portfolio should highlight strategic initiatives, team development success, and process optimization achievements rather than individual design contributions. The focus should be on demonstrating leadership impact on operational outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $106,000 - $142,000 annually. This range is competitive for a Fire Alarm Design Manager role with significant leadership responsibilities, particularly in a major metropolitan area like Chicago, and considering the "10+" years of experience requirement.

Benefits:

• Top-Tier Benefits: 401(k) with a substantial company match, and health benefits recognized as being in the top 20% nationwide.

• Profit Sharing & Bonuses: Eligible for significant profit-sharing through bonus programs, directly linking individual contribution to company success.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Comprehensive PTO package with the option to purchase additional time off.

• Paid Parental Leave: Supportive paid maternity and paternity leave to assist employees during significant life events.

• Mental Health Resources: Access to free, full-service mental health care for employees and their families.

• Wellness Programs: On-site fitness centers, personal development funds, and other wellness initiatives.

• Professional Development: Education assistance, comprehensive training programs, and opportunities for career advancement.

• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid and flexible scheduling options to accommodate personal needs.

• Vehicle Allowance & Gas Card: Provided to support travel and work-related expenses.

Working Hours: Typically a 40-hour work week, with flexibility offered through hybrid and remote options, allowing for better work-life integration and efficient management of tasks and team responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided. The benefits package is exceptionally robust, emphasizing employee well-being, financial security, and professional growth, which are significant attractors for experienced operations and management professionals. The vehicle allowance and gas card are practical benefits for a role that may involve some travel or remote coordination.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mechanical and Fire Protection Contracting. J. F. Ahern Co. operates within a highly specialized and regulated sector, requiring precision, safety, and deep technical knowledge. The company's long history (since 1880) suggests stability and a strong foundation in traditional contracting values, while its emphasis on innovation indicates a forward-thinking approach.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the raw data, the mention of supporting a "Chicago market" and having a "design team" implies a substantial organization with multiple branches and specialized departments. A company with over 145 years of history is likely to be a medium to large enterprise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on industry norms for established mechanical contractors and the breadth of services implied, J. F. Ahern Co. likely employs several hundred to over a thousand individuals. This size offers stability and resources while potentially maintaining a more personalized culture than a massive corporation.

Founded: 1880. This significant tenure highlights a long-standing commitment to the industry, deep expertise, and a proven ability to adapt and thrive over generations. It suggests a company culture that values tradition, long-term relationships, and stability.

Team Structure:

• The Fire Alarm Design team is a specialized unit within the broader engineering or design department, likely reporting to a Director of Engineering or Operations.

• The Manager will lead a team of designers, drafters, and potentially project coordinators focused on fire alarm systems.

• This role requires significant cross-functional collaboration with sales, project management, field operations, and other design disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical). Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Expected to leverage data from projects, field feedback, and performance metrics to inform strategic decisions and process improvements.

• Process Optimization: A core focus on identifying inefficiencies and implementing streamlined workflows, particularly in design and team management.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Encouraging an environment where team members can contribute to solving complex design and operational challenges.

Company Website: https://careers.jfahern.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: J. F. Ahern Co.'s long history and family-owned status suggest a culture that balances tradition with progress. The emphasis on employee well-being and growth indicates a commitment to its workforce, which is a positive sign for operations professionals seeking a stable and supportive environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position, overseeing a critical function within the company. It requires a blend of technical understanding, strategic leadership, and proven people management skills. The role is responsible for the scalability and effectiveness of the fire alarm design function, directly impacting project delivery and company growth.

Reporting Structure: The Fire Alarm Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Engineering, Vice President of Operations, or a similar senior leadership role within the company's Chicago market operations or broader engineering division. They will directly manage a team of Fire Alarm Designers.

Operations Impact: The Fire Alarm Design Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the profitability and success of fire alarm projects. Effective design management leads to accurate bidding, efficient installation, compliance with regulations, and client satisfaction, all of which directly contribute to revenue generation and the company's reputation. The ability to scale the team also supports the company's capacity to take on more projects and expand market share.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher-level operational or engineering leadership roles, such as Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or regional management positions.

• Specialization & Expansion: Opportunity to deepen expertise in fire protection systems or expand influence to manage multiple design disciplines.

• Strategic Initiatives: Involvement in company-wide strategic planning, process re-engineering, and technology adoption initiatives.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor and develop future leaders within the organization, contributing to the company's talent pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a stable, established company. The emphasis on scaling the team and strategic vision suggests opportunities for significant impact and professional development for an ambitious leader.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "fully remote" for candidates within the United States, but also supports a "Chicago market." This suggests a hybrid model is likely preferred for local candidates, offering flexibility. The company culture values work-life balance.

Office Location(s): While the role supports the Chicago market, the remote option broadens the geographical reach for qualified candidates across the US. Specific office locations for team meetings or occasional on-site work would be in the Chicago area.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Work: Candidates will need a dedicated, professional home office setup conducive to focused work and virtual collaboration.

• Hybrid Work: For those in the Chicago area, a blend of remote and in-office work is expected, allowing for in-person collaboration, team meetings, and access to company resources.

• Technology & Tools: Access to necessary design software (Revit, CAD), project management tools, and communication platforms will be provided or supported.

• Collaboration: The environment encourages regular virtual and in-person interaction with the design team, sales, project managers, and other stakeholders.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the company offers flexible schedules and a hybrid work model, emphasizing results and work-life balance over strict adherence to traditional office hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The flexibility offered, including a fully remote option for US-based candidates, is a significant advantage and aligns with modern best practices for attracting and retaining talent in operations and management roles. It indicates a trust-based culture focused on outcomes.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the experience and qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve into leadership experience, team scaling strategies, and operational philosophy. Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing design teams and driving continuous improvement.

• Panel/Team Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders, potentially other Design Managers, project managers, or senior operations leaders. This stage will assess your collaboration style, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio showcasing a successful team scaling initiative, process improvement, or strategic project leadership.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive to discuss overall strategy and long-term vision for the design function.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Leadership & Impact: Curate examples that demonstrate your ability to lead, develop, and scale teams, rather than just individual technical contributions.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and data to illustrate the impact of your leadership, such as team growth percentages, efficiency improvements, cost savings, or project delivery speed.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Structure case studies around specific challenges you've addressed, the processes you've implemented or improved, and the measurable results achieved.

• Demonstrate Strategic Vision: Articulate your approach to setting a vision, aligning resources, and driving long-term growth for a design function.

• Tailor to J. F. Ahern Co.: Research the company's values, history, and current market position to tailor your examples and articulate how your leadership style aligns with their culture and goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Team Scaling Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach scaling the fire alarm design team, including recruitment strategies, onboarding, and performance management.

• Process Improvement Scenarios: Prepare to outline how you would identify and address inefficiencies in a design workflow or team structure.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would collaborate with sales, field operations, and other departments to ensure project success and gather feedback.

• Vision Setting: Be prepared to discuss how you would develop and communicate a strategic vision for the fire alarm design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be thorough, focusing heavily on leadership competencies and strategic thinking. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates impact and a strategic approach to operations management will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency and experience with industry-standard design tools such as Revit and AutoCAD are highly beneficial, as the manager will oversee their use and potentially set standards for them.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools for project tracking, scheduling, and resource allocation (e.g., MS Project, Procore, or similar construction/engineering PM tools).

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for team communication and virtual collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project management systems, CRM, and potentially BI tools to track team performance, project status, and identify areas for improvement.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating and presenting performance reports to senior management.

CRM & Automation: While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design processes integrate with CRM (for sales handoffs) and potentially automation tools for workflow efficiencies would be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: While direct hands-on use of design software might be less critical than strategic oversight, a strong understanding of these tools (Revit, CAD) is essential for effective leadership and process definition within the design team. Familiarity with construction industry project management software is also highly relevant.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accountability: Taking ownership of team performance, project outcomes, and commitments made to stakeholders.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where ideas are shared freely, and cross-functional partnerships are strong.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive mindset towards identifying and implementing enhancements in processes, tools, and team capabilities.

• Quality & Excellence: Upholding high standards in design, execution, and customer service, reflecting the company's long-standing reputation.

• Integrity: Demonstrating ethical conduct and transparency in all dealings, aligning with the company's family-owned heritage.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with sales, project management, field operations, and other engineering departments to ensure seamless project execution and client satisfaction.

• Feedback-Driven: Encouraging open communication and actively soliciting feedback from team members and other departments to refine processes and improve outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions are shared across the team and the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values and emphasis on a positive work environment suggest a culture that supports professional growth and values employee contributions. The "family-owned" aspect often translates to a more cohesive and supportive internal culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Effectively: Managing the growth of the design team to meet increasing business demand while maintaining quality and team cohesion.

• Balancing Remote/Hybrid Teams: Ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and cultural integration across a potentially distributed team.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Adapting to evolving design software, building codes, and fire protection technologies.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Navigating the complexities of coordinating with various departments (sales, field, project management) to ensure smooth project lifecycles.

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining skilled design professionals in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Training: Access to advanced leadership development programs and executive coaching.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional certifications related to fire protection or management.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders or to mentor emerging talent within the company.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a wide range of fire alarm system designs for various project types and clients, broadening technical and strategic experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a growth-oriented management role in the construction/engineering sector. The company's commitment to professional growth suggests that employees will be supported in overcoming these challenges and advancing their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your philosophy on leading and scaling a design team. What are the key metrics you would track to ensure success?"

• "How would you approach developing and implementing new engineering and design standards for the fire alarm division?"

• "Walk me through a time you had to improve a process within a design or engineering team. What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?"

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication between design teams and field operations or sales teams?"

• "What is your strategy for staying current with evolving fire alarm codes, technologies, and design software like Revit?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to J. F. Ahern Co. and our long history in the industry?"

• "How do you foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within your team, particularly in a remote or hybrid environment?"

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to positive team dynamics."

• "How do you ensure that your team's work aligns with the company's overall business objectives and values?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key achievements: Team Scaling, Process Improvement, Strategic Leadership, and Project Oversight.

• Storytelling: For each example, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate the context, your role, the steps you took, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Data Visualization: Use charts or graphs to present metrics related to team growth, efficiency gains, or project success rates.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your leadership translated into tangible benefits for the company, such as increased revenue, reduced costs, improved project delivery times, or enhanced team performance.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful examples efficiently, focusing on the strategic and operational aspects of your contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to demonstrate not just technical understanding, but strategic thinking, strong leadership acumen, and a proactive approach to operational efficiency. Quantifiable results and clear articulation of process improvements will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Fire Alarm Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the J. F. Ahern Co. careers portal: https://careers.jfahern.com/job/Chicago%2C-IL-Fire-Alarm-Design-Manager-IL-60290/1401481600/

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight leadership experience, team scaling achievements, process improvement initiatives, and any relevant construction or fire alarm design background. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Curation: Prepare a portfolio that showcases your leadership impact, strategic planning, and process optimization successes. Focus on quantifiable results and case studies.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering strategy, leadership, and company-specific questions. Be ready to present a case study from your portfolio. Research J. F. Ahern Co.'s history, values, and market position.

• Remote Work Readiness: If applying as a remote candidate, ensure your application and interview responses reflect your ability to work effectively in a distributed team environment and your home office setup.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.