Building Department Operations Manager

Under the direction of the Building Commissioner, the Operations Manager provides leadership, technical expertise, and supervision within the Allen County Building Department. The position is responsible for reviewing commercial building permits and plans, ensuring compliance with state and local building codes, and managing internal departmental operations. This position exercises significant judgment and technical knowledge in interpreting and applying codes, supervising staff, managing data and technology systems, and supporting departmental goals. This position is classified as Not Covered (At-Will) as defined by The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serves as the primary reviewer for commercial permit applications; reviews plans and drawings for compliance with state and local building codes and assists other departments with building application reviews and approvals.
• Supervises a team of non-supervisory employees, offering guidance and counseling as needed, ensuring adherence to personnel policies, and making limited personnel changes.
• Responsible for the supervision of permitting employees, including hiring, training, and evaluating.
• Prepares budget, maintains budget ledgers, and balances accounts.
• Reviews claim vouchers for payment, files paperwork and bills departments and outside vendors.
• Acts as purchasing and receiving agent for Building Department.  Manages purchase requests and determines priorities.
• Assists with employee relations, supervision, and the establishment of departmental goals and priorities.
• Communicates regularly with vendors, interviews for competitive quotes and oversees completion of requests.
• Oversee departmental information technology needs, ensuring software and systems are current; serves as liaison to IT vendors and contractors, resolves issues, and trains staff on the use of departmental systems.
• Monitors and reports on permit issuance and license compliance; maintains data tracking systems, prepares reports, charts, and analyses; assists the Building Commissioner with budgeting and financial planning.
• Develops and implements internal policies and procedures related to office operations; ensures consistent enforcement of building codes and department standards.
• Responds to emergencies after hours as needed by first responders.
• Communicates with County, as well as City of Fort Wayne departments to verify criteria regarding permits, planning and technology.
• Schedules and participates in project meetings with contractors; documents meeting notes and follows up on action items.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Specialized training beyond high school is normally gained in a program of less than 18 months’ duration, such as completion of trade school or equivalent technical education.
• Minimum of three (3) years of related experience in construction office operations, building permitting, or a related field.
• Knowledge of construction trades and state and local building codes to ensure compliance with safety and structural requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering plans and specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Accela, GIS, and related inspection software; ability to train others on system usage.
• Strong management skills with the ability to supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff effectively.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including public presentation and technical report writing.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal and external partners.
• Valid Indiana Driver’s License.
• Must obtain State International Code Council (ICC) Inspector Certification within twelve (12) months of hire.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

The Operations Manager performs work that is broad in scope and involves significant variables when coordinating inspections, reviewing commercial building projects, and ensuring departmental compliance with applicable codes. Considerable judgment and technical expertise are required to make recommendations, solve problems, and support decision-making within the department.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Operations Manager provides major contributions to the department by ensuring compliance with building codes, departmental policies, and local ordinances. Assignments are typically planned with general objectives and boundaries. Decisions and recommendations are reviewed for alignment with departmental goals, overall accomplishment, and compliance with policy and statutory requirements.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

The Operations Manager maintains frequent contact with subordinates, other County employees, contractors, developers, architects, public officials, and members of the public to exchange information, provide guidance, and resolve code-related issues.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

SUPERVISION:

The Operations Manager supervises assigned department staff, including administrative employees. Responsibilities include training, reviewing work, evaluating performance, and implementing corrective or disciplinary actions as necessary.

LICENSING:

ICC Inspector Certification

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Building Commissioner

HOURS:

8:00a-5:00p; 40 hours hours/week as assigned; occasional evening or weekend hours as required; subject to emergency on-call needs.

EEO CATEGORY:

0101

WORKERS’ COMP CODE:

8820