About Guardian:
For over 45 years, Guardian Fire Protection Services has been a trusted leader in comprehensive fire protection solutions. Headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, we specialize in the design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of fire alarms, sprinkler systems, kitchen fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, kitchen fire suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems, and marine industry fire suppression systems.
With a talented team of technicians and support staff, we service a broad customer base across the region-managing more than 70,000 active fire protection systems through recurring inspections and repair services.
Guardian's growing network of operating companies spans the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, driven by a strong reputation for reliability, expanding internal sales and marketing capabilities, and strategic business acquisitions. As we scale, our commitment remains the same: to protect lives and property through exceptional service and industry-leading fire protection solutions.
Position Overview:
The Director of Integration is a pivotal leadership role at Guardian Fire Protection Services, responsible for successfully integrating newly acquired operating companies into Guardian's platform. This position sits at the intersection of M&A and operations, collaborating closely with cross- functional teams across M&A, technology, finance, HR, and field operations.
Integration efforts begin during the diligence phase, where this leader translates insights into actionable post-close plans. Execution requires both operational rigor and a high level of emotional intelligence to build trust and establish a positive, unified culture across organizations.
Partnering with the COO, the Director of Integration will establish and lead a scalable, repeatable integration function to support Guardian's growth. This includes managing functional integration leads, coordinating across business units in a matrixed environment, and personally owning execution in select areas such as communications or onboarding strategy.
This role requires a customer-focused mindset-viewing newly acquired companies and Guardian's leadership team as clients-aimed at delivering an exceptional integration experience.
Success Metrics:
Success in this role will be demonstrated by:
- Completion of integration for new operating companies within 90 days post-acquisition
- Consistent reporting on integration progress (e.g., % complete per function)
- High satisfaction scores from acquired company leadership (e.g., CSAT surveys)
- Strong alignment across Guardian's executive leadership on integration strategy and execution
- Iterative improvement of integration systems, tools, and best practices
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Bachelor's degree required; STEM or Business field preferred
- Advanced degree (e.g., MBA) preferred
- Minimum 5 years of experience, with leadership roles in Corporate Development, Strategy, Private Equity, Consulting, or similar fields
- Experience in the skilled trades, military, or field-based services organizations is a strong plus
- Proven ability to lead both direct reports and cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to quickly establish credibility and build strong relationships
- Action-oriented and resourceful, with a track record of solving complex challenges in dynamic environments
- Must be based in the Rockville, MD office (Washington, DC metro) and willing to travel to operating companies as part of the integration program
Benefits:
- 401K with a company match
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Company paid Short Term Disability
- Company paid Long Term Disability
- Company paid Life and AD&D insurance
- Pre-tax accounts for health and dependent care
- Aflac
- Vacation and Personal time
- Paid holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Guardian Fire Protection Services is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because he or she is an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.
