Operations Manager

Operations Manager Earthwork, Utilities, and Concrete Construction Position Summary We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our earthwork, underground utility, and concrete construction teams. This position requires a hands-on leader who understands field operations, builds strong teams, holds people accountable, and takes ownership of results. The Operations Manager will work closely with company leadership, project managers, superintendents, foremen, estimating, accounting, and field personnel to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, profitably, and to the highest standard of quality. The ideal candidate is honest, dependable, self-reliant, and driven to solve problems. This individual must have an owner’s mentality and be willing to make decisions based on what is best for the company, its employees, its clients, and the long-term success of every project. Leadership Expectations The Operations Manager is expected to lead by example and help create a culture built around teamwork, accountability, safety, honesty, and pride in workmanship. This person will: Put the success of the team ahead of individual recognition. Set clear expectations and hold themselves and others accountable. Communicate honestly, directly, and respectfully. Take responsibility for problems and lead the effort to resolve them. Support field leaders while requiring consistent performance. Make timely decisions without needing constant direction. Protect the company’s reputation, equipment, resources, and profitability. Treat every project and company dollar as if it were their own. Promote a culture where employees work safely, help one another, and take pride in the finished product. Primary Responsibilities Operational Leadership Oversee daily operations for earthwork, underground utility, and concrete projects. Coordinate project staffing, labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractor needs. Ensure project teams have the information and resources necessary to succeed. Review project schedules, production goals, manpower plans, and equipment utilization. Identify operational challenges early and develop practical solutions. Establish consistent operating procedures across projects and field teams. Maintain strong communication between field operations, project management, estimating, accounting, and executive leadership. Assist with planning future workload and ensuring the company has the people, equipment, and resources to support growth. Project Performance Monitor project productivity, job costs, labor performance, material usage, and equipment expenses. Work with project managers and field leadership to maintain schedules and budgets. Review project performance and address cost overruns, delays, and production concerns. Help develop recovery plans when projects fall behind schedule or budget. Verify that change-order work is documented, communicated, and tracked. Ensure project documentation, daily reports, production quantities, and timekeeping are accurate and timely. Participate in project startup meetings, operational reviews, and project closeout. Hold teams accountable for project commitments and expected results. Team Development Recruit, mentor, and develop superintendents, foremen, operators, laborers, and other field personnel. Build strong teams by placing the right people in the right positions. Provide employees with clear direction, constructive feedback, and opportunities for growth. Identify future leaders and help develop their technical and leadership abilities. Address performance concerns promptly, fairly, and professionally. Promote cooperation between crews, departments, and project teams. Create an environment where employees feel respected while understanding that accountability is required. Safety Make safety a personal and operational priority on every project. Ensure all projects comply with company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and project-specific safety standards. Work closely with safety personnel, project managers, superintendents, and foremen to identify and correct unsafe conditions. Participate in safety meetings, site inspections, incident reviews, and corrective-action planning. Hold employees accountable for following safety procedures. Encourage employees to speak up when they identify unsafe conditions. Reinforce the belief that no schedule, production goal, or financial result is more important than sending every employee home safely. Equipment and Resource Management Coordinate the assignment, movement, maintenance, and utilization of company equipment. Ensure equipment is operated responsibly and maintained according to company standards. Review equipment downtime, repair costs, fuel usage, and replacement needs. Reduce unnecessary rentals, idle equipment, and operational waste. Coordinate with equipment managers, mechanics, vendors, and field personnel to minimize project disruptions. Ensure company property and resources are protected and used responsibly. Client and Partner Relationships Build professional relationships with owners, general contractors, inspectors, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and other project partners. Represent the company with honesty, professionalism, and integrity. Help resolve project concerns before they become larger disputes. Support project teams during difficult conversations and negotiations. Follow through on commitments and ensure company representatives do the same. Protect the company’s reputation by delivering quality work and communicating openly. Required Qualifications Significant construction operations experience in earthwork, underground utilities, concrete, civil construction, or a related field. Previous experience managing multiple projects, crews, and field leaders. Strong understanding of construction scheduling, production planning, job costing, equipment utilization, and labor management. Working knowledge of excavation, grading, underground utilities, site concrete, structural concrete, or related civil scopes. Proven ability to lead teams and hold employees accountable. Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to read and understand construction drawings, specifications, schedules, and project reports. Strong commitment to safety, quality, and ethical business practices. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites as required. Preferred Qualifications Ten or more years of construction experience. Five or more years in an operations, project management, superintendent, or senior field leadership position. Experience with heavy civil, excavation, underground wet utilities, dry utilities, site development, and concrete construction. Experience managing equipment-intensive construction operations. Familiarity with construction management, scheduling, job-costing, and accounting software. OSHA 30 certification or equivalent safety training. Experience developing and implementing operational procedures and performance standards. Personal Characteristics The successful candidate will demonstrate the following qualities: Team-Oriented Works collaboratively, supports others, and understands that company success requires strong relationships between the office and the field. Accountable Accepts responsibility, follows through on commitments, and holds others to the same standard. Honest and Ethical Communicates truthfully, makes fair decisions, and protects the trust of employees, clients, and business partners. Safety-Focused Believes that safety is a core leadership responsibility and not simply a company requirement. Owner’s Mentality Makes decisions with an understanding of cost, risk, quality, reputation, and long-term business success. Self-Reliant Can evaluate situations, make informed decisions, and move work forward without constant supervision. Self-Motivated Takes initiative, remains focused, and looks for ways to improve operations without being asked. Strong Work Ethic Leads from the front, remains dependable during difficult situations, and does what is necessary to support the team. Solution-Oriented Does not simply identify problems. Develops practical solutions and takes responsibility for implementation. Measures of Success Success in this position will be measured by: Safe project performance. Projects completed on schedule and within budget. Improved field productivity and operational consistency. Accurate project reporting and cost control. Responsible labor and equipment utilization. Strong employee retention and leadership development. Timely resolution of project challenges. Positive client and business-partner relationships. Consistent quality of work. A culture of teamwork, accountability, honesty, and ownership. Compensation and Benefits Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership ability. The company intends to provide a competitive compensation and benefits package appropriate for a senior operational leadership position. Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating a respectful and professional workplace. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, performance, and the needs of the company. Pay: $95,632.00 - $160,062.00 per year Benefits: Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Work Location: In person