Operations Manager
Jacksonville, FL - USA
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly driven and results-oriented Operations Manager to lead and oversee field operations within a growing horizontal construction organization. This individual will be responsible for managing daily operations driving operational excellence developing business opportunities and ensuring the successful execution of projects while maintaining a strong focus on safety profitability quality and client satisfaction.
The ideal candidate is a firm but fair leader who possesses exceptional emotional intelligence strong business acumen and a proven ability to motivate teams while holding them accountable for performance. This role requires a strategic thinker capable of balancing operational execution with long-term growth initiatives and business development efforts.
- Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for multiple horizontal construction projects including utility installation site development civil infrastructure roadway construction underground utilities and related operations.
- Direct and support Project Managers Superintendents Foremen and field personnel to ensure projects are delivered safely on schedule within budget and to quality standards.
- Develop and implement operational processes procedures and best practices that improve efficiency productivity and profitability.
- Monitor project performance metrics labor productivity equipment utilization and resource allocation to maximize operational effectiveness.
- Ensure compliance with company policies client requirements regulatory standards and safety programs.
- Maintain full Profit & Loss responsibility for assigned business units regions or operational divisions.
- Develop manage and forecast operational budgets labor costs equipment expenditures and project financial performance.
- Review project cost reports job profitability revenue forecasts and operational KPIs to ensure financial objectives are achieved.
- Identify and implement cost-control initiatives while maintaining quality and operational integrity.
- Drive accountability throughout the organization regarding financial performance and project execution.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to identify and pursue new business opportunities strategic partnerships and market expansion initiatives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients municipalities utility companies engineering firms and industry stakeholders.
- Participate in proposal development estimating reviews contract negotiations and client presentations.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to customers by ensuring exceptional project delivery and responsiveness.
- Support revenue growth through repeat business customer retention and operational excellence.
- Lead mentor coach and develop high-performing teams across field and office operations.
- Foster a culture of accountability collaboration continuous improvement and professional development.
- Conduct performance evaluations succession planning workforce planning and leadership development initiatives.
- Promote a positive workplace culture built on trust transparency respect and operational excellence.
- Effectively manage employee relations matters with professionalism consistency and fairness.
- Champion a safety-first culture throughout all operations.
- Ensure adherence to OSHA regulations company safety policies environmental requirements and client-specific safety standards.
- Participate in incident investigations corrective action planning and risk mitigation efforts.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing incidents and enhancing overall workplace safety.
- 7 years of progressive experience within horizontal construction civil construction underground utilities infrastructure pipeline site development roadway or related industries.
- Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience managing multiple crews projects departments or operational business units.
- Demonstrated experience with P&L management budgeting forecasting and financial accountability.
- Proven track record of leading large-scale operational teams while consistently achieving project and financial objectives.
- Experience supporting business development efforts and cultivating client relationships.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire influence and hold teams accountable.
- Exceptional emotional intelligence communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational execution.
- Strong negotiation conflict resolution and decision-making capabilities.
- Excellent organizational planning and problem-solving skills.
- Comprehensive understanding of construction operations scheduling project controls workforce management and resource planning.
- Proficiency with construction management software project scheduling tools ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
The successful candidate is:
- A firm but fair leader who earns respect through consistency integrity and accountability.
- Highly driven competitive and results-oriented.
- Emotionally intelligent and capable of building strong relationships at all organizational levels.
- Decisive under pressure while maintaining professionalism and sound judgment.
- Passionate about developing people improving operations and growing the business.
- Committed to creating a culture of excellence safety and continuous improvement.
Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience including performance-based incentives vehicle allowance comprehensive benefits retirement savings opportunities paid time off and professional development programs.