Operations Manager

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.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• 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.

Financial & P&L Management

• 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.

Business Development & Client Relations

• 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.

Leadership & Talent Development

• 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.

Safety & Risk Management

• 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.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 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.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• 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.

Leadership Profile

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.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience including performance-based incentives vehicle allowance comprehensive benefits retirement savings opportunities paid time off and professional development programs.