Equipment Operations Manager

Celebrated as one of Minnesota's Top Workplaces! Knutson Construction is accepting applications for an Equipment Operations Manager to join our team!

“Together We Make Dreams Real” – that is our purpose as a company and we exist to work in concert with each other, owners, design professionals, and trade partners to make the journey as stress-free as possible. Together, we've created a dynamic, fun, inspiring environment where we can be ourselves and grow each day. Knutson is deeply committed to cultivating and upholding diversity throughout our workforce, relationships, and communities. We recognize the utmost importance of continually advancing our comprehension of diversity, equity, and inclusion as transformative forces within our work, industry, and company values.

At Knutson, opportunities to shine happen daily. We value what makes you different and empower you to act on your ideas.

The Equipment Operations Manager will lead the performance of the Equipment Operations Center (EOC) by owning financial results, operational execution, inventory accountability, and team development to ensure predictable, disciplined outcomes. The Equipment Operations Manager will operate the EOC as a high-performing business unit, delivering The Knutson Experience through strong leadership, proactive problem-solving, and a commitment to safety, service, and continuous improvement.

Key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Leadership & Team Development

• Model and lead in alignment with Knutson's core values:
• • Care with Action
  • Lead with Courage
  • Build a Team Environment
• Lead and develop Coordinators, Foremen, and EOC staff following Knutson's performance enablement program, providing continuous coaching and real-time learning.
• Set and manage performance expectations consistently and fairly.
• Coach team members toward growth and career progression.
• Partner with the Equipment Operations Director on performance and talent development opportunities.

Financial Ownership & Forecasting

• Establish annual revenue and margin forecasts based on historical performance and projected demand.

• Monitor performance against plan, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Lead monthly P&L reporting and Equipment Financial Forecasting activities.
  • Identify top-performing categories and key improvement opportunities monthly.
• Track overhead costing model.
• Maintain a 2–3-month rolling forecast.
• Collaborate with Field Operations, Estimating, and Leadership on market strategy.

Inventory Control & Asset Accountability

• Supporting an accurate inventory baseline across all assets.
• Monitor utilization and identify underperforming assets using CMiC / Rental Results.
• Identify excess or obsolete equipment and work with EOC team to take appropriate action (redeploy, sell, retire).
• Support min/max thresholds on inventory and asset standardization.
• Manage local vendor and supply chain relationships.
• Model and promote Knutson's Zero Incident Safety Culture.

Equipment Operations Management

Safety & Compliance:

• Conduct routine safety audits (weekly/monthly).
• Enforce safety standards, policies, and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with Safety to address risks and drive continuous improvement.

Operational Execution:

• Ensure efficient equipment receiving, staging, maintenance, and dispatching.
• Maintain EOC organization, cleanliness, and readiness standards.
• Monitor workflow and staffing to meet demand.
• Identify and remove operational bottlenecks.

Customer Service:

• Deliver a high-quality, consistent experience to all Knutson team members.
• Ensure timely and accurate equipment fulfillment.
• Function as a solution-oriented partner to the field.

Tool Logistics & Maintenance

• Oversee equipment request execution through Coordinators to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and responsiveness.
• Drive continuous improvement in equipment flow, turnaround times, and service reliability.
• Maintain and enforce:
• Preventive maintenance programs to ensure equipment readiness.
• Clear repair vs. auction decision thresholds to protect capital.
• Vendor-supported maintenance programs to ensure quality and consistency.

Customer Service & Project Coordination

• Serve as the escalation point for Project Leadership and ensure timely resolution of issues.
• Act as the primary collaboration partner across all Knutson business service and operations groups.
• Support Coordinators in delivering consistent, high-quality day-to-day field service.
• Reinforce a proactive, solutions-oriented service culture across the Equipment Operations Center.

Communication & Visibility

• Provide consistent updates across weekly operations meetings, safety meetings, and field communications.
• Communicate key updates including new tools, equipment, process changes, and pilot initiatives.
• Maintain clear visibility for leadership by proactively sharing progress, risks, and wins.

Additional Responsibilities

• Deliver The Knutson Experience to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate and complete scheduled and applicable safety training, as determined by the company.

Minimum Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in construction operations, equipment management, yard management, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of leadership experience with direct responsibility for team performance, coaching, and development.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting, or P&L responsibility strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in equipment utilization, logistics, inventory control, or fleet operations.
• Experience working cross-functionally with field operations, estimating, safety, and leadership teams.
• Outstanding level of professionalism and ability to represent Knutson Construction to the community and communicate that culture consistently through all relationships.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate both inside and outside of the organization.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Computer proficiency required including a strong working knowledge of Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Strong technical aptitude.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Strong attention to detail.
• High level of integrity and dependability.
• Highly organized and able to effectively multitask, juggle competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to travel 25%

Additional Benefits & Perks:

• Competitive Pay
• Performance Based Career Advancement
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Time Off
• Life and Long-Term Disability Benefit with no premium cost to employee
• Mentorship Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Flex Fridays
• 401k w/Company Match
• Annual Discretionary Bonus Program
• Successful Annual Discretionary Profit-Sharing Program
• Paid Parental Leave

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Projected Minimum Base Salary per year $110,000

Projected Maximum Base Salary per year $135,000