Operations Manager - Civil Construction (Roads, Bridges, Highways)
Reports To: VP of Operations
Our client, a well-established civil construction company specializing in roads, bridges, utilities, and highway projects, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operations for a major segment of their business. This is a key leadership role with direct responsibility for project performance, safety, profitability, and team development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain strong customer relationships and resolve issues to preserve long-term partnerships.
- Collaborate closely with senior leadership (VP of Operations and President) on significant project matters impacting profitability.
- Hold Project Managers accountable for safe, on-budget, and on-schedule project execution.
- Assign Project Managers and Superintendents to projects.
- Recruit, hire, mentor, evaluate, and (when necessary) discipline or terminate team members.
- Leverage tools like HeavyJob and Viewpoint for tracking project budgets, schedules, and performance.
- Continuously monitor job costs, production rates, and safety compliance; work with field teams to implement corrective actions and mitigate potential losses.
- Bear ultimate accountability for safety and financial outcomes on all assigned projects.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, pre-construction conferences, and key project progress reviews.
- Ensure proper utilization and maintenance of company and rental equipment.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by senior management.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Direct supervision of Project Managers on assigned projects.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent relevant experience) plus at least 5 years of progressive management experience in road, bridge, utility, or excavating construction.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills, including professional verbal presentation and business writing.
- Solid mathematical aptitude for engineering-related functions.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel) and willingness to master industry software (HCSS HeavyJob, Viewpoint).
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, delegation ability, and professional handling of confidential information.
- Reliable attendance and willingness to work a minimum 40-hour week (overtime frequently required).
- Travel required as needed for project oversight and meetings.
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
This field-oriented role involves regular exposure to construction sites with:
- Variable weather, temperature extremes, noise, dust, fumes, and chemicals.
- Requirement for personal protective equipment (PPE) and occasional respirator use.
- Physical activities including standing, walking, lifting (up to/over 60 lbs), climbing, bending, pushing/pulling, and operating vehicles/equipment.
If you are a seasoned construction leader with a track record of delivering profitable, safe projects in heavy civil work, this is an outstanding opportunity to join a respected industry player with growth potential.
Interested candidates should submit their resume confidentially for immediate consideration. All inquiries will be handled with complete discretion.