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.