Operations Manager, EXC

Job Summary

The Operations Manager is a leader responsible for driving profitable growth while ensuring operational excellence across the organization. This role oversees business development and market expansion efforts while leading the day-to-day performance of Project Management and Field Operations teams.

The Operations Manager is accountable for delivering projects safely, on schedule, within budget, and to quality standards, while simultaneously identifying new opportunities, strengthening customer relationships, and expanding the company’s presence in target markets.

This leader serves as the bridge between strategy and execution, ensuring that growth commitments are operationally achievable and operational performance supports sustainable expansion.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Business Development and Market Growth
• Develop and execute market growth strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities in underground civil and electrical infrastructure markets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with utilities, municipalities, general contractors, developers, and key clients.
• Partner with estimating and preconstruction teams to position the company competitively.
• Participate in bid strategy, proposal reviews, pricing discussions, and risk assessments.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities.
• Establish revenue targets and growth plans by region or service line.
• Represent the company at industry events and networking functions.
• Operational Leadership – Project Management
• Lead and develop the Project Management team to ensure successful project execution.
• Oversee project financial performance including budgets, forecasting, cost control, and margin protection.
• Ensure consistent project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Drive accountability in contract management, change orders, billing, and cash flow.
• Implement and enforce project management standards, processes, and reporting.
• Monitor KPIs including productivity, margin performance, and schedule adherence.
• Provide coaching and development to Project Managers and support staff.
• Operational Leadership – Field Operations
• Oversee Field Operations General Foremen.
• Ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, and to quality standards.
• Partner with Safety leadership to reinforce a strong safety culture.
• Ensure proper equipment utilization.
• Improve field productivity and operational efficiency.
• Address operational challenges in real-time to prevent project delays or cost overruns.
• Ensure alignment between field execution and project management expectations.
• Financial and Performance Accountability
• Own operational P&L performance.
• Develop and manage annual budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor gross margin, overhead, and operational efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve profitability.
• Ensure billing accuracy and timely submittals.
• Participate in strategic planning and long-term growth initiatives.
• Leadership and Culture
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational discipline.
• Develop leadership bench strength within PM and Field teams.
• Reinforce company standards, processes, and core values.
• Drive alignment between growth commitments and operational capacity.
• Support change management and organizational improvements.
  

Required Skills And Responsibilities

• Strategic Thinking with Operational Discipline
• Financial Accountability
• Market & Client Relationship Development
• Leadership & Team Development
• Execution & Follow-Through
• Risk Management
• Change Leadership
  
  

Qualifications

• 8 years of progressive leadership experience in underground civil, utility, or electrical construction.
• Proven experience with customer relationship development, business development, and leading field/project operations.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth and expand market presence.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams (PMs, Superintendents, Field Crews).
• Deep understanding of underground utilities, civil construction, and electrical infrastructure.
• Understanding of regional markets and key industry members.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and client relationship skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.