Director of Strategic Operations Track

The Director of Strategic Operations – Track plays a critical leadership role in driving operational excellence, profitability, and strategic growth within the Track business line. Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Operations, this position oversees performance metrics, process standardization, customer engagement, and resource planning to ensure alignment with company-wide goals. Acting as the subject matter expert (SME) for Track, the Director provides actionable insights for forecasting, capacity management, and market positioning while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

A. Strategic Planning and Execution

• Convert company-wide strategic priorities into actionable operational plans for Track.
• Collaborate with the VP to establish KPIs and performance metrics tailored to the business line.
• Ensure seamless alignment between field operations, estimating, contracts, and corporate strategy.

B. Operational Performance and Profitability

• Monitor operational performance using standardized dashboards and profitability metrics.
• Drive margin improvement through analysis of job costing, variances, and operational gaps.
• Report weekly and monthly KPIs to maintain accountability and transparency.

C. Customer Engagement & Business Development

• Build strong customer relationships to enhance retention, satisfaction, and repeat business.
• Participate in customer meetings, job walks, and service reviews to understand needs and strengthen partnerships.
• Identify new business opportunities aligned with Track’s capabilities and strategic direction.
• Partner with Business Development and Estimating teams to improve bid success rates and reduce contract risk.
• Provide insights into market trends, customer expectations, and competitive positioning.

D. Resource and Capacity Management

• Direct resource allocation and manage strategic aspects of project delivery.
• Oversee workforce planning and balance workloads across teams.
• Review equipment utilization to identify needs, cost-saving opportunities, or asset optimization.
• Develop skills assessments and training roadmaps to support current and future service offerings.

E. Process, SOP, and Quality Standardization

• Implement and audit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within Track.
• Identify inefficiencies and coordinate process improvements across departments.
• Ensure consistency in estimating, project setup, execution, and close-out processes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including LEAN training.

F. Leadership and Operational Alignment

• Serve as SME and operational liaison to estimating, contracts, field operations, and tactical leadership.
• Mentor frontline leaders to reinforce best practices and operational consistency.
• Participate in audits, project reviews, and strategic initiative check-ins.
• Ensure operational decisions align with company-wide standards and strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 8 years of experience in track construction or related industry.
• Proven success in strategic planning, operational leadership, and profitability improvement.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in KPI development and dashboard reporting.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Benefits That Go Beyond the Basics

• Health Coverage Options: Multiple medical, dental, and vision plans to fit your needs.
• Financial Security: Company-paid life insurance, disability coverage, and 401(k) with match.
• Extra Perks: Clothing and safety gear allowances, wellness programs, and legal resources.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO that grows with your tenure, plus paid holidays.
• Workday Comfort: Premium company vehicles and tools to make your job easier.
• Career: Leadership advancement and professional development opportunities.