Vice President, Operations Manager

Jay Dee Contractors, Inc., a Midwestern based Heavy Underground Construction contractor is seeking a Vice President, Operations Manager.

For over 50 years, Jay Dee has led the way in heavy civil underground construction, specializing in tunneling and infrastructure development across North America and Canada.

Founded in 1965, family-owned and operated, we have completed over 250 miles of safe and effective underground spaces and tunnels in a variety of ground conditions, including soft ground and hard rock, transforming underground spaces into vital infrastructure for thriving communities.

We don’t just work underground; we shape the world above it. We encourage you to learn more by visiting our website: http://www.jaydee.us/careers/.

Position Overview

The Vice President, Operations Manager serves as a key member of Jay Dee Contractors Inc. leadership team, responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational performance of all tunneling and underground construction projects. This role demands strong leadership, deep industry knowledge, and exceptional communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Foster a positive, high-performing team culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, and professionalism.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to define, develop, and implement operational strategies aligned with corporate goals and growth objectives.
• Participate in executive decision-making and business planning, including long-term equipment and resource investments.
• Represent the company at project joint venture (JV) meetings and strategic bid reviews and lead JV meetings as necessary
• Represent the company and interface with owners and partners at all project DRB meetings.

Operational Management

• Oversee the execution of all tunneling and underground construction projects with the ability to act as on-site Project Manager and manage projects as needed.
• Manage project performance, budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Establish and maintain operational policies and performance metrics.
• Create standardized processes for project start up and close out, documenting and implementing lessons learned from past projects, scheduling, budgeting, forecasting, cost coding, and timekeeping.
• Lead the claims management process for all projects.
• Partner with the equipment department to ensure proper equipment resources are allocated/procured for projects and programs/policies are in place to ensure equipment is operated safely on projects and proper maintenance is performed.

Business Development & Client Relations

• Support preconstruction, estimating, project pursuit, and business development efforts by providing technical expertise and operational insight including constructability guidance and project execution KPI’s.
• Foster and maintain strong client and partner relationships to promote repeat business and strategic alliances.
• Participate in bid reviews, project selection, and contract negotiations.

Safety & Quality

• Champion a strong safety culture across all operations.
• Partner with the Corporate Safety Director to implement the corporate safety program on all projects, maintain the overall vision, and provide feedback.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Ensure consistent application of QA/QC programs and procedures.
• Collaborate with Safety department to continually improve safety performance metrics.

People Management

• Lead and mentor/train project management teams, superintendents, engineers, surveyors, and field staff to ensure continuous development and alignment with company goals.
• Set performance expectations, deliver regular feedback, conduct performance reviews, and establish training and career development plans for the project teams.
• Partner with Human Resources to proactively manage workforce planning including forecasting staffing availability and needs to ensure adequate project staffing and the best match of key people on each project.
• Partner with Human Resources to recruit, develop, and retain team members.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and results driven culture.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Mining Engineering, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• PE preferred and CSP and/or DBIA certification is a plus.
• 10 years of progressive experience in heavy civil construction, with at least 8 years focused on tunneling or underground works.
• Proven leadership experience in a senior operational or executive role with experience managing projects $150 M and up.
• Extensive knowledge of tunnel boring machines (TBM), ground improvement, dewatering, shotcrete, and related disciplines.
• Strong understanding of geotechnical conditions, risk management, and contract delivery methods (Design-Build, CM/GC, etc.).
• This position will be based in Livonia, Michigan and requires a significant amount of travel, which may fluctuate depending on the location, complexity, and phase of active projects. Flexibility to travel on short notice is expected.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and communication abilities, analytical and negotiation skills.
• Willing to go the extra mile to meet deadlines and support the team, especially under pressure.
• Strong financial acumen and project controls expertise.
• Ability to make data-driven decisions under pressure.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, HCSS Heavy Job, etc.).
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to climb a ladder, climb stairs, enter confined spaces, stand and walk and is occasionally required to balance and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Jay Dee Contractors, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• tunneling or underground works: 8 years (Required)
• progressive heavy civil construction: 10 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Livonia, MI 48150 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Livonia, MI 48150: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $150