Heavy Civil Construction Assistant Operations Manager

Assistant Operations Manager

Location: New Hampshire
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Sargent

Sargent is a 100% employee-owned heavy civil construction company with a proud history of excellence, teamwork, and innovation. We build projects that make a difference — from highways and bridges to site development and environmental restoration. As an employee-owner, you’ll share in our success while contributing to work that strengthens communities across the Northeast.

Position Summary

The Assistant Operations Manager provides technical leadership and management for construction projects and administrative support to project superintendents through final completion. This role is responsible for driving project performance, maintaining strong client relationships, and ensuring the successful delivery of projects on time, within scope, and within budget.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Serve as the primary client contact to evaluate project scope and resource requirements for successful completion.
• Conduct thorough reviews of contracts, plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, estimates, and bids to fully understand the project.
• Develop and coordinate project-specific responsibilities with the superintendent.
• Maintain effective communication with estimators, engineers, owners, and superintendents.
• Establish and organize project files, including job information packets.
• Participate in Pre-Construction and Hand-Off meetings to ensure alignment of project goals.
• Prepare key project documents such as preliminary schedules, submittal logs, pay requisitions, and schedules of values.
• Secure necessary permits, bonds, and insurance to facilitate contract execution.
• Support the project team by forecasting materials and resources 1 week to 3 months in advance, identifying long lead-time items.
• Review item master and job cost reports, flagging potential issues and resolving them proactively.
• Update project schedules and ensure completion of pre-construction action items identified in the Job Strategy Meeting.
• Coordinate with owners, representatives, and customers, maintaining strong and productive relationships.
• Schedule and lead regular progress meetings with the owner to address milestones and updates.
• Manage scope changes and change orders, ensuring documentation and approvals are in place.
• Oversee financial aspects including cash flow, invoices, payroll requests, subcontractor payment applications, and requisitions.
• Regularly update project budgets to reflect current and anticipated costs.
• Attend Exit Strategy meetings and contribute to final scheduling, actions, and project closeout plans.
• Oversee substantial and final completion processes, including preparing requisitions for final payment.
• Manage punch lists, retention follow-ups, post-job reviews, and closeout documentation.
• Submit final as-built documents and ensure all subcontractor contracts are finalized.
• Provide letters of recommendation for exceptional subcontractors and request client recommendations upon project completion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7 years of experience in heavy civil construction project management or a similar leadership role.
• Proven ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of project cost control.
• Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with construction management software and scheduling tools.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Why Join Sargent?

• Employee Ownership: Build your future through our ESOP—when the company succeeds, you share in the rewards.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and more.
• Growth & Development: Continuous learning opportunities, mentoring, and advancement potential.
• Meaningful Work: Be part of a team that builds critical infrastructure and lasting value.