Operations Manager

About The Company

A growing commercial and industrial mechanical contractor based in Carbondale, Illinois. They self-perform HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical piping work on institutional, healthcare, industrial, and government projects across Southern Illinois. Union signatory shop, actively expanding their project pipeline and building a long-term core team.

The Role

This is a single combined Estimator and Project Manager position - you own the work from first bid to final billing. You'll price the job, run the job, and bill the job. Projects range from $500K to $2M . You'll work directly with ownership and serve as the internal authority on bid strategy, cost control, and client relationships.

They want someone who has been in the field - a former journeyman, pipefitter, or plumber who understands the work from the ground up, not just someone who has managed it from a desk.

What You'll Actually Do

Before the Job Starts:

• Read plans and specs, build full mechanical estimates from scratch covering HVAC, plumbing, and piping
• Identify scope gaps and risks before submitting a bid
• Get quotes from subs and suppliers, level them, and award the best ones
• Build detailed budgets once a job is awarded and set labor benchmarks for the field
  
  

While The Job Runs

• Manage multiple active projects simultaneously at different stages
• Work with foremen and superintendents on scheduling and flag problems early
• Handle all submittals, RFIs, shop drawings, and change orders
• Monitor job costs regularly and course-correct when spending drifts from budget
• Keep owners, general contractors, and facility managers informed and problems resolved before they escalate
  
  

Billing And Finance

• Submit monthly AIA/CDB pay applications (G702/G703) for every active project - accurately and on time
• Track stored materials, percent complete, and retainage across all contracts
• Manage certified payroll, lien waivers, and prevailing wage compliance documentation
• Maintain WIP schedules and give ownership accurate cash flow visibility every month
• Review and approve subcontractor invoices
  
  

Union And Labor

• Administer the collective bargaining agreement for UA Plumbers and Steamfitters or equivalent local trades
• Coordinate labor needs with the union hall and manage dispatch across jobs
• Make sure the right classifications and prevailing wage rates are applied on every applicable project
• Handle any labor compliance audits from public owners or general contractors
  
  

Must Have

What They're Looking For

• 5 years in commercial or industrial mechanical contracting - HVAC, plumbing, or piping - with solid job tenure
• Proven experience managing $500K-$2M projects from bid through closeout
• Experience submitting CDB or AIA G702/G703 pay applications on public or institutional work
• Ability to build a complete mechanical estimate independently from plans and specs
• Working knowledge of union operations - CBA, dispatch, certified payroll, prevailing wage (Davis-Bacon / Illinois PWA)
• Strong contract administration skills - submittals, RFIs, change orders, closeout
  
  

Nice To Have

• Field trade background as a journeyman mechanic, pipefitter, plumber, or HVAC tech
• UA or IBEW union membership or experience in a union signatory environment
• Experience with BeamAI, Sage 100 Contractor, or similar construction software
• Federal, VA, or DoD project experience
• Illinois Plumbing License or ability to obtain one
• Degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or equivalent trade experience
  
  

This Role Is Not For You If

• You've jumped between jobs every 1-2 years
• Your background is residential HVAC or service/repair only
• You've only estimated OR only managed - this role requires both
• You have no exposure to union labor, prevailing wage, or public project billing