Operations Manager

About the role

The title Project Executive or Operations Manager may be used interchangeably and serves the same position within the company classification. Depending on the client, project, or Business Unit preference, either title may be used; this document refers to the role as PEX/OM. The PEX/OM may report directly to the Business Unit Leader or to a Vice‑President of Operations, and may be accountable for a particular business market within the Business Unit. Must have experience in Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Mission Critical, or Heavy Industrial.

General description

The PEX/OM is accountable for the overall results of the project(s) beneath his/her supervision. This is primarily a senior management position, generally overseeing multiple projects and ensuring the success of each, and is the primary leader of the project(s). The level of “hands on” management varies according to the individual project’s need. The PEX/OM is responsible for proper staffing and is very active in recruiting, develops the strategic plan for success, and ensures proper resources to achieve it. The PEX/OM acts as a liaison between operations and business development and is active in both roles. The PEX/OM may be assigned to one very large and complex project (generally in excess of $75M) or to manage multiple projects through delegation of individual project teams. Both Superintendents and Project Management staff may directly report to the PEX/OM. The PEX/OM is responsible for taking any and all measures to achieve success, including quality, profitability, schedule, and client satisfaction. The PEX/OM should be capable of all duties of a Senior Project Manager and should have previously demonstrated success in that role or an equivalent role, including managing large and complex projects, managing multiple lesser projects, and managing through subordinate staff.

Principal areas of responsibility

• Project budget
• Project schedule
• Project documentation
• Project profitability
• Project safety
• Project quality
• Contract compliance
• Recruiting and staffing, and training and development of staff
• Client satisfaction
• Business development and market segments
• Strategic planning

Job duties and responsibilities

• Serve as overall project leader, planner, and person most accountable for project results
• Participate in the estimate process and lead as required
• Write and execute subcontracts and purchase orders, or delegate as necessary
• Participate in Owner contract process, including negotiations, and form strategic plan for the project
• Understand and communicate the business deal to subordinates
• Establish profitability goals and targets for staff to achieve
• Lead or oversee overall project scheduling and delegate scheduling roles to staff
• Monitor schedules (overall and short‑term) and take action as necessary to achieve them
• Oversee and approve all documentation processes, including document and drawing controls, submittals and RFIs, filing, correspondence, reports, and communication practices
• Approve the Change Management plan and ensure compliance
• Establish project procedures and execution plan; review, monitor, and take action as necessary
• Oversee Owner billing procedures and approve that process
• Monitor subcontractor and vendor payments and processes
• Review all cost control processes, including profitability analysis, and participate as needed
• Ensure profitability is maintained; work with staff to mitigate downside risk and realize upside potential
• Review safety program and involve staff as needed to ensure compliance with company policy
• Lead meetings as required, including subcontractor, Owner/Architect, or executive‑type meetings
• Review and conduct internal team meetings to ensure staff performance
• Develop and enhance client relationships for repeat business
• Participate in business development activities, assist in proposal preparation, and promote productive client relationships
• Participate in presentations
• Provide leadership in professional and career development of subordinates, including timely and fair performance evaluations
• Ensure assigned project is staffed with qualified salaried and craft personnel
• Lead recruiting and staffing efforts for the projects
• Understand the Business Unit’s Plan and actively participate in its establishment

Education and experience

• All requirements of a Senior Project Manager, plus:
• Proven prior success as a Senior Project Manager or equivalent role
• Already operating at the PEX/OM level
• Minimum of 12 years project management experience, with at least 2 years as a Senior Project Manager

Knowledge and skill requirements

• All requirements of a Senior Project Manager, plus:
• Full understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and duties of all subordinate staff, including all levels of Superintendent and Project Management, and the coordination of these positions
• Solid understanding of the role of Business Unit Leader
• Ability to lead the operational part of the Business Unit and integrate it within the structure and strategic plan established for the Business Unit

Physical requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time
• Ability to use a computer for prolonged periods
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms
• Ability to lift and carry office supplies and equipment up to 20 pounds