Operations Manager

About The Role

This is a single combined Estimator and Project Manager position. You will 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.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• Maintain 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 admin:
• Administer the collective bargaining agreement for UA Plumbers and Steamfitters or equivalent local trades
• Clock dispatch across jobs
• Manage certified payroll, prevailing wage compliance, and handle any labor compliance audits

Requirements

• 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
• Working knowledge of union operations - CBA, dispatch, certified payroll, prevailing wage (Davis-Bacon / Illinois PWA)
• Strong contract administration skills - submittals, RFIs, change orders, closeout

Qualifications

• 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

What They're Looking For

• Must have experience in both estimating and managing projects
• Must have experience with union labor, prevailing wage, and public project billing
• Must have a strong background in mechanical contracting, preferably in commercial or industrial settings
• Must have experience with AIA/CDB pay applications and other relevant construction documents
• Must have a proven track record of successful project management and cost control

Not For You

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