Operations Manager, Clean Energy

About E-J The E-J Group is active in all facets of electrical contracting, bringing experience, expertise, and a national reputation to projects that range in size up to more than $1 billion. With over 4,500 employees across 33 offices nationwide, E-J delivers full-service electrical solutions for mission critical / data centers, rail systems, transit facilities, office buildings, hospitals, power generation, substations, transmission and distribution, renewables, co-generation facilities, roadway and outdoor specialty work, airports, industrial facilities, chip plants, universities, sports stadiums, extra high voltage distribution, utility, and gas infrastructure. At E-J, three generations of family expertise have built an organization that combines practical knowledge with modern technological innovation, providing rapid and efficient solutions for today’s lighting, power, energy, and communication needs. E-J has over 125 years of reputation for integrity, quality, and exceptional service in the electrical field. To learn more, visit www.ej1899.com. Title/Role: Operations Manager, Clean Energy Division: Clean Energy Location: South Plainfield Reporting to: VP - Division Manager Position Summary The Operations Manager of the Clean Energy Division will serve as the senior operational leader responsible for the full project lifecycle of all division-wide projects - from estimating and pre-construction phases through field execution, project closeout, and client delivery. This role requires an individual who has vast electrical installation knowledge and proven construction management expertise. They must be capable of leading a team of project managers, engineers, and field supervisors across a portfolio of concurrent projects. The Operations Manager will own division-level financial performance, value engineering, change order management, and subcontractor coordination. The individual will serve as the primary point of contact for clients. Reporting to the Division Manager, this individual will play a critical role in the division’s growth, profitability, and reputation. The individual will also support special company initiatives as needed. Responsibilities Division Oversight & Accountability Provide oversight across all active Clean Energy Division projects, holding project managers accountable to scope, schedule, budget, and quality commitmentsMonitor project health across the division portfolio - identifying risks, clearing roadblocks, and advising teams on necessary course corrections before issues escalateEstablish and enforce milestone and deadline discipline across the division, ensuring all teams and subcontractors are aligned to contract schedulesReview and advise on CPM schedules (Primavera (P6), MS Project) developed by project managers, providing guidance on sequencing, recovery strategies, and schedule riskAdvise pre-construction and estimating teams on scope, value engineering opportunities, and bid strategiesPerform bid reviews and prepare technical bid proposals, ensuring completeness and timely delivery with proper documentation, including in-person presentations to clients.Experience overseeing subcontractor performance and managing multi-party project teams, including field personnel (foremen and superintendents to support and guide) manpower planning and projections Client Relationship Management Support interface for Clean Energy Division clients, including utility authority representatives, general contractors, and owner’s representativesMaintain proactive and consistent communication with clients throughout the project lifecycle – including status updates, expectation management, and addressing concerns before they become disputesRepresent E-J at owner progress meetings, executive-level project reviews, and key coordination sessions, ensuring the division’s interests and commitments are clearly communicated Financial Performance & Change Management Oversee division-level financial performance, advising project managers on cost control strategies, budget variances, production tracking and earned value trendsEnsure change orders are identified promptly, documented accurately, and submitted in a timely manner while also holding project teams accountable to this processReview monthly financial reports and provide management with a clear picture of the division's health, risks, and forecastsGuide contract negotiation and subcontracting decisions, providing oversight on risk, scope, and commercial termsResponsible for contract negotiations and onboarding subcontractorsResponsible for claims management including time extensions, impact claims, arbitration, insurance claims, position statements and negotiations Develop strategic partnerships and execution of teaming and joint venture agreements Technical Advisement Serve as a resource and advisor to project managers and engineers on electrical system challenges.Review and provide guidance on engineering submittals, shop drawings, and RFI responses as needed, without owning the document control process day-to-dayEngineering team management to ensure on schedule and on budget deliveryAdvise on value engineering solutions during pre-construction and construction phases to improve cost efficiencies and constructabilityApply P.E.-level technical judgment (or equivalent experience) when evaluating design issues, field conditions, or client technical requirements Safety & Compliance Reinforce a safety-first culture across the division by setting expectations, supporting safety leadership, and ensuring accountability at all levels Team Leadership & Development Focus on retention and development of staffProvide day-to-day leadership, mentorship, and professional development guidance to Clean Energy Division project managers, project engineers, and all staffSet clear performance expectations, conduct regular check-ins, and support career growth within the divisionFoster a collaborative and accountable team culture aligned with E-J’s values and standards Qualifications & Skills: 15+ years of Project Manager experience required3-5 years of operations experience recommended Demonstrated experience in a senior oversight or management roleExperience in specific business sectors is recommended (GIS, EHV, BESS, etc.)Experience with Design-Build (EPC) projects is recommendedBachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in the electrical contracting/engineering fieldStrong experience in large complex commercial and industrial projectsStrong organizational & multi-tasking skills with attention to detailPrevious work experience within a Union Environment a mustPractical knowledge of all phases of constructionStrong business acumen in project planning and managementExcellent written and verbal communication skillsProficiency in Project Management software (ex: Procore) and the Microsoft SuiteStrong Estimating experience; knowledge of McCormick software a plus Nice to Haves: OSHA-30 Misc. Full-time position with potential for extended hours during critical project phasesOffice and project site-based roleWill require travel between project locations Will support weekend/night work Advantages of Working at E-J: Leading Electrical Contracting OrganizationOldest family-owned and operated electrical contractor since 1899Job training and mentorshipRewarding project experiencesMedical, dental, vision, and a 401K planPaid holidays and vacationTuition reimbursement programTeam-oriented company cultureHistory of employment longevity Salary Range: $180 - $230k/year The E-J Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.