Director of Operational Excellence

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Director of Operational Excellence is responsible for leading a high-performing team focused on improving the delivery, efficiency, and scalability of construction operations across the organization. This role serves as a central force multiplier for the Planning, Design, Permitting, and Construction teams by building systems, processes, and support structures that enable consistent, high-quality execution.

This individual is not a primary producer, but rather a leader of producers—overseeing key functional areas including project management, continuous improvement, vendor management, and reporting. They are responsible for ensuring the Construction organization operates with clarity, accountability, and continuous forward momentum.

Leadership Duties / Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of high-caliber professionals, including project management and continuous improvement functions
• Establish clear roles, expectations, and accountability across the Operational Excellence team
• Foster a culture of ownership, problem-solving, and continuous improvement
• Serve as a strategic partner to the Vice President of Construction and other departmental leaders
• Align team priorities with broader organizational goals to maximize impact across all construction-related functions

Key Responsibilities

Operational Support & Process Improvement

• Build and maintain systems and processes that improve delivery across Planning, Design, Permitting, and Construction
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement scalable solutions to improve performance, predictability, and cost control
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that drive measurable outcomes across the organization

Project Management & Systems Ownership

• Serve as the executive owner of SiteTracker and the broader project management ecosystem
• Ensure systems are effectively configured, maintained, and utilized across teams
• Standardize workflows, reporting structures, and data integrity across all construction-related systems

Vendor Management & Reporting

• Oversee vendor performance management, including tracking, reporting, and accountability structures
• Develop and maintain reporting frameworks that provide clear visibility into production, risk, and performance
• Support leadership with actionable insights to drive decision-making

Program Oversight & Cross-Functional Execution

• Provide leadership oversight for key cross-organizational initiatives, including network cabinet deployment
• Ensure coordination across Planning, Design, Permitting, and Construction to deliver on critical milestones
• Remove barriers to execution and ensure alignment across teams and priorities
• Direct national utility locating strategy and support for new construction

Safety, Damage Prevention & Incident Management

• Oversee safety programs and initiatives within the Construction organization
• Manage damage prevention strategies and ensure compliance with company policies
• Own damage and incident reporting systems, including tracking, resolution, and continuous improvement
• Identify trends and implement corrective actions to reduce incidents and improve outcomes

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, business, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience, preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered.
• 7+ years of experience in a leadership or management role
• 5+ years of experience in construction, telecommunications, or utility infrastructure
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving organizational improvements
• Strong understanding of operational organization, project management systems, and vendor management

Skills and Competencies:

• Proven ability to lead teams and develop high-performing individuals
• Strong systems thinker with the ability to design and implement scalable processes
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills in complex, fast-paced environments
• Effective communicator with the ability to align diverse stakeholders
• High proficiency in project management tools and data/reporting platforms (SiteTracker experience preferred)
• Results-oriented with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and long-term performance

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular collaboration across departments
• Occasional travel to field locations and project sites
• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods
• Regular communication with internal teams, vendors, and leadership