Construction Operations Manager

Overview:

E&K is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to support our Kansas City operations and lead teams across commercial specialty construction projects. This position works closely with project management, field leadership, general contractors, and trade partners to keep projects moving safely, efficiently, and to E&K’s standards for quality and performance.

This is an employee- and operations-focused role for an experienced construction professional who knows how to support people, solve problems, and keep work moving in the field. We’re looking for a leader who represents our values, The R.I.G.H.T. Way, and inspires our culture of Passionate People Building Excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain a regular presence on assigned jobsites, working with foremen to monitor progress, understand field needs, resolve issues, and communicate needs and requirements to senior operations leadership.
• Support, promote, and reinforce field training programs while contributing to employee development, goal setting, and follow-through on development plans.
• Coordinate the delivery and availability of materials, equipment, and other resources needed to support field operations.
• Provide field and operational input into labor costs and assumptions used in the bidding and estimating process.
• Monitor the quality of workmanship in the field and reinforce E&K standards and project requirements.
• Provide input into general contractors’ production schedules as they relate to E&K’s scope of work.
• Lead pre-job field coordination, including planning and sequencing E&K’s work with other trades.
• Promote a strong safety culture by supporting field safety programs, reinforcing expectations, and helping ensure safe work practices across assigned jobsites.
• Build strong working relationships with foremen, project teams, general contractors, and other trade partners to support successful project execution.
• Demonstrate our company values - respect, integrity, sustainable growth, honesty, and teamwork (The R.I.G.H.T. Way) - through day-to-day leadership, communication, decision-making, and accountability.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of progressive experience required, including experience leading or overseeing self-perform field operations across multiple active construction projects. Experience should be in drywall, metal framing, acoustical ceilings, plaster, EIFS, wall systems, or related specialty construction scopes.
• Strong knowledge of field construction operations, including labor planning, manpower coordination, scheduling, productivity, safety, quality, jobsite logistics, and field execution.
• Must possess the ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, project schedules, and related construction documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence foremen, field teams, project teams, general contractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Strong operational judgment with the ability to identify issues, solve problems, establish priorities, and make timely decisions in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication and relationship-building skills.
• Computer literacy and technical aptitude with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to effectively use construction and business technology.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and ability to regularly travel to active jobsites.
• Experience with labor forecasting, productivity tracking, project budgeting, cost management, and/or production-based planning strongly preferred.
• Prior experience as an Operations Manager, Superintendent, Senior Project Manager, or in a comparable construction leadership role strongly preferred.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field is a nice to have, or equivalent experience in lieu.

Work Environment:

This role combines office-based responsibilities with regular time spent at active construction sites. Employees may be exposed to changing weather conditions, uneven surfaces, noise, dust, and other conditions typical of an active construction environment. Compliance with all applicable company, project, and jobsite safety and PPE requirements is required.

The physical requirements of this position may include periods of standing and walking on active jobsites, navigating uneven surfaces, climbing or accessing work areas, and other activities associated with jobsite visits.

Travel Requirements:

Regular local travel throughout the greater Kansas City area to active jobsites is required. Additional travel may be required from time to time based on project and business needs.

E&K is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Reasonable Accommodation: E&K is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If you require assistance or accommodation during any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources.