General Manager - Municipal Underground Wet Utilities

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Vice President of Operations to lead the day-to-day operations of a growing heavy civil construction company specializing in municipal underground wet utility infrastructure.

This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished heavy civil construction professional to help lead a respected and growing contractor. The successful candidate will work directly with the President, influence strategic decisions, mentor the next generation of leaders, and play a critical role in the company's continued growth.

Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President of Operations will provide leadership across project management, field operations, estimating support, scheduling, operational planning, and financial performance. This individual will be responsible for ensuring projects are executed safely, efficiently, profitably, and in accordance with company standards while developing a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.

This role is particularly well suited for a proven Senior Project Manager or Operations Leader from a larger heavy civil contractor who is ready to step into an executive leadership position with greater influence, responsibility, visibility, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the direction of the business.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership

Provide day-to-day operational leadership for the company.

Serve as the primary operational leader reporting directly to the President.

Lead, mentor, and develop Project Managers, Superintendents, and field leadership.

Foster a culture built on accountability, teamwork, communication, and continuous improvement.

Establish operational priorities while ensuring resources are effectively allocated across all projects.

Partner with the President on strategic planning, organizational development, and long- term growth initiatives.

Project & Operations Management

Oversee multiple municipal underground utility construction projects from preconstruction through closeout.

Monitor project schedules, budgets, manpower, equipment utilization, productivity, quality, and profitability.

Conduct regular operational reviews with Project Managers to identify risks, resolve issues, and maintain project performance.

Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contract requirements.

Maintain a visible presence on project sites while supporting field leadership.

Estimating & Preconstruction

Assist with estimating complex underground utility and municipal infrastructure projects.

Review estimates, subcontractor quotations, bid strategies, and project risks.

Participate in project turnover meetings to ensure a seamless transition from estimating to operations.

Help improve estimating accuracy, project planning, and operational execution.

Financial Management

Review project financial performance including budgets, forecasting, labor productivity, equipment utilization, and profitability.

Monitor job costs and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Assist Project Managers with change order strategy, contract administration, and financial decision-making.

Recommend operational improvements that increase efficiency and profitability.

Client & Business Relationships

Build strong relationships with municipalities, consulting engineers, developers, owners, subcontractors, and suppliers.

Participate in client meetings and support business development efforts.

Assist in negotiating contracts and resolving project challenges while maintaining strong customer relationships.

Safety & Quality

Champion a culture where safety is the highest priority.

Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, municipal specifications, environmental requirements, and company policies.

Promote quality workmanship and continuous improvement throughout the organization. 

Required Qualifications

Extensive municipal underground wet utility construction experience is required.

Minimum of 10 years of progressive heavy civil construction experience.

Demonstrated experience managing projects involving:

o Water Main Installation

o Sanitary Sewer

o Storm Sewer

o Underground Utility Infrastructure

o Municipal Road Reconstruction

o Site Development

Minimum of 5 years leading multiple Project Managers, Superintendents, or construction operations.

Strong understanding of municipal contracts, public bidding, project scheduling, estimating, and project financial management.

Proven ability to lead multiple concurrent projects while maintaining schedule, quality, safety, and profitability.

Experience with HCSS HeavyBid, HeavyJob, or similar construction management software required.

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent industry experience will be considered.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is currently a Senior Project Manager, Operations Manager, or Director of Operations with a respected heavy civil contractor.

They possess extensive experience managing municipal underground wet utility projects and are looking for the opportunity to become a key leader within a growing organization.

They are a collaborative leader who enjoys mentoring others, solving operational challenges, improving processes, and building high-performing teams. They lead by example, earn the respect of both field and office personnel, and understand that successful operations are built on accountability, communication, and trust.

This individual is ready to move beyond managing projects and become a strategic leader who helps guide the future direction of the company.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience

Executive performance bonus

Company vehicle or vehicle allowance

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and company holidays

Professional development opportunities

Opportunity to play a significant leadership role within a growing organization