Operations Manager

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

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 commitments
• Monitor project health across the division portfolio - identifying risks, clearing roadblocks, and advising teams on necessary course corrections before issues escalates
• Establish and enforce milestone and deadline discipline across the division, ensuring all teams and subcontractors are aligned to contract schedules
• Review and advise on CPM schedules (Primavera (P6), MS Project) developed by project managers, providing guidance on sequencing, recovery strategies, and schedule risk
• Advise pre-construction and estimating teams on scope, value engineering opportunities, and bid strategies
• Perform 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 representatives
• Maintain proactive and consistent communication with clients throughout the project lifecycle – including status updates, expectation management, and addressing concerns before they become disputes
• Represent 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 trends
• Ensure change orders are identified promptly, documented accurately, and submitted in a timely manner while also holding project teams accountable to this process
• Review monthly financial reports and provide management with a clear picture of the division's health, risks, and forecasts
• Guide contract negotiation and subcontracting decisions, providing oversight on risk, scope, and commercial terms
• Responsible for contract negotiations and onboarding subcontractors
• Responsible 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-day
• Engineering team management to ensure on schedule and on budget delivery
• Advise on value engineering solutions during pre-construction and construction phases to improve cost efficiencies and constructability
• Apply 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 staff
• Provide day-to-day leadership, mentorship, and professional development guidance to Clean Energy Division project managers, project engineers, and all staff
• Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular check-ins, and support career growth within the division
• Foster a collaborative and accountable team culture aligned with E-J’s values and standards

Qualifications & Skills

• 15+ years of Project Manager experience required
• 3-5 years of operations experience recommended
• Demonstrated experience in a senior oversight or management role
• Experience in specific business sectors is recommended (GIS, EHV, BESS, etc.)
• Experience with Design-Build (EPC) projects is recommended
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in the electrical contracting/engineering field
• Strong experience in large complex commercial and industrial projects
• Strong organizational & multi-tasking skills with attention to detail
• Previous work experience within a Union Environment a must
• Practical knowledge of all phases of construction
• Strong business acumen in project planning and management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Project Management software (ex: Procore) and the Microsoft Suite
• Strong 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 phases
• Office and project site-based role
• Will require travel between project locations
• Will support weekend/night work

Advantages of Working at E-J

• Leading Electrical Contracting Organization
• Oldest family-owned and operated electrical contractor since 1899
• Job training and mentorship
• Rewarding project experiences
• Medical, dental, vision, and a 401K plan
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Team-oriented company culture
• History 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.