Department Manager - Plumbing Construction

Job Description

Job Description

Monona Plumbing & Fire Protection is seeking an experienced construction operations professional to oversee our Plumbing Construction division!

Job Summary

This is an opportunity to build, not simply maintain. MPFP is an established specialty subcontractor in the Southern Wisconsin market, and we're looking for someone who can build on that foundation while improving how the Plumbing Construction division operates, develops its people, and performs as a business. This high-impact role is responsible for managing people, operations, P&L, backlog, profitability, and overall department performance. You'll have the opportunity to shape the division's future with meaningful influence on both department and company direction.

Responsibilities

As the Department Manager, you'll lead a team spanning project management, field leadership, and administrative support while serving as a member of the Company's Leadership Team. You'll be responsible for:

• Leading, coaching, developing, and holding accountable the Plumbing Construction team.
• Owning department P&L and financial performance, including revenue, gross margin, profitability, overhead, expenses, and forecasting.
• Managing backlog, workload, staffing, project performance, and department priorities to ensure resources are aligned with business needs.
• Assessing department operations, identifying root causes of challenges, and implementing sustainable improvements to processes, structure, and performance.
• Establishing clear expectations, KPIs, accountability, and ownership throughout the department.
• Maintaining oversight of significant projects, financial performance, and operational risks while ensuring project-level responsibilities remain appropriately owned by the team.
• Evaluating potential projects and determining which opportunities align with department capacity, capabilities, risk, customer strategy, and financial objectives.
• Providing leadership and oversight to estimating, project management, and field operations.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with general contractors, customers, vendors, and industry partners.
• Partnering with other department leaders and executive leadership on company-wide priorities, challenges, and opportunities.

What we're looking for

• 10+ years of progressive experience in commercial construction, specialty subcontracting, mechanical contracting, or a related construction environment.
• Significant experience leading a construction department, business unit, operations team, or comparable function of employees responsible for projects, teams, or functional areas.
• Demonstrated responsibility for financial and operational performance, including budgets, forecasting, profitability, and/or P&L.
• Experience improving business or department performance through people development, process improvement, organizational change, or operational strategy.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction project management and field operations.
• Strong critical thinking, business judgment, communication, and organizational skills.
• A professional, collaborative leadership style with the ability to navigate competing priorities and challenging situations constructively.
• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, business, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience considered.
• Mechanical or plumbing construction experience is preferred, but not required.

Note: This job description provides an overview of the responsibilities and requirements of this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

Total compensation

Base salary range: $135,000-$155,000, placement on the range is dependent on relevant experience

In addition to base salary, the position includes:

• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Monthly vehicle allowance
• Gas card for business use

This is a 100% onsite leadership position based in Madison, Wisconsin, with some local travel throughout Southern Wisconsin. Regular working hours are Monday – Friday 7am to 4pm.

What We Offer
At Monona Plumbing & Fire Protection, our employees are our greatest asset. We value our employees by committing to providing a comprehensive benefits package to support their well-being and success.

Here's a brief overview of the benefits available to you as an employee (non-union):

Health & Wellness

• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Voluntary insurance options, such as: short term disability, long term disability, critical illness, voluntary accident
  

Financial Stability

• Competitive Pay
• Retirement Savings 401(k) with Employer Matching
• Rewards and recognition

Work-Life Balance

• 8 Paid Holidays
• Early-out Fridays + PTO Policy
• Work with a values-driven and close-knit team
• Regular company & team events
  

Monona Plumbing & Fire Protection is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported in their career growth. Please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process.