Operations Director

Operations Director - West Location: Colorado, Utah, Idaho, or Montana The Operations Director – West partners with the COO to lead and strengthen AE2S’s operational performance. This critical role aligns day‑to‑day operations with the Company’s strategic objectives and long‑term vision. The Director drives initiatives that enhance efficiency, resource management, and financial performance, including staffing tools, profitability targets, and client relationship strategies. Working closely with the Project Quality Director, the Director promotes consistent project quality standards and supports company‑wide risk management. Responsibilities Participate in strategic planning and ensure operational activities align with the strategic plan. Advise the COO on the consolidated strategic plan, providing insights on goals, objectives, and activities. Analyze business decisions for alignment to the strategic plan. Contribute to the development of business plans that support AE2S’s overall strategy. Coordinate with the Chief Development Officer and Client Development Director to evaluate business plans for geographic and market growth opportunities. Promote and protect AE2S’s brand and reputation for excellence. Evaluate the financial performance of operations to ensure achievement of established goals. Manage profitability and growth in partnership with other Operations Directors and the COO. Review financial metrics and ensure appropriate actions to support financial success. Monitor key financial controls (billings, write-offs, accounts receivable, project profits, project variance, etc.) and assist Operations Managers in developing solutions. Participate in the annual budgeting process, including office‑level reviews and support for Operations Managers in preparing budgets. Ensure appropriate staffing levels to meet client, project, and internal needs. Analyze workload metrics to maintain appropriate staffing‑to‑workload ratios. Monitor utilization and ensure direct labor ratios align with business goals; provide guidance to Operations Managers as needed. Manage assigned direct reports including performance evaluations, compensation reviews, performance management, and employment decisions. Recommend employment actions (hiring, termination, promotion, bonuses, etc.) for direct reports and others within span of control. Participate in recruitment and hiring, including interviewing and selection of Operations Managers and other key roles. Foster a culture of professional development across AE2S providing training, mentoring, and coaching to direct reports and other strategic assignments. Promote cooperation and information flow amongst offices, regions, and practices to achieve overall financial goals. Oversee coordination of workload ensuring balanced and efficient resource allocation. Contribute to advanced technical concepts in proposal development, preliminary design phases, and client presentations as needed. Develop and strengthen strategic positioning and relationships with potential and existing clients. Participate in business development activities including identifying, evaluating, pursuing, and managing project opportunities. Partner with Practice Leaders, Client Program Leaders, and the Client Development Director to develop business development plans and achieve near‑term sales goals. Monitor and manage backlog to support growth and profitability strategies. Support the Project Quality Director in evaluating contracts/agreements to mitigate risk and liability. Participate in the claim management process, assisting the Chief Legal Officer and the COO with resolution as appropriate. Collaborate with the Project Quality Director to develop and implement project management training focused on efficient and profitable project delivery. Support Company‑wide safety program and compliance initiatives. Contribute to office space and fleet planning incorporating staffing projections and operational needs. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field. 10+ years of experience in civil or environmental engineering. Proven success in leadership and management roles. Financial and budgeting acumen. Ability to travel regularly between office locations (estimated 20% of time) for operational priorities, team alignment, business development, project/client responsibilities, and strategic initiatives. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in engineering or related field. Registration as a Professional Engineer or ability to obtain within 6 months. Progressive management and supervisory experience. Primary residence in the Western Geographic Region (Colorado, Utah, Montana, or Idaho). Physical Qualifications Ability to walk up to 3‑miles on uneven terrain. Ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time. Occasionally climb, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist. Occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull light to moderate amounts of weight. May require lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds, with rare lifting of up to 50 pounds. Ability to inspect equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. May be required to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to flame resistant clothing, hard hat, and protective footwear. May require occasional evenings and weekends with overtime expectations varying with workload. May be required to travel to off‑site locations including occasional overnight stays out of town. Benefits Significant opportunities to grow and advance. Great culture and spirit where creativity is fostered. Core values that speak to the heart of AE2S and its employees. Large, diverse, and challenging projects with the latest technology. Family‑friendly with flexibility and work‑life balance. 100‑percent paid family health insurance. 100‑percent paid employee dental, short‑ & long‑term disability, and vision insurance. Discretionary bonus plan. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Matching 401(k) contributions. Paid time off (PTO) credits for past experience. Paid parental leave. Wellness program. AE2S is an Equal Opportunity / affirmative action / disability employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr