Senior Director of Safety & Field Operations | Chicago, IL

Senior Director of Safety &Field Operations | Chicago, IL About the job Build More Than Projects. Build Your Future with an Exceptional Team. At Berglund Construction, our success is driven by people who care deeply about their work, their teammates, and the communities they serve. We create an environment where collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and innovation are encouraged at every level. When you join Berglund, you'll have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects, develop professionally, and contribute to a company that values relationships as much as results. We believe that when our people thrive, our projects do too. Come build your future with a team that's committed to excellence, growth, safety and making a lasting impact. About the Role The Senior Director of Safety & Operations is responsible for leading and strengthening operational performance across the company, with direct oversight of Safety, Quality, and Yard Operations, while providing strategic leadership and coordination for General Field Superintendents (GFS). This executive leadership role is focused on driving consistency, accountability, operational excellence, field execution, workforce performance, and continuous improvement throughout all phases of construction operations. The position reports to the Senior Vice President and will work closely with leadership, safety directors, quality directors, yard manager, GFS and Business Unit Leaders to ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with company standards, client expectations, and strategic goals. The ideal candidate is a visible and respected field leader who can balance high-level operational strategy with hands‑on leadership and problem solving. What You’ll Accomplish Operational Leadership Lead company-wide operational initiatives focused on consistency, execution, accountability, and continuous improvement. Develop and implement operational standards, procedures, and best practices across all business units and projects. Partner with executive leadership to align operations with company growth strategies, staffing plans, and business objectives. Drive operational performance through metrics, reporting, forecasting, and accountability systems. Identify operational risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies. Safety Oversight Provide executive oversight and leadership to the Safety Department and company-wide safety initiatives. Reinforce and promote a culture of safety ownership throughout all levels of the organization. Ensure safety policies, procedures, training, and field practices are consistently implemented and enforced. Support field leadership through regular jobsite engagement, coaching, and operational reviews. Partner with Safety leadership on incident investigations, corrective actions, and proactive risk reduction efforts. Hold safety directors accountable to conduct high‑quality safety preplanning and preconstruction meetings. Quality Oversight Lead and strengthen the company’s quality management initiatives and field quality standards. Ensure consistent implementation of quality control processes, inspections, documentation, and closeout procedures. Partner with project teams and field leadership to reduce rework, improve workmanship standards, and enhance client satisfaction. Establish accountability and visibility around quality performance across projects and business units. Hold quality director accountable to conduct productive quality preplanning and preconstruction meetings. Yard & Equipment Operations Provide direct oversight of yard operations, logistics, fleet coordination, tools, equipment management, and inventory controls. Improve operational efficiency, organization, maintenance practices, and accountability within yard operations. Develop long-term planning and succession strategies for yard leadership and operational support functions. Ensure equipment and resource availability aligns with project and field operational needs. Implement processes that are repeatable in regional locations. General Field Superintendent Leadership Provide leadership and support to General Field Superintendents across the organization. Assist in establishing clear roles, responsibilities, expectations, and accountability for field leadership teams. Support workforce planning, field staffing strategies, superintendent development, and succession planning. Partner with project and operations leadership to address field execution challenges, productivity concerns, scheduling risks, and manpower needs. Ensure cost management/production tracking practices are being followed by the General Field Superintendents Promote standardization of field operations, planning, logistics, and project execution practices. Team Development & Culture Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Support recruiting, onboarding, training, and retention initiatives for field and operational staff. Maintain strong communication and alignment between field operations, project management, and executive leadership. Implement EOS process with direct reports. What We’re Looking For Qualifications 15+ years of progressive construction operations leadership experience. Proven experience managing large-scale construction operations. Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence both field and office teams. Extensive knowledge of construction means and methods, scheduling, logistics, safety, quality, and field operations. Experience leading operational departments such as safety, quality, field operations, equipment, or logistics. OSHA knowledge and commitment to job site safety. Preferred Characteristics Holds true to Berglunds core values Client Focus Respect for the Individual Visible and engaged leader who spends significant time improving and enforcing policy, holding team accountable while also having a presence in the field. Strong operational mindset with the ability to improve systems and processes. High level of professionalism, urgency, and accountability. Ability to lead organizational change and operational standardization efforts. Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills. Ability to drive accountability while building trust and collaboration across teams. Respected mentor and coach capable of developing future leaders. Pay Range

$170,000 - $210,000 USD

What We Offer You Berglund Construction offers a comprehensive selection of benefits and rewards to help our employees thrive professionally and personally. We provide competitive compensation and a wide range of benefits that support both employees and their families, helping them prepare for the future. Eligible employees are offered 401(k) with company match, comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits, including wellbeing programs; disability and life insurance benefits; paid time off, peer recognition program; and more. Berglund Construction provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. The candidate(s) offered this position will be required to submit to a background investigation and drug/alcohol screening. This position is not eligible for sponsorship. Please note that any salary shared information is a general guideline only. Salaries are based on candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr Berglund Construction Company