Operations Manager (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area)

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Company Overview:

Our client is an established provider of traffic control and work-zone safety services supporting utility companies, municipalities, contractors, and other infrastructure-related organizations. The company has built a strong reputation for safety, dependable service, and operational execution and is continuing to expand its presence throughout North Carolina.

Position Summary:

The Operations Manager will have overall responsibility for the leadership, performance, and strategic direction of operations throughout North Carolina.

This individual will oversee the major functions of the business, including field operations, workforce development, safety, financial performance, customer relationships, and business growth. The Operations Manager will lead through regional and branch management rather than functioning as the day-to-day dispatcher or scheduler.

A key component of the position will be developing strong relationships with NCDOT, contractors, municipalities, utilities, and other customers while creating a culture of accountability, safety, customer service, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Lead the continued development and expansion of the North Carolina operation.
• Identify opportunities to grow business with public-sector and private-sector customers.
• Build and maintain relationships with NCDOT, contractors, municipalities, utilities, and other key partners.
• Work with executive leadership to establish annual operating goals, revenue objectives, and longer-term growth plans.
• Participate in major customer opportunities, contract discussions, industry activities, and strategic negotiations.

Operational Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction to managers responsible for branch and field operations.
• Establish expectations and measurable goals related to operations, staffing, customer service, productivity, and safety.
• Ensure consistent operating practices and accountability across locations.
• Maintain visibility into field performance while allowing branch leadership to manage day-to-day scheduling and deployment.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable OSHA, MUTCD, NCDOT, and other regulatory requirements.

Financial Performance

• Maintain accountability for the financial performance of the North Carolina operation.
• Manage labor, fleet, equipment, materials, subcontractors, overhead, and other operating expenses.
• Partner with Finance and operational leadership to improve job costing, pricing, estimating accuracy, labor productivity, equipment utilization, and project profitability.
• Identify opportunities to improve operating margins and EBITDA while maintaining service and safety standards.
• Establish strong financial accountability throughout the management team.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of labor, billing, job information, and other operational data.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Build, develop, and retain a strong management team capable of independently leading day-to-day operations.
• Coach managers and establish clear expectations for performance and accountability.
• Support employee development, advancement, training, and succession planning.
• Promote a culture centered on safety, integrity, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Lead operational and organizational changes designed to improve efficiency, service, safety, and overall performance.

Customer Relationships

• Develop strong relationships with key customers and serve as a senior point of contact when appropriate.
• Ensure service commitments are consistently met and customer concerns are addressed promptly.
• Participate in issue resolution, major project discussions, and strategic account relationships.
• Work with operational teams to maintain strong customer retention and identify opportunities for expanded relationships.

Safety, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain executive-level accountability for safety performance across the North Carolina operation.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, MUTCD, NCDOT, and applicable local requirements.
• Review safety incidents, audits, trends, and corrective actions.
• Promote proactive risk management and consistent safety practices across all locations.
• Review operational, staffing, safety, and financial reporting to identify trends and areas requiring action.

Additional Areas of Oversight:

The Operations Manager will maintain appropriate oversight of activities including:

• Crew scheduling and workforce deployment
• Hiring, onboarding, and employee development
• Jobsite performance and field audits
• Equipment and fleet utilization
• Safety documentation and compliance
• Proposal and bid activity
• Employee performance management
• Customer communication and issue resolution
• Timesheet, billing, and operational reporting

The Operations Manager is expected to establish accountability within the management team rather than personally handling every day-to-day operational activity.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in traffic control, construction, infrastructure services, field operations, or a related industry.
• Demonstrated experience leading a significant field-based operation.
• Strong understanding of traffic control operations, including work-zone safety, flagging, lane closures, workforce deployment, and equipment utilization.
• Knowledge of the North Carolina market and NCDOT requirements strongly preferred.
• Experience managing multiple locations, branches, or a geographically dispersed workforce preferred.
• Demonstrated responsibility for financial performance, labor management, operating costs, and profitability.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-development capabilities.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain senior-level customer relationships.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and business/project management systems.
• ATSSA, NCDOT, or related industry certifications preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout North Carolina.

Travel:

The position requires regular travel throughout North Carolina to support operations, employees, customers, and jobsites. Overnight travel is expected to be limited.