Director of Operations - Fencing & Construction (Chicago)

Join a Company That Grows People:

At APEX Infrastructure Solutions, we're more than just a fencing company — we're a team building strong barriers and even stronger careers. As a provider of quality fence installation services, we believe every person on our team matters. When you join Apex Infrastructure Solutions, you're not just taking a job — you're investing in your future.

Why You'll Love It Here:

• Experience the great outdoors while working in nature, not stuck behind a desk!
• Elevate your career with us — we prioritize training and internal promotions!
• Join a vibrant team that champions safety, values your feedback, and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie!
• Shape your future with us through our fantastic Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)!

What You'll Do as Director of Operations:

The Director of Operations is responsible for establishing, leading, and growing operations across the United States. This role is accountable for driving business safety, development, operational execution, financial performance, customer satisfaction, and team development while supporting a broad portfolio of perimeter security and related infrastructure solutions. Initially, the Director will operate independently — developing customer relationships, pursuing new business, supporting estimating and project execution, and building the foundation for long-term growth. As work is secured, this individual will hire, develop, and lead a high-performing team while creating a scalable operation that supports continued expansion. This position involves heavy travel to different states, often for extended periods, as operations are established nationwide.

• Lead the overall growth, profitability, and operational success of the business
• Develop and maintain relationships with commercial, industrial, municipal, utility, DOT, and general contractor customers
• Partner with estimating and executive leadership to pursue bids, develop proposals, and secure new business
• Oversee all union fencing operations, ensuring projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to company quality standards
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to build a high-performing team by identifying staffing needs, interviewing, selecting, onboarding, and developing employees as the operation grows
• Establish operational processes, performance expectations, and accountability across the business
• Manage budgets, forecasting, labor utilization, equipment, and overall financial performance
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, company, and customer safety requirements

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience considered
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in construction, infrastructure, or related industries, with experience in fencing, masonry, perimeter security, or specialty contracting preferred
• Demonstrated success developing and growing a line of business through strategic business development, customer relationship management, operational excellence, and market expansion
• Ability to work independently, make sound business decisions, and successfully build a new operation from the ground up
• Proven experience managing multiple field crews, projects, or operational teams while driving safety, quality, and productivity in union, non-union, and/or apprenticeship environments
• Experience estimating, managing, or overseeing multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience partnering with cross-functional teams, including Talent Acquisition, to build and grow an organization, including recruiting, developing, and retaining skilled craft talent through union and apprenticeship programs
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasting, and P&L responsibility
• Working knowledge of prevailing wage requirements, certified payroll, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and other applicable federal, state, and local labor compliance requirements
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, leadership, and decision-making skills
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including extended stays away from home

What We Offer

Non-Union Benefits:

• Competitive base salary: $170,000 - $220,000
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Paid training and industry certifications
• Health, dental, vision & HSA options
• 401(k) +
• Paid time off and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)