Director of Operational Excellence

Director of Operational ExcellenceThe Director of Operational Excellence is responsible for leading a high-performing team focused on improving the delivery, efficiency, and scalability of construction operations across the organization. This role serves as a central force multiplier for the Planning, Design, Permitting, and Construction teams by building systems, processes, and support structures that enable consistent, high-quality execution.This individual is not a primary producer, but rather a leader of producers—overseeing key functional areas including project management, continuous improvement, vendor management, and reporting. They are responsible for ensuring the Construction organization operates with clarity, accountability, and continuous forward momentum.Leadership Duties / ResponsibilitiesLead and develop a team of high-caliber professionals, including project management and continuous improvement functionsEstablish clear roles, expectations, and accountability across the Operational Excellence teamFoster a culture of ownership, problem-solving, and continuous improvementServe as a strategic partner to the Vice President of Construction and other departmental leadersAlign team priorities with broader organizational goals to maximize impact across all construction-related functionsKey ResponsibilitiesOperational Support & Process ImprovementBuild and maintain systems and processes that improve delivery across Planning, Design, Permitting, and ConstructionIdentify operational inefficiencies and implement scalable solutions to improve performance, predictability, and cost controlLead continuous improvement initiatives that drive measurable outcomes across the organizationProject Management & Systems OwnershipServe as the executive owner of SiteTracker and the broader project management ecosystemEnsure systems are effectively configured, maintained, and utilized across teamsStandardize workflows, reporting structures, and data integrity across all construction-related systemsVendor Management & ReportingOversee vendor performance management, including tracking, reporting, and accountability structuresDevelop and maintain reporting frameworks that provide clear visibility into production, risk, and performanceSupport leadership with actionable insights to drive decision-makingProgram Oversight & Cross-Functional ExecutionProvide leadership oversight for key cross-organizational initiatives, including network cabinet deploymentEnsure coordination across Planning, Design, Permitting, and Construction to deliver on critical milestonesRemove barriers to execution and ensure alignment across teams and prioritiesDirect national utility locating strategy and support for new constructionSafety, Damage Prevention & Incident ManagementOversee safety programs and initiatives within the Construction organizationManage damage prevention strategies and ensure compliance with company policiesOwn damage and incident reporting systems, including tracking, resolution, and continuous improvementIdentify trends and implement corrective actions to reduce incidents and improve outcomesQualificationsEducation and Experience:Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, business, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience7+ years of experience in a leadership or management role5+ years of experience in construction, telecommunications, or utility infrastructureExperience leading cross-functional teams and driving organizational improvementsStrong understanding of operational organization, project management systems, and vendor managementSkills and Competencies:Proven ability to lead teams and develop high-performing individualsStrong systems thinker with the ability to design and implement scalable processesExcellent problem-solving and decision-making skills in complex, fast-paced environmentsEffective communicator with the ability to align diverse stakeholdersHigh proficiency in project management tools and data/reporting platforms (SiteTracker experience preferred)Results-oriented with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and long-term performanceWork EnvironmentPrimarily office-based with regular collaboration across departmentsOccasional travel to field locations and project sitesAbility to sit and work at a computer for extended periodsRegular communication with internal teams, vendors, and leadership