Construction Operations Manager

Gowan/Garrett, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Gowan/Garrett, Inc. in Houston seeks a Construction Operations Manager to plan, coordinate, and oversee construction and maintenance projects from concept through completion. You will lead project teams, manage budgets and schedules, and ensure compliance with codes and safety standards.

Responsibilities include coordinating with subcontractors, reviewing contracts, preparing cost reports, and guiding field personnel to deliver quality results on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ related experience in mechanical industry.
• High School diploma or GED required; a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction management preferred but not required; a master’s degree in a related field is a plus
• Experience in HVAC piping is required
• Experience in plumbing is plus, but not required
• Strong understanding of the construction industry and contract documentation
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local construction regulations and guidelines

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee project flow from start to finish, ensuring timely execution.
• Manage monthly WIP reviews for jobs under your management.
• Develop, train and retain top talent; create training programs and improve processes.
• Review contract and bid documents to confirm project scope.
• Lead project meetings to review progress, schedules, and issue resolution.
• Oversee all project documentation including insurance, bonding, permits, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and correspondence.
• Coordinate with supervisors, owners, contractors, and design professionals to resolve construction challenges.
• Prepare and track budgets, cost reports, and progress updates.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, safety standards, and environmental regulations.
• Select subcontractors and suppliers in collaboration with engineering, estimating, and purchasing.
• Distribute drawings and maintain up-to-date project documentation.
• Develop billing formats and schedule of values per contract requirements.
• Create and manage project schedules with delivery dates and subcontractor timelines.
• Request purchase orders for major equipment and subcontractors, confirming delivery timelines.
• Support trade foremen with material takeoffs and field coordination.
• Assist accounting with billing, collections, and outstanding balances.
• Promote jobsite safety through toolbox talks and walkthroughs.
• Manage change orders by gathering details, coordinating pricing, and ensuring approval.
• Support project closeout with as-builts and CAD updates.
• Escalate critical issues to leadership with recommended solutions.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Scheduling

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Safety compliance

Education

High School diploma

Bachelor's degree in engineering or construction management

Master's degree in related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Project management software

Job description

About Us

We are one of Houston’s largest single-source providers of premier construction, tenant build-outs, HVAC systems, and mechanical services. As a construction engineering firm proficient in industrial design and construction, our services are enhanced by extensive mechanical engineering capabilities, as well as HVAC, commercial plumbing, and process piping expertise.

Job Summary

The Construction Operations Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing construction and maintenance projects from concept through completion. This role manages project organization, scheduling, budgeting, and execution while providing leadership and support to field personnel. The position also requires effective coordination with subcontractors, timely resolution of job site issues, and full accountability for project financial performance, including a strong understanding of construction-related accounting and cost management practices.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to, performing the following regularly or as a backup:

• Manage project flow from start to finish, ensuring timely execution
• Manage monthly WIP reviews for jobs under your management
• Develop, train and retain top talent. This will include developing training programs and improving existing processes.
• Review contract and bid documents to confirm project scope
• Attend project walkthroughs and lead internal/external meetings to review progress, schedules, and issue resolution
• Oversee all project documentation, including insurance, bonding, permits, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and correspondence
• Coordinate with supervisors, owners, contractors, and design professionals to resolve construction-related challenges
• Plan and schedule construction activities to meet deadlines and resource requirements.
• Prepare and track budgets, cost reports, and progress updates
• Ensure compliance with building codes, safety standards, and environmental regulations
• Select subcontractors and suppliers in collaboration with engineering, estimating, and purchasing
• Distribute accurate drawings and maintain up-to-date project documentation
• Develop billing formats and schedule of values per contract requirements
• Create and manage project schedules, integrating delivery dates and subcontractor timelines
• Request purchase orders for major equipment and subcontractors, confirming delivery timelines
• Support trade foremen with material takeoffs and field coordination
• Assist accounting with billing, collections, and outstanding balances
• Promote jobsite safety through collaboration with foremen, toolbox talks, and walkthroughs
• Manage change orders by gathering details, coordinating pricing, and ensuring approval before execution
• Support project closeout, including collection of as-builts and coordination with engineering for CAD updates
• Escalate critical issues to leadership with recommended solutions
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and safety programs
• Perform additional duties assigned by leadership

Qualifications

#gowgar

To succeed in this role, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty effectively. The qualifications listed below reflect the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 10 years’ related experience in mechanical industry
• High School diploma or GED required; a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction management preferred but not required; a master’s degree in a related field is a plus
• Experience in HVAC piping is required
• Experience in plumbing is plus, but not required
• Strong understanding of the construction industry and contract documentation

• Familiarity with federal, state, and local construction regulations and guidelines

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, (i.e. Outlook, Word and Excel)
• Familiar with AutoCAD and other mechanical, technical, or construction programs
• Experience with project management and document control platforms
• Knowledge of construction and financial software systems

REQUIRED ATTRIBUTES

The requirements listed below are representative of characteristics and demonstrated capabilities sought to perform this job successfully.

• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and alignment with company values
• Self-motivated and effective in fast-paced environments
• Strong organizational, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented with high standards for quality
• Proven ability to manage and supervise personnel
• Build positive working relationships across all levels of staff, management, suppliers, and customers

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and travel to field and construction site locations. The employee must be able to navigate stairs, ladders, uneven terrain, and active job sites. Occasional lifting and carrying of up to twenty-five (25) pounds is required. Frequent use of hands and fingers is necessary for operating computers, phones, and other office equipment. This role may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions and construction environments. Visual and auditory acuity are essential for identifying hazards and communicating effectively on job sites.

Work Environment

The work environment for this role includes both office and project site field settings. The employee should expect to spend extended periods working at a computer, as well as traveling to and working at construction sites as needed. Field visits may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions, wet or humid environments, dust, fumes, loud noise, and potentially hazardous materials or equipment. The employee may also encounter uneven terrain, elevated work areas, and risks such as electrical shock or vibration. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As a leading provider of mechanical and electrical construction, facilities services, and energy infrastructure, we offer employees a competitive salary and benefits package and we are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Affirmative Action Policy

Please review our affirmative action policy.