Director of Operations - Specialty Construction

Find Great People | FGP; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Find Great People (FGP) seeks an experienced Director of Operations to lead the operational functions of a specialty commercial construction business in Columbia, SC. You will oversee project management, estimating, production, warehouse operations, and field teams to drive project execution, profitability, and client outcomes.

The role demands strong leadership, collaborative management, and a commitment to safety and continuous improvement across multiple departments.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of management experience within commercial construction, specialty construction, or a related contracting environment.
• Proven experience leading operations, project management, production, estimating, or field execution teams.
• Experience managing subcontractors, project resources, and operational budgets.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, motivate, and develop teams.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail and time management capabilities.
• Professional presence with a client-focused approach.
• Experience in specialty trade contracting environments is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Direct, supervise, and coordinate the activities of operational teams, including Production Managers, Project Managers, Project Specialists, Estimators, Warehouse personnel, and field crews.
• Lead operational planning and resource allocation to ensure successful project execution and client satisfaction.
• Evaluate staffing, material, equipment, and subcontractor requirements to support production demands.
• Partner with senior leadership to drive operational performance, profitability, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review operational reports and implement solutions to minimize delays, reduce costs, and improve project outcomes.
• Evaluate operational processes and implement enhancements to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Monitor and audit operational expenditures to maintain budget objectives and maximize profitability.
• Support administrative and technical programs related to safety, training, communication, process improvement, and operational excellence.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and regional operations leaders to promote best practices and consistency.
• Evaluate employee performance, provide coaching and development, and recommend compensation or status changes when appropriate.
• Foster positive employee relations and ensure consistent application of company policies and procedures.
• Champion a culture of safety by ensuring compliance with safety standards, identifying hazards, and promoting safe work practices.
• Participate in workforce planning, job evaluations, and organizational development initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Budgeting

Communication

Problem-solving

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead and oversee the operational functions of a specialty commercial construction business. This leadership role is responsible for driving project execution, operational efficiency, profitability, safety, and team performance across multiple departments, including project management, estimating, production, warehouse operations, and field teams. The ideal candidate will bring strong construction operations leadership experience, a collaborative management style, and a commitment to delivering exceptional client outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct, supervise, and coordinate the activities of operational teams, including Production Managers, Project Managers, Project Specialists, Estimators, Warehouse personnel, and field crews.
• Lead operational planning and resource allocation to ensure successful project execution and client satisfaction.
• Evaluate staffing, material, equipment, and subcontractor requirements to support production demands.
• Partner with senior leadership to drive operational performance, profitability, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review operational reports and implement solutions to minimize delays, reduce costs, and improve project outcomes.
• Evaluate operational processes and implement enhancements to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Monitor and audit operational expenditures to maintain budget objectives and maximize profitability.
• Support administrative and technical programs related to safety, training, communication, process improvement, and operational excellence.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and regional operations leaders to promote best practices and consistency.
• Evaluate employee performance, provide coaching and development, and recommend compensation or status changes when appropriate.
• Foster positive employee relations and ensure consistent application of company policies and procedures.
• Champion a culture of safety by ensuring compliance with safety standards, identifying hazards, and promoting safe work practices.
• Participate in workforce planning, job evaluations, and organizational development initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of management experience within commercial construction, specialty construction, or a related contracting environment.
• Proven experience leading operations, project management, production, estimating, or field execution teams.
• Experience managing subcontractors, project resources, and operational budgets.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, motivate, and develop teams.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail and time management capabilities.
• Professional presence with a client-focused approach.
• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required.
• Experience in specialty trade contracting environments is highly desirable.

This position offers the opportunity to lead a critical operational function, drive organizational performance, and make a significant impact on project delivery and business success within a growing specialty commercial construction organization.