Director of Project Operations

EMC Mechanical Services; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K plan with company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

Scholarship opportunities

Job summary

A renowned construction firm in Richmond, VA is looking for a Director of Project Operations to lead project execution and financial performance in their Construction division. This role involves overseeing multiple projects, ensuring they meet budget and timeline requirements, and maintaining strong communication across departments. Qualifications include proven experience in the Construction/MEP industry and excellent communication skills. The position offers a supportive work environment with various employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in the Construction/MEP industry.
• Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all active projects ensuring alignment with specifications.
• Own gross profit performance across all projects.
• Lead and maintain accurate forecasting across all projects.
• Provide input and challenge manpower plans developed by Field Operations.
• Ensure use of company systems like BuildOps and Procore.

Skills

Excellent written communication

Excellent verbal communication

Leadership

Financial performance tracking

Risk management

Education

Experience in Construction/MEP industry

OSHA 30-hour certification

Job description

EMC Mechanical Services is looking for a Director of Project Operations to lead our Construction division! The Director of Project Operations is responsible for the overall execution, performance, and profitability of construction and major project work. This role ensures that projects are properly forecasted, tracked, and executed in alignment with company goals. This is a leadership and accountability role, not a support role.

Who We Are

EMC Mechanical Services is the top choice for Commercial HVAC and Plumbing professionals in Richmond, VA! With over a century of experience, an excellent reputation, financial stability, and a growing client base, EMC Mechanical Services is the company of choice. Servicing Richmond since 1994, EMC offers employees more than just benefits, including work-life balance, paid training, apprenticeships, wellness programs, and more. Apply now to join an organization rooted in the purpose of Installing Confidence.

What You’ll Do

• Project Execution & Oversight
• Oversee all active projects across Construction.
• Ensure projects are running on schedule, within budget, and aligned with contract requirements.
• Identify risks early and drive corrective action plans.
• Maintain visibility on all major jobs (status, issues, financial health, etc.).
• Ensure field and office alignment on execution strategy.
• Financial Performance (GP & Cost Control)
• Own gross profit performance across all projects.
• Review and validate cost-to-complete (CTC) every month.
• Ensure labor, material, and subcontract costs are tracking to budget.
• Drive accountability with PMs on job financials.
• Identify problem jobs early and implement recovery plans.
• Forecasting & Reporting
• Lead and maintain accurate forecasting across all projects.
• Ensure forecasts reflect real-time job conditions.
• Run and participate in weekly and monthly project reviews.
• Provide visibility into revenue projections, risk exposure, and financial health.
• Ensure all reporting is accurate and timely.
• Manpower Alignment & Buy-In
• Review manpower plans developed by Field Operations.
• Ensure manpower aligns with project schedules, budgeted labor, and execution strategy.
• Provide input and challenge plans when misaligned.
• Confirm buy-in on manpower plans before execution.
• Identify risks related to manpower and elevate early.
• Work in partnership with Field Operations to adjust manpower as project needs evolve.
• Lead Project Managers, APMs, and Project Controls staff.
• Set clear expectations and hold team accountable.
• Conduct regular check‑ins, PARs, and performance reviews.
• Develop team members into stronger operators and leaders.
• Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly executed.
• Process & Systems Management
• Ensure use of company systems (BuildOps, Procore, trackers, etc.).
• Standardize processes across all projects.
• Drive consistency in forecasting, cost tracking, and reporting.
• Improve operational workflows and eliminate inefficiencies.
• Communication & Alignment
• Serve as the bridge between VP of Operations, Field Operations, and Project Teams.
• Ensure clear communication across all departments.
• Lead structured project meetings with follow‑through.
• Drive issue resolution.

What Success Looks Like

• Projects consistently hit or exceed GP targets.
• Fully aware of job performance and financials.
• Manpower is aligned with execution and budget.
• PMs are in control of their jobs.
• Leadership has clear, accurate visibility.
• Any issue or concerns are addressed early.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience in the Construction/MEP industry.
• OSHA 30‑hour certification is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Driving Requirements
• Must have a valid Virginia driver’s license.
• Must have positive points on state driving record.
• Must be at least 21 years of age unless company approval is granted.
• Must not have had a DUI, DWI, or reckless driving conviction in the last five years.
• All driving records are run as part of our pre‑employment process and reviewed at the discretion of the Safety Team.
• Physical Requirements
• Must be able to crawl, kneel, squat, and climb.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, unassisted.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time.

What We Offer

EMC Mechanical Services offers a wide range of employee benefits, including:

• A welcoming, family‑oriented work environment that supports work/life balance.
• 401K plan with Roth and Traditional options, including a 25% company match on up to 6% of your income.
• Medical insurance with three plan choices, including Health Savings Account options.
• Dental insurance with two plan choices.
• Vision insurance coverage.
• Flexible spending account.
• Access to apprenticeship training programs.
• Scholarship opportunities for you and your family.
• Paths for cross‑training and career advancement.
• Paid time off that accrues from day one.
• Employee Assistance Program for support when needed.

Not everyone may fulfill all the requirements listed here. If you possess the necessary skills but are unsure about your background, please don’t hesitate to apply. We welcome your application and are eager to explore the opportunity with you.

We’re constantly seeking individuals who can contribute to our company’s growth and success.

Equal Opportunity Employment

At EMC Mechanical Services, we are committed to cultivating an environment of mutual respect and inclusion. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, gender, pregnancy, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs, including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge.