Field Operations Manager

Bartel Executive Search; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Bartel Executive Search is seeking an experienced Field Operations Manager to lead and coordinate on-site field teams for a major data center construction project. You will supervise a team of superintendents, ensure safety, manage schedules, and coordinate with subcontractors to maintain scope and quality.

The role requires extensive field leadership experience, strong knowledge of MEP systems, and the ability to resolve inter-trade challenges under tight timelines.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on field construction experience.
• 5+ years in leadership supervising superintendents or equivalent roles.
• Experience with data centers or similar facilities preferred.
• Deep knowledge of MEP, structural, civil works, and architectural finishes.
• Proficient in scheduling and documentation tools.
• OSHA 30 certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor multiple field superintendents to ensure safety, schedule adherence, quality benchmarks, and productivity goals.
• Coordinate with senior field leadership to align daily operations with project goals and strategies.
• Oversee multiple trade operations across various work zones and make on-the-ground decisions.
• Guide time-sensitive tasks related to MEP, structural components, and foundational infrastructure.
• Collaborate with the MEP Project Manager to align field efforts with design specs and schedules.
• Monitor subcontractor activity from mobilization through execution and coordinate meetings.
• Identify and resolve inter-trade conflicts and logistical issues proactively.
• Ensure site safety standards are followed and project deliverables are met on time.
• Provide timely reporting of progress, challenges, and risks to project leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Scheduling

Safety management

MEP knowledge

Problem solving

Education

Construction management or engineering degree

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Procore

Bluebeam

Job description

Position Overview-Field Operations Manager

We are looking for an experienced professional to take on a leadership role in managing field operations for a major data center construction effort serving a hyperscale client. This role will be responsible for directing on-site activity across a team of superintendents and will act as a vital connection point between daily construction execution and senior project oversight. The role focuses heavily on safety, scheduling, quality control, and coordination with subcontractors to ensure the project stays on track and within scope.

This individual will work in close collaboration with both the Senior and General Superintendents, and report through the MEP Project Manager to the Project Executive. The ideal candidate has a background in supervising field teams on complex, large-budget builds—ideally involving data centers or other mission-critical infrastructure.

Primary Duties-Field Operations Manager

On-Site Leadership & Coordination

• Manage and mentor multiple field superintendents to ensure consistent application of safety, schedule adherence, quality benchmarks, and productivity goals.

• Work in sync with senior field leadership to ensure that daily operations reflect the broader goals and strategies of the project.

• Oversee multiple trade operations across various work zones, troubleshooting challenges, and making on-the-ground decisions.

• Guide the execution of time-sensitive and critical tasks, especially related to core systems such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), structural components, and foundational infrastructure.

MEP Integration & Subcontractor Oversight

• Collaborate with the MEP Project Manager to align field efforts with design specifications, schedules, and compliance standards.

• Monitor subcontractor activity from mobilization through execution, facilitating manpower planning and coordination meetings.

• Identify and resolve inter-trade conflicts and logistical issues proactively.

Project Controls: Scheduling, Safety, and Quality

• Ensure adherence to safety standards and procedures across all site activities.

• Review and provide input on short-term schedules, holding teams accountable for deliverables and timelines.

• Support quality assurance and quality control initiatives, ensuring all installations meet project requirements and industry norms.

Team Leadership & Reporting

• Lead by example, providing guidance and development opportunities for site-level supervisors.

• Foster a team-oriented atmosphere focused on collaboration, accountability, and high performance.

• Communicate site progress, challenges, and risks to project leadership in a timely and transparent manner.

Required Background

• At least 10 years of hands-on field experience in construction, including 5+ years in a leadership capacity supervising superintendents or equivalent roles.

• Track record of managing high-value, complex construction projects; experience with data centers or similar facilities strongly preferred.

• Deep knowledge of MEP systems, structural elements, civil works, and architectural finishes.

• Skilled in coordinating across multiple subcontractors and areas of work under tight timelines.

• Strong communicator with proven leadership and problem-solving abilities.

• Proficient in scheduling software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project), documentation platforms (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam), and safety practices (OSHA 30).

• Able to accurately interpret technical drawings and specifications.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience with hyperscale data centers or large industrial/commercial developments.

• Educational background in construction management, engineering, or a relevant technical field.

• Familiarity with Lean Construction methodologies such as Last Planner or Pull Planning.

• Current OSHA 30 and First Aid/CPR certifications.