Operations Director - Industrial Construction

The Weitz Company; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The Weitz Company seeks an Operations Director for our Industrial team. The role oversees all construction operations, manages Project Executives and Senior Managers, and coordinates efforts across U.S. offices, job sites, and remote locations.

Reporting to the Business Unit Leader, you will drive the unit's strategic growth plan, implement value engineering, and manage risk. You will travel up to 75% to support projects and client needs, with connectivity to remote office operations as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an industry-related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 15 years of construction project management experience.
• LEAN principles experience desirable; OSHA 10 or 30 preferred or willingness to obtain on hire.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities; ability to mentor and develop staff.

Responsibilities

• Ensure projects develop a strong safety culture, quality, profitability, and schedule performance.
• Partner with business development to pursue opportunities and nurture client relationships.
• Oversee project lifecycles from preconstruction to closeout, including contracts, budgets, and change orders.
• Identify staff gaps and lead recruitment for future growth.
• Drive risk management, value engineering, and dispute resolution among stakeholders.
• Collaborate to create annual operating and strategic growth plans.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Mentoring

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

JDE

Procore

Bluebeam

Scheduling software

Job description

Our Company views employees as our most valuable asset, and the key to our success. We are committed to growing a diverse and inclusive culture that inspires, motivates, and continuously improves. Community involvement, employee empowerment, and strong relationships make The Weitz Company a great place to work.

The Weitz Company is seeking an Operations Director for our Industrial team. Flexibility with weekly business travel is required up to 75% for this position. This candidate will need to have the capabilities to work efficiently from remote offices, projects or client locations to support business objectives.

The Director of Operations oversees all business unit construction operations and manages assigned Project Executive(s), Senior Managers and personnel working within the industrial unit. Personnel reporting to the Director of Operations will be located in multiple locations including Weitz offices throughout the U.S., stationed on jobsites and remotely. This position plays a key role in the creation of a business unit strategic growth plan and identifying how to successfully execute the plan while recognizing continuous improvement opportunities. The Director of Operations reports to the Business Unit Leader.

What You'll Do Every Day

• Ensure all projects are successful in developing a strong safety culture, performing at the expected level of quality and profitability, meeting client needs and tracking on or ahead of schedule
• Partner closely with business development teams to identify pursuits, provide direction in line with the strategic plan and maintain new and existing business relationships
• Oversee and provide insight throughout a project (business development initiative to project closeout), to include: preconstruction efforts, buyout process, project schedule, project plan, contract terms and budgets, prime contract terms and obligations, change order/subcontracts/purchase order negotiations and project closeout
• Collaborate with business unit leadership to identify qualified staff for project(s) and gaps for future growth; manage the recruitment and hiring of talented staff to fill identified gaps
• Identify training gaps and opportunities for operations staff
• Ensure project goals are executed and achieved; high morale and commitment is built; and quality programs and initiatives are implemented
• Collaborate with Business Unit Leader to create and implement annual operating plan and strategic growth plan
• Accept overall responsibility of risk management and mitigation for business unit construction operations
• Drive value engineering and identify scope reduction opportunities
• Lead dispute resolution process among subcontractors, vendors, architects and owners
• Create and foster working relationships with all personnel involved throughout all phases of the construction process
• Lead a team by example through motivation, professionalism, providing clear vision and direction, proposing and implementing change and developing/mentoring direct reports
• Delegate tasks/responsibilities as appropriate for development; recommend disciplinary action when necessary; oversee job assignments; recommend promotions
• Perform other duties as assigned

What We're Looking For

• Education: An industry related bachelor's degree is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience: A minimum of fifteen (15) years of construction project management experience is required. Proven successful strategic execution, implementation of business unit and/or companywide initiatives, and successful leadership of a team is also required in this role. LEAN principles experience is desirable. OSHA 10 or 30 preferred, or the willingness to obtain upon hire. A strong understanding of LEAN IPD principles including Target Value Delivery is highly desirable.
• Skills: A qualified candidate will demonstrate firm judgment and communication skills while showing strong leadership, successful strategy execution, business acumen, mentoring and decision-making abilities. This role should also effectively resolve conflicts, network with clients and have a high degree of self-motivation.
• Technology: Proficiency in basic computer software programs such as Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and Outlook. Employee should have solid experience with project management/scheduling software (JDE, Procore, Bluebeam, scheduling software, etc.)

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay
• Rewarding Bonus Program
• Comprehensive Benefits Package with Tax-Advantaged HSA and FSA offerings
• Employer-Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability Programs
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off Provisions
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Fully Paid Parental Leave
• Voluntary Products Including: Critical Illness Insurance and Accident Insurance
• Corporate Wellness Program with Wellness Time Off and Rewards

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.

The Company does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of the Company without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of the Company. Please, no phone calls or emails.

The Company is an Affir... All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment (minorities, females, veterans, individuals with disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected categories in accordance with state and federal laws). The Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and background checks are required if applicable. Click here to review our Privacy Notice.