Operations Director - Industrial Construction

Weitz; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Bonus program

Benefits package with HSA/FSA

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Generous paid time off

Job summary

The Weitz Company seeks an Operations Director for our Industrial team, with up to 75% travel. This role oversees all construction operations, guiding Project Executives and Senior Managers across multiple locations, including remote sites, and reports to the Business Unit Leader.

You will drive strategic growth, manage risk, and lead value engineering while fostering a safe, high-performance culture and strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 15+ years of construction project management experience required.
• LEAN IPD principles desirable; OSHA 10/30 preferred or willing to obtain.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and decision-making abilities; excellent communication.

Responsibilities

• Oversee industrial unit construction operations and manage Project Executives and Senior Managers.
• Drive annual operating and strategic growth plans with the Business Unit Leader.
• Ensure safety culture, quality, profitability, and schedule performance on projects.
• Identify staffing needs, recruit talent, and develop capabilities across locations.
• Lead risk management, value engineering, and dispute resolution among stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Talent development

Negotiation

LEAN IPD

Communication

Project oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Outlook

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

  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.

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