Operations Manager

AWP Safety; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

7% AIP

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

AWP Safety is seeking an Operations Manager to support the West Division. You will lead a team of 25–50 employees, implement safe work practices, and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements while driving customer satisfaction and growth.

Reporting to the Branch Manager, you will oversee recruiting, onboarding, payroll, timekeeping, and benefits, and partner with Human Resources to build high‑performing teams and strong client relationships. A valid driver's license is required.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of management experience.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
• Experience in managing profit and loss (P&L).
• Ability to recruit, train, and lead teams.
• Valid driver's license with clean record.
• Lean or Six Sigma experience encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies for safe work practices.
• Manage a team of 25–50 employees.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations at all levels.
• Lead recruiting and onboarding in collaboration with HR.
• Oversee payroll, timekeeping, benefits, and scheduling.
• Drive growth opportunities in the service area.
• Maintain and verify customer satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Coaching

Organizational skills

P&L management

Lean/Six Sigma

Business development

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Job description

Company Description

Based in Northeast Ohio, AWP Safety, is a rapidly growing national safety services provider committed to protecting our customers’ people, business, and time. AWP is America’s Traffic Control Leader, representing nearly every major public utility: electric, gas and telecommunications.

AWP Safety has been the leading provider and innovator of traffic control solutions since our inception in 1993. Our main goal is to improve processes by continually establishing best practices for productivity and cost effectiveness. Driving added value to our customers through the talented execution of our employees and the pursuit of providing extraordinary service for our customers is what has built our company and its national reputation for integrity.

Job Description

The Operations Manager position is a key management role and will assist the Branch Manager for the West Division. The Operations Manager will provide leadership and implementation of core values and our overall mission of protecting our customers’ people, business, and time. This position will be responsible for the management and ongoing development of employees at the facility. They will also lead safety initiatives by protecting employees, customers, and assets while also supervising and managing safe work environments and verifying customer needs are being met at the highest level of satisfaction. The management team at AWP is instrumental in achieving success through team building, recruitment strategies, and promoting ongoing relationships with both internal and external clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to create and maintain safe work practices.
• Manage a team of 25-50 employees.
• Ensure compliance with Company, Local, State, and Federal safety regulations.
• Protect employees, customers, and assets from losses, injuries, and accidents by enforcing safe work practices.
• Foster team building through effective leadership and regular communication.
• Utilize site and organizational data for workforce forecasting to predict staffing needs.
• Prevent accidents and other safety exposures by investigating causes and developing preventative measures.
• Become an expert in work zone setup/design and professional flagging.
• Maintain traffic control, safety, and supervisor credentials.
• Participate in recruiting and hiring strategies in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Conduct new hire orientation and ongoing training.
• Facilitate safety and committee meetings.
• Track and audit the usage of assets, employees, and time for projects.
• Address customer service issues promptly and efficiently while providing the highest level of service.
• Solidify the company's presence in the service area and identify growth opportunities.
• Invest in the training of new and current employees to reduce turnover, promote efficiency, and reduce labor costs.
• Manage daily employee issues including payroll, timekeeping, benefits, time off requests, scheduling, and customer issues.
• Understand and adhere to a collective bargaining agreement.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree is preferred but not required.
• 5-10 years of management experience is essential.
• Strong leadership skills with excellent communication and coaching abilities.
• Exceptional motivation and organizational skills.
• Intermediate computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office products and customer relationship management systems.
• Experience in managing profit and loss (P&L).
• Preferred experience in process improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.
• Proven experience in business development, both top and bottom line.
• Significant experience in developing high-performing teams.
• A proactive approach to brand development.
• Strong ability to build and maintain customer relationships.
• Capability to develop and execute business plans.
• Commitment to adhering to and promoting safe workplace practice.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver's license and a clean driving record, free of suspension or revocation. (Any position that requires the individual to drive an AWP vehicle and/or be present at an AWP worksite for any reason is considered a safety sensitive position).

Compensation: $100k-$125K + 7% AIP & Company Vehicle

Additional Information

• Comprehensive benefits package including three medical plan options and two dental plan options, along with additional benefits such as Legal and Identity Shield, Accident, and Critical Illness coverage.
• Eligibility for benefits starts on the 1st of the month following your hire date.
• Company-paid life insurance coverage.
• Company-paid long-term disability (LTD) insurance.
• Availability of Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Participation in the 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.

AWPSafety is anEqual Opportunity Employer (EOE). Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

AWP Safety is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.