Operations Manager, Construction Materials

RESPEC Inc.; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Work Schedules

401(k) & ESOP (with company match up 4

Professional Development and Training

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans

Job summary

RESPEC Inc. is seeking an Operations Manager in Lexington, KY to lead construction materials projects from planning through delivery. You will coordinate resources, manage budgets, and ensure safety, quality, and client satisfaction.

You will work with Market Sector Leads, Technical Directors, and Client Relationship Managers to align staffing, financial performance, and project outcomes. The role requires extensive PM experience and engineering background.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mining engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of relevant consulting, technical, project management, operations, or industry experience preferred.
• 5+ years of project management, program management, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Professional registration (PE or PG), project management certification, or technical credential preferred where applicable.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record where business travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate resource allocation for project managers and staff across programs.
• Maintain visibility of program backlog, workload, schedules, and staffing requirements.
• Lead multiple complex projects with diverse teams to ensure delivery within scope, schedule and budget.
• Support KPI development, quality standards, and performance reporting across market sector work.
• Manage program budgets, forecasts, invoicing, and financial performance; mentor junior staff.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mining engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Professional registration (PE or PG)

Project management certification

Technical credential

Job description

Operations Manager, Construction Materials

The Operations Manager is responsible for operational leadership, project delivery, resource allocation, utilization, budgeting, staffing, and overall program performance within the Construction Materials Market Sector. This role ensures projects are executed safely, efficiently, profitably, and in accordance with client expectations and company standards.

The Operations Manager partners with Market Sector Leads, Technical Directors, Market Developers, Client Relationship Managers, and technical experts to align project execution, staffing, financial performance, quality, and client delivery commitments.

Operational Leadership & Resource Allocation

• Coordinate resource allocation for project managers and technical support staff, including coordination with personnel from other programs and service lines.
• Maintain visibility of program backlog, workload, schedules, and staffing requirements.
• Coordinate the efficient deployment of resources to meet project delivery priorities and utilization goals.
• Support the Technical Director in maintaining KPI’s, collaboration and discipline standards across market sector work.

Project Delivery & QA/QC

• Lead multiple complex projects with diverse teams.
• Oversee project initiation, kickoff alignment, delivery planning, and execution discipline.
• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client expectations.
• Support project teams in solving challenging technical issues and evaluating alternatives.
• Support QA/QC processes, project reviews, and corrective actions.
• Support project managers in tracking budgets, schedules, risks, scope changes, and deliverables.

Financial Management & Performance Tracking

• Lead development and management of program budgets and forecasts.
• Maintain data in SRM software, including utilization, gross margin, P&L performance, backlog, and project financial performance.
• Manage monthly invoice review and ensure project managers effectively track individual project performance.
• Prepare regular reporting of program financials, risks, and performance trends.
• Supervise direct reports, conduct regular one-on-ones, and support employee growth and development.
• Participate in interviews, hiring, onboarding, and staffing recommendations for the program.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level staff and support succession planning.
• Support technical training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Work closely with Market Sector Leads, Program Managers, Technical Directors, Client Relationship Managers, and Market Developers.
• Support strategic growth initiatives within assigned market sectors.
• Assist in identifying service expansion opportunities within existing and emerging markets.
• Provide insights regarding client needs, industry trends, and future capability requirements.

Business Development & Client Support

• Support proposal development, including technical scope, cost input, staff resources, and delivery approach.
• Support Market Developers and Client Relationship Managers in identifying and pursuing opportunities requiring specialized expertise.
• Represent RESPEC's technical capabilities during industry events, conferences, and professional activities.
• Participate in client project calls in support of Project Managers, Client Relationship Managers, or Market Developers.
• Maintain client relationships in support of growth and delivery objectives.
• Support project execution in areas within the manager’s technical competency.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mining engineering, geologic engineering, geology, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of relevant consulting, technical, project management, operations, or industry experience preferred.
• 5+ years of project management, program management, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Professional registration (PE or PG), project management certification, or technical credential preferred where applicable.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record where business travel is required.

Additional Information

Compensation:Salary depends on experience and expertise. Compensation includes a comprehensive fringe-benefits package. RESPEC is a 100% employee-owned company and employees are eligible for participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) after a qualifying period.

Featured benefits include:

• Flexible Work Schedules
• 401(k) & ESOP (with company match up to 4%)
• Professional Development and Training
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Company Info

Big challenges need bold thinkers.

If you’re someone who sees problems as opportunities, you’ll thrive here. RESPEC is 100% employee-owned, which means we take ownership of every challenge. Here, your ideas drive real solutions. Since 1969, we’ve tackled complex challenges in energy transition, infrastructure resilience, digital transformation, and sustainability.

At RESPEC, you’ll work alongside clients to take on critical problems. Depending on your expertise, you might design infrastructure in remote locations, develop renewable energy solutions for global projects, or apply data-driven technology to improve mining and water systems.

We bring deep technical knowledge, real-world experience, and a commitment to work that matters. If you're looking for a place where your contributions have real impact, you’ll fit right in.