Construction Operations Director

Location: Remote / Nationwide (U.S. based)

As a pioneer in the industry, this design-build powerhouse excels at crafting sophisticated water and wastewater systems that underpin thriving communities and robust economies. With an award-winning safety culture and a backlog of high-profile municipal and industrial projects, they are investing heavily in digital field technologies, self-perform capabilities, and talent development. As Construction Operations Director, you will shape the strategic direction of a multi-state project portfolio while mentoring the next generation of construction leaders.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Construction, the Construction Operations Director provides executive oversight for all field execution, financial performance, and risk management activities across the company’s municipal water and wastewater construction portfolio. The role drives preconstruction planning, project delivery excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives that support aggressive growth targets.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary, annual performance bonus, and long-term incentive plan.
• 401(k) with company match, comprehensive medical / dental / vision coverage, and paid parental leave.
• Company-paid professional memberships, conference attendance, and leadership training.
• Flexible remote work structure with full IT stipend and home-office support.
• Culture founded on safety, innovation, and career growth - backed by a best-in-class retention rate.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion proposal strategy and early-stage project planning, partnering with business development and design teams to secure new work.
• Guide project managers on detailed cost forecasting, schedule recovery tactics, and change-order negotiation to protect profit-in-place.
• Conduct regular site audits to verify quality, safety, and productivity benchmarks, issuing corrective action where needed.
• Approve major subcontracts, purchase agreements, and insurance program enrollments to ensure compliance with corporate risk policies.
• Serve as the executive escalation point for client relations, dispute resolution, warranty claims, and litigation avoidance.
• Recruit, onboard, and develop high-potential construction managers while driving robust succession plans.
• Track portfolio financials, authorize contingency releases, and present quarterly forecasts to senior leadership.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to advance self-perform capabilities, digital project controls, and lean construction practices.
• Promote a people-first safety culture that exceeds industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Civil Engineering, or related discipline; advanced degree a plus.
• Over a decade of hands-on experience in designing and delivering water and wastewater infrastructure projects for municipalities and industries, with 5+ years of experience at the helm of cross-functional project teams.
• Proven ability to manage P&L metrics in excess of $200 M annually.
• Deep knowledge of preconstruction, cost control, scheduling software, and self-perform workflows.
• Demonstrated success in talent development, safety leadership, and client relationship management.
• Willingness to travel up to 40 percent to project locations nationwide.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Certified Construction Manager (CCM).
• Experience implementing BIM-enabled field workflows and digital twin handover.
• Executive-level participation in industry organizations such as WEF, AWWA, or DBIA.

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS