Operations Manager – Fiber Construction

Location: Muskegon, Michigan

Type: Role is based at the Muskegon headquarters with regular site visits across West Michigan. Relocation support available.

About the Opportunity:

A long-standing, family-owned infrastructure contractor in West Michigan is launching a brand-new fiber-optic construction division. They’re searching for an entrepreneurial Operations Manager to build the program from the ground up - shaping strategy, hiring crews, and driving projects that will take the company from “local favorite” to regional fiber powerhouse. Expect significant autonomy, direct access to ownership, and meaningful long-term incentives as you turn vision into reality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Stand up the new division-create processes, KPIs, and budgets for underground/aerial fiber builds, directional drilling, and restoration.
• Lead day-to-day operations across scheduling, permitting, safety, QA/QC, and close-out documentation.
• Recruit, mentor, and scale field and office teams; forecast labor, equipment, and material needs for multi-site projects.
• Own the P&L-track job costs, drive margin improvement, and report performance to executive leadership.
• Cultivate partnerships with broadband carriers, ISPs, and general contractors to secure backlog and repeat work.
• Champion continuous improvement by implementing world-class training programs and career paths for every level of the organization.

Experience

• 7+ years leading construction or utility operations-at least 3 years focused on fiber, OSP, or telecom infrastructure.
• Proven success managing crews and subcontractors on underground or directional-drill projects.
• Working knowledge of OSHA, DOT, and MIOSHA regulations plus ability to read civil/utility plans.
• Track record driving growth in a high-change, small-company setting; comfortable wearing both operations and business-development hats.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regionally.

Preferred 

• Established network with Midwest broadband carriers.
• Bachelor’s in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Michigan builder or utility licenses.

Benefits

• Competitive pay plus profit sharing/long-term incentives 
• Company vehicle 
• New Health benefits and 401K plans rolling out 
• Relocation/sign-on bonus for out-of-area hires 
• High-growth runway: company revenue targeted to grow 6-7× over the next few years-you’ll be at the center of that expansion 
• People-first culture: ownership reinvests in employees through structured training and clear career paths 

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