Contract Operations Manager Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

*Experience must be in heavy civil construction, excavating, etc.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager oversees project and non-administrative business operations, including Project Managers, Estimators, Survey/Engineering teams, and the Safety team--and also works closely with Field Operations Manager, to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and profitably. This role serves as the go-to person for coordination between project management and office, supporting ownership and administrative teams with reporting, compliance, risk management and strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and coordination for Project Managers, Estimators, Survey/Engineering team, and Safety Manager
• Create/Maintain partnership with Field Operations Manager to create a cohesive operations team
• Weekly meetings/check ins, including KPI reviews and reviewing Fixed Asset Management, with Field Ops Manager – Purchase, Rent, Lease
• Communicate with Field Ops Manager and Shop Manager regarding status of facility repairs & maintenance, backlog, and capital expenditures
• Review project budgets, schedules, and profitability with PMs proactively
• Assist with internal contract routing reviews
• Create and maintain overall project schedule
• Weekly budget reviews via HCSS with Labor/Equip/Quantity reporting accuracy and over/under runs
• Monthly budget variance reviews with PMs
• Inventory & materials stockpile and cost management. Partner with Controller to address inventory variances
• Coordinate with Estimating Director for bid accuracy and resource planning
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, scope reviews and review bid documents prior to bidding
• Perform bid reviews with DOE and estimators on major projects
• Create/Maintain bid win/loss record – develop analytical tool
• Serve as liaison between PMs and Accounting/Admin for billing and compliance
• Contract review – pre-bid and post-award for operational issues
• Require and attend project startup meetings with PMs, Field Ops Mgr, Supers, Foremen
• Oversee usage of HCSS and accounting software from a project management perspective
• Become HCSS Co-Champion with DOE
• Represent the company in customer-facing meetings and assist in promoting company capabilities
• Maintain and develop positive and economical vendor relationships
• Manage Safety Manager and share responsibility for safety programs
• Support ownership with forecasting, workload planning, and operational KPIs
• Drive process improvement and technology adoption across project management workflows
• Assist in talent development for PMs and office staff
• Actively pursue new markets – geographically and operationally
• Build business plans and growth models
• Act as Public Relations for circumstances that arise – OSHA, DNR, Associations, Emergency, etc.
• Manage Survey Department – driving takeoff accuracy, drone, stringless, GPS capabilities, and future innovation
• Train and Develop talent in project management, estimating, survey, safety
• Manage Rental Properties – R&M, CapEx, Issues
• Manage Company-Owned Facilities – R&M, CapEx, Issues, Security
• Conduct annual reviews for PM/Estimators, Survey & review/assist with associated staff reviews; review and coordinate Superintendents, Shop Manager and Safety reviews & review/assist with associated staff reviews
• Report directly to President

Requirements

• 20 years of Heavy Civil Construction experience including years as Project Manager & Estimator; with at least 2+ years in a similar type management role as Operations Manager
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, teams, and budgets simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of scheduling, cost control, productivity, equipment utilization, and job costing.
• Demonstrated leadership of Project Managers, Superintendents, and field personnel.
• Thorough understanding of OSHA regulations, safety programs, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and contracts.
• Proficient with construction management and cost‑tracking software; strong Excel skills.
• Excellent communication, decision‑making, and client‑management abilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Valid driver’s license; ability to travel between jobsites and work extended hours as needed.
• Union and/or prevailing wage experience preferred.