Internship Construction Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Assistant Construction Operations Manager

Matrix Basement Finishing
Arlington Heights, IL
Full-Time | On-Site
Salary: $85,000–$90,000 per year

Matrix Basement Finishing is seeking an experienced Assistant Construction Operations Manager to help lead day-to-day residential construction operations from our Arlington Heights headquarters.

This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who understands residential construction, can manage multiple projects and priorities, and knows how to hold field teams and subcontractors accountable.

You will work directly with the Operations Manager and Field Managers to keep projects moving, resolve construction and scheduling issues, manage trade and material coordination, improve operational processes, and help deliver a consistent customer experience.

This is not an administrative coordinator position. We are looking for someone who can take ownership, make sound decisions, identify problems early, and drive issues through resolution.

• Support the Operations Manager in overseeing daily residential construction operations.
• Monitor active projects, schedules, milestones, delays, and outstanding action items.
• Work directly with Field Managers to maintain project progress and accountability.
• Identify projects at risk of delay and coordinate corrective action.
• Coordinate subcontractor availability, scheduling, performance, and project needs.
• Help ensure labor, materials, permits, inspections, plans, and project documentation are ready when needed.
• Resolve day-to-day construction, scheduling, vendor, subcontractor, and customer issues.
• Monitor punch lists, project closeouts, service items, and outstanding construction obligations.
• Maintain accurate project information and documentation within Buildertrend.
• Support permit and inspection tracking and follow up on corrections or failed inspections.
• Review recurring quality, scheduling, and operational problems and help implement solutions.
• Assist with escalated customer concerns involving construction, scheduling, workmanship, or communication.
• Help coach, support, and hold Field Managers and Operations team members accountable.
• Improve communication between Operations, Field Management, Sales, Design, Accounting, Recruiting, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Assist with developing and improving construction processes, procedures, and operational systems.
• Provide operational leadership and decision-making support when the Operations Manager is unavailable.

• 5+ years of residential construction, remodeling, project management, or construction operations experience.
• Experience managing residential construction projects from start through completion.
• Experience working directly with subcontractors and construction trades.
• Strong understanding of residential construction sequencing and project workflow.
• Previous leadership, supervisory, project-management, or team-lead experience.
• Ability to manage multiple active projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to hold team members and subcontractors accountable professionally.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and construction/project-management software.

• Basement finishing, residential remodeling, renovation, or homebuilding experience.
• Experience as a Construction Project Manager, Production Manager, Assistant Operations Manager, Construction Manager, or similar position.
• Experience using Buildertrend or comparable construction-management software.
• Experience managing Field Managers or Project Managers.
• Residential permitting and municipal inspection experience.
• Experience managing subcontractor networks.
• Knowledge of job costing, change orders, project budgets, and production reporting.

• Take ownership instead of waiting to be told what to do.
• Recognize problems before they become emergencies.
• Follow through until issues are completely resolved.
• Can manage people while maintaining positive working relationships.
• Stay organized while managing multiple moving projects.
• Communicate problems early and clearly.
• Understand that scheduling, documentation, quality, and customer experience are interconnected.
• Are comfortable making decisions and being accountable for the outcome.
• Want to grow into greater construction operations leadership.

$85,000–$90,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Career advancement opportunities

Full-Time
On-Site – Arlington Heights, IL

This position requires regular in-person collaboration with our Operations and construction teams.

Matrix Basement Finishing specializes in transforming basements into professionally designed, functional living spaces. As our company continues to grow, we are strengthening our Operations team with experienced leaders who can help improve project execution, accountability, efficiency, and customer experience.

If you have a strong residential construction background and are ready to take the next step into construction operations leadership, we encourage you to apply.

Matrix Basement Finishing is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics. #HPMatrix

• Minimum of 5 years of residential construction, remodeling, project management, or construction operations experience.
• At least 2 years of experience leading people, subcontractors, projects, or construction teams.
• Strong understanding of residential construction sequencing and project lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple active construction projects or operational priorities simultaneously.
• Experience working directly with subcontractors and construction trades.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to hold others accountable while maintaining professional working relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to identify risks and act before they become larger operational problems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and construction or project-management software.
• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions within established company guidelines.

• Experience in basement finishing, residential remodeling, renovation, or homebuilding.
• Previous experience as an Assistant Operations Manager, Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, Construction Manager, Production Manager, or similar role.
• Experience using Buildertrend.
• Experience managing Field Managers or construction project managers.
• Experience with residential permitting and municipal inspections.
• Experience managing subcontractor networks.
• Experience with project budgeting, job costing, change orders, and production reporting.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business, Operations Management, or a related field.