Next Level Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Next 150 Operations Manager is a senior operational leader responsible for translating Next 150's strategic plan and forecast into disciplined, predictable execution across a complex and growing portfolio of work. This role ensures that Next 150 operates with strong operational rigor, financial discipline, and organizational readiness while maintaining appropriate independence as a wholly owned subsidiary. 

The Next 150 Operations Manager serves as the operational backbone of Next 150, partnering closely with Next 150 leadership, project leadership, finance, safety, and human resources to drive consistency, mitigate risk, and embed enterprise operating standards where appropriate, while respecting the established rules of engagement between Next 150 and Gilbane Building Company. 

• Leads preparation, documentation, and follow-up for divisional operating rhythms, including project reviews, staffing reviews, safety follow-ups, financial reviews, and project recovery meetings
• Partners with Project and Business Leaders to standardize operating practices, improve predictability, and support scalability across markets and delivery models
• Serves as a liaison between project teams, department heads and BU/Divisional leadership to ensure alignment between strategy, execution, and continuous improvement
• Analyzes feedback from Gilbane and engage internal resources to develop and implement process improvements
• Supports project startup readiness, including scope review, estimate handoff, staffing plans, equipment needs, logistics planning, schedule alignment, and initial financial setup
• Develops companywide Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Gilbane Jobsite Standards including Worker Wellbeing and Next 150 Baseline Execution Standards
• Ensures alignment with approved Enterprise Standard Operating Procedures (Baseline) and Next 150-specific procedures, consistent with subsidiary governance expectations
• Supports delivery of the Next 150 financial plan, with emphasis on performance, productivity, margin protection, and forecast accuracy
• Leverages results from the Project Vitals reviews to develop and implement risk mitigation processes and ensures they are in place and executed within the BUs/Division
• Partners with Next 150 leadership to establish and maintain multi-year financial plans and business growth strategies
• Drives disciplined use of project financial forecasting tools and performance dashboards to monitor, assess, and mitigate risk
• Partners with Finance to identify emerging risks, manage fee erosion, and proactively address performance gaps
• Leads early identification and escalation of project- and portfolio-level operational risks, including schedule, cost, staffing, and delivery challenges
• Supports claims avoidance and commercial discipline in alignment with enterprise expectations and Next 150 governance requirements
• Maintains governance structures that prevent preventable, high-impact risks from entering enterprise or subsidiary watchlists
• Operationalizes the Next 150 organizational design, ensuring clarity of roles, spans of control, and decision rights as the business scales. 
• Partners with Human Resources and Talent Acquisition to support onboarding and integration of planned hires, maintaining productivity and cultural alignment during growth
• Supports the development and execution of training programs, as needed, in support of Enterprise learning requirements and Divisional strategies
• Maintains short- and long-range staffing plans, supports transfer planning, tracks open needs, and coordinates with HR, Talent Acquisition, and operations leadership to support capacity readiness
• Models disciplined, visible leadership behaviors consistent with Gilbane's values and performance culture
• Supports leadership capability and team effectiveness across operations, preconstruction, and project delivery functions
• Coordinates staffing plans and transitions in alignment with approved subsidiary and enterprise workforce strategies
• Reinforces Safety as a non-negotiable, embedding safety expectations, leadership engagement, and accountability into daily operations 
• Models disciplined, visible leadership behaviors consistent with Next 150 values, culture, and performance expectations
• Drives the safety culture; review incidents and trends; partner with Safety to implement corrective actions

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or Construction Management preferred
• 15+ years relevant experience including oversight of self-perform operations
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong Technical and Communication skills are critical
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Leadership and management skills
• Financial management and business acumen skills

This position can be performed remotely or from any U.S. location where Gilbane has an office. Salary to be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience of the applicant, as well as the internal equity and alignment with the team.

The pay ranges from $215,000 - $300,000 plus benefits and retirement program.

Next 150 Construction Services has an unwavering focus on safety, the environment and caring about everyone involved in our work.

Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.

Next 150 Construction Services is not accepting unsolicited resumes from third party recruiters at this time.

Next 150 Construction Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status. Click here to view the physical demands and working conditions required to perform this role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.