Operations Manager Automation Jobs in Rhode Island

Woodard & Curran is an employee-owned engineering, science, and operations firm dedicated to clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people. We foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports professional growth, flexibility, and meaningful work, empowering our employees to make a lasting impact on our clients, communities, and the planet.

Woodard & Curran is seeking a dynamic, client-focused SCADA Controls Automation Project Manager to join our Water Team, supporting projects across the New England Region, including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. In this role, you will manage automation and controls projects from planning through closure, working closely with municipal water and wastewater clients to deliver successful solutions that improve operational performance and reliability.

You will be supported by a team of technical managers, engineers, and operations staff to ensure projects are delivered within scope, schedule, and budget. As a trusted advisor to clients, you will provide project updates, identify future opportunities, and help plan projects that support their long‑term operational goals.

This position involves regular regional travel to project sites, typically within driving distance, to oversee project startups, lead preconstruction and kickoff meetings, and maintain strong client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative team dedicated to delivering high‑quality automation and controls projects for municipal and industrial water and wastewater clients. This individual will lead projects from initiation through completion while balancing technical requirements, financial performance, client expectations, and project execution.

The ideal candidate is an experienced project leader with strong communication skills, construction management experience, and the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders, including engineering teams, contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. They are proactive, results‑oriented, and committed to delivering exceptional client service.

Regional travel required to support project delivery, client meetings, project startups, and construction activities. Occasional overnight travel may be necessary.

• Manage automation and controls projects and contracts from planning through project closure.
• Lead project teams to successfully deliver projects within scope, schedule, and budget requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, providing regular communication and project status updates.
• Act as a trusted advisor by identifying and planning future projects that support client operational goals.
• Lead preconstruction meetings, project kickoff meetings, startup activities, and client coordination efforts.
• Manage construction activities, subcontractors, vendors, and project partners.
• Develop, manage, and forecast project financial performance across a portfolio of projects.
• Perform project lifecycle QA/QC reviews to ensure quality deliverables.
• Collaborate with technical staff to prepare proposals, project scopes, and client solutions.
• Coordinate with Regional Managers and fellow Project Managers to optimize resource allocation and workload balancing.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and participate in Woodard & Curran’s project delivery enhancement programs.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, safety, learning, and operational excellence.

• 8+ years of experience managing construction projects, preferably involving electrical systems, automation, and/or controls.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or equivalent applicable experience.
• Strong knowledge of municipal bidding laws and construction document preparation.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, schedules, and client relationships.
• Self‑motivated, organized, and results‑driven approach to project delivery.
• Knowledge of automation and controls design and implementation is highly desirable.
• Experience managing contractors, subcontractors, and vendor relationships.
• Strong financial management and forecasting capabilities.
• PMP certification is a plus.

$120,000 - $150,000 a year

Providence, RI: $120,000 - $135,000

Middletown, CT: $130,000 - $140,000

Andover - Canton, MA: $140,000 - $150,000

The anticipated compensation range for this position is based on several factors, including the candidate’s qualifications, experience, education, skills, and primary work location. Final compensation will be determined based on these factors and adjusted, where applicable, by a geographic differential. Geographic differentials are percentage‑based adjustments that reflect variations in labor market costs across locations. As a result, the compensation range for this position may vary depending on where the successful candidate is located and performs their work. The examples below illustrate how compensation for this role may differ across geographic markets. #LI-TB1

Woodard & Curran offers a comprehensive benefits package. For more information about our benefits & workplace policies visit Benefit & Policy Information - Woodard & Curran.

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Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility: Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non‑discrimination and make employment decisions based on job‑related factors. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Beth Sweitzer.

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