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Operations Manager Startup Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Product Marketing Manager

Ames, IA · On-site

$150K/yr

If you've owned product marketing end-to-end at a startup moving fluidly from strategy to execution ... Industrial, field operations, or enterprise SaaS background preferred someone who can walk up to a ...

Product Marketing Manager

Ames, IA · On-site

$150K/yr

If you've owned product marketing end-to-end at a startup moving fluidly from strategy to execution ... Industrial, field operations, or enterprise SaaS background preferred - someone who can walk up to ...

Product Marketing Manager

Ames, IA · On-site

$150K/yr

If you've owned product marketing end-to-end at a startup moving fluidly from strategy to execution ... Industrial, field operations, or enterprise SaaS background preferred - someone who can walk up to ...

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Nevada, IA · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

... operation such as haul roads, waste rock storage facilities, truck shops, water management ... Oversee the design, construction, commissioning, and startup of electrical systems across the mine ...

Site Safety Manager

Nevada, IA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

These values guide our daily operations and interactions, setting the standard for our team ... startup. * Provide weekly safety updates to project leadership, highlighting key risks, corrective ...

Provide documentation for operation and maintenance after a project is complete and communicate ... Attend turnover meetings between Project Manager and Applications Engineer discussing project scope ...

Production Flex Crew

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

... operational activities to ensure proper equipment startup. * Demonstrate a positive and ... Observe all safety guidelines and report safety concerns to management. * Able to work overtime as ...

Production Flex Crew

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

... operational activities to ensure proper equipment startup. * Demonstrate a positive and ... Observe all safety guidelines and report safety concerns to management. * Able to work overtime as ...

You will work closely with operations and maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability ... Responsibilities: * · Assist with the shutdown and startup of equipment during planned maintenance ...

... management, field service, plant operations, professional services and more. As one of the leading ... Startup of equipment, mechanical trouble shooting of problems and training of plant personnel.

... management, field service, plant operations, professional services and more. As one of the leading ... Startup of equipment, mechanical trouble shooting of problems and training of plant personnel.

Operations Manager Startup information

See Ames, IA salary details

$30.3K

$62.1K

$115.9K

How much do operations manager startup jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations manager startup in Ames, IA is $62,072.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,100.00 and $75,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operations manager startup?

An Operations Manager in a startup oversees daily operations, ensuring efficient processes across different departments. They manage logistics, improve workflows, and implement systems to support scaling. This role requires adaptability, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration to streamline operations in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by operations managers in a startup environment?

Operations Managers in startups often face rapid changes in priorities, limited resources, and the need to build processes from the ground up. You may find yourself wearing multiple hats, adapting quickly to evolving business requirements, and problem-solving on the fly. Collaboration with founders and cross-functional teams is frequent, requiring strong relationship-building and negotiation skills. Embracing uncertainty and maintaining flexibility are key to thriving in this dynamic and rewarding role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operations manager startup?

Success as an Operations Manager in a startup requires strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills, often supported by a degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with productivity tools like Asana, Trello, and Google Workspace, as well as experience with ERP or CRM systems, is highly valuable. Outstanding adaptability, leadership, and communication skills help candidates excel in this fast-moving and often ambiguous environment. These abilities are vital to drive operational efficiency, coordinate across departments, and support rapid company growth.

What are popular job titles related to Operations Manager Startup jobs in Ames, IA?

For Operations Manager Startup jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operations Manager Startup jobs in Ames, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Operations Manager Startup jobs in Ames, IA are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Operations Manager Startup jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Operations Manager Startup job openings:

Infographic showing various Operations Manager Startup job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,072 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Pre-Construction Manager - Water/Wastewater

Ames, IA • On-site


Woodruff Construction
Construction • 51 - 200 employees

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Good training


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Why you should join our team:
Do you want to be an employee-owner? Woodruff Construction is a 100% employee-owned and family-focused commercial construction general contractor with over 70 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each individual is challenged to be his or her best, and we are continually searching for goal-driven candidates to join our team. We are committed to employing a diverse workforce and encourage those with a wide range of backgrounds to inquire about our job opportunities.

We serve the regions of Ames, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, Waterloo and Spencer, and are driven by our strong Core Values:

  • FAMILY Comes First
  • SERVICE to Others
  • PURPOSE in everything we do
  • DEPENDABILITY to do what's right
  • ENJOYMENT of our work

The Woodruff Difference:

  •  $500 stay-on bonus after 60 days
  •  Career-advancement programs
  •  Company-sponsored outings and events

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Engineering or similar
  • At least 10 years of relevant experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience involving pre-construction
  • DBIA Certification preferred or ability to obtain within first year of employment
  • Experience with water and wastewater treatment facilities and ability to interpret related strongly preferred
  • Experience with municipal/public infrastructure procurement processes and delivery methods including CMaR and Design-Build preferred
  • Knowledge of equipment procurement and coordination for treatment/process systems preferred
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Advanced computer experience with proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel
  • Ability to objectively coach employees through complex issues
  • Good time management skills
  • Must be able to contain confidential information
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Work well in an office team environment
  • Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction

How will you Build Your Future With Us?
Woodruff is seeking a reliable, goal-driven candidate to fill our pre-construction manager position in Ames, IA. This position is responsible in developing, improving and leading the pre-construction process for design-build and construction manager at-risk projects, with a primary focus on water and wastewater treatment facilities. This position will serve as the team/company expert as it relates to pre-construction contracting, estimating, constructability and delivery strategies.

Essential duties and responsibilities for the position are as follows:

  • Risk Management
    • Adhere to, enforce and support company safety program
    • Evaluate subcontractors and suppliers to ensure they meet or exceed Woodruff standards for the project
    • Document project changes and correspondence through email and mail correspondence through the pre-construction phase
    • Anticipate & address issues and understand how work performance & timeliness effects the achievement of Woodruff goals
    • Evaluate constructability, operational impacts, sequencing constraints, and shutdown planning associated with active water/wastewater treatment facilities and utility systems
    • Identify and mitigate risks related to underground utilities, treatment process systems, environmental regulations, and owner operational continuity
  • Financial Management & Results
    • Assist Project Manager with the buyout process
    • Ensure profit objectives are met by ensuring schedules and budgets are achieved
    • Negotiate and estimate favorable and timely change orders that produce results, protect Woodruff's interests and satisfy the owner and architect
    • Assist in the development of conceptual and detailed estimates for water/wastewater treatment process systems, underground utilities, concrete structures, pumping systems, and associated infrastructure.
    • Understand market conditions, equipment lead times, and procurement strategies specific to municipal water and wastewater construction
  • Design Support & Field Involvement
    • Facilitate correspondence with the owner and design team
    • Assist project manager with scheduling and conducting design meetings (if design-build)
    • Assist project manager with scheduling and conducting team meetings to review design status, budget status and overall progression of the project
    • Include and involve the field operations manager, safety specialist and/or anticipated superintendent as needed throughout the pre-construction process
    • Coordinate with design engineers, equipment vendors, and operations staff regarding treatment processes, phasing plans, shutdowns, and startup requirements
    • Participate in constructability reviews for treatment facilities, process piping, electrical/instrumentation systems, and operational sequencing
  • Project Leadership
    • Manage project through Procore and any other required project management software
    • Assist with setting, communicating and tracking project goals
    • Support customer relationship building with owners by balancing the needs of Woodruff with the customer expectations around schedule, quality and cost
    • Develop a clear and complete understanding of the construction project by reviewing plans, documents and proposed cost information
    • Plan ahead to work efficiently by creating a sound completion plan leading the Woodruff project team to establish priorities, schedule activities and timeframes, develop clear and measurable progress benchmarks and assign responsibilities
    • Guide the project by keeping the big picture in mind & making sound decisions
    • Ensure timely construction project starts consistent with preconstruction plans and owner needs
    • Produce clear and complete planning information including timely and detailed owner meeting minutes and look-ahead schedules
    • Use Woodruff policies and procedures through use and reference of pre-construction process manuals
    • Contribute to swift and smooth project transition from pre-construction to construction phase
    • Lead the project team through pre-construction abiding by and following the contract requirements  
    • Lead preconstruction efforts for water and wastewater treatment projects including process coordination, phasing, operational continuity, and regulatory considerations
    • Develop and maintain a strong understanding of water/wastewater treatment methods, equipment systems, utility coordination, and municipal owner expectations
    • Coordinate early procurement strategies for long-lead treatment equipment, process systems, and specialty subcontractors
  • Process Development & Improvement
    • Ensure Woodruff processes follow current CMaR preconstruction Iowa law
    • Development of new and/or improvement of existing pre-construction processes
    • Research and learn industry best practices regarding pre-construction processes
    • Assist with developing, implementing and utilizing pre-construction services fee estimating process
    • Assist BD with development and submission of RFQ's
    • Lead the development and submission of RFP's including developing and leading the presentation process
    • Develop and improve estimating, scheduling, and preconstruction processes specific to water/wastewater treatment and utility infrastructure projects
    • Maintain awareness of industry trends, treatment technologies, delivery methods, and regulatory requirements impacting municipal water/wastewater construction

Benefits:

At Woodruff, we attribute our success to the investment and retention of our quality employees. Woodruff values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Competitive pay with weekly direct deposit
  • Work/Life balance - paid time off, holidays, volunteer time off, parental leave, and bereavement
  • 100% Employee Owned, you can become an employee-owner after only one year of service!
  • Competitive benefits - including medical, dental and vision, flexible spending account, and disability
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • 401K retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education
  • Personalized career path
  • Employee assistance program

Job Type: Full-time



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