Project Manager Operations Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

The Operations Project Manager is responsible for leading facilities and capital improvement projects from concept through completion, with a strong emphasis on manufacturing expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and site development initiatives. This role serves as the primary liaison between internal operations teams, architects, engineers, and construction contractors, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with operational goals. The individual brings a deep commitment to Lean manufacturing principles, driving value stream improvements, Kaizen events, and process optimization across the organization.

Facilities & Capital Project Management

• Lead end-to-end management of facilities projects including manufacturing expansions, building renovations, utility upgrades, and new construction initiatives.
• Serve as the primary owner's representative when working with architects, structural and MEP engineers, and general contractors throughout design and construction phases.
• Manage the full project lifecycle: programming, schematic design, design development, permitting, construction administration, and commissioning.
• Review and evaluate architectural drawings, construction documents, and engineering specifications for accuracy, feasibility, and alignment with operational requirements.
• Coordinate facility layouts and space planning activities in collaboration with operations leaders to optimize production flow and scalability.
• Conduct site walks, punch list reviews, and construction progress inspections to ensure quality and schedule compliance.

Contract Management & Vendor Oversight

• Lead RFP/RFQ processes, bid evaluations, and contractor/vendor selection for facilities and capital projects.
• Review, negotiate, and manage construction contracts, architectural service agreements, and equipment procurement contracts; escalate legal and risk concerns appropriately.
• Monitor contractor and subcontractor performance against scope, schedule, and quality standards; manage change order evaluation and approval processes.
• Maintain vendor relationships and ensure compliance with company policies, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Track and manage project budgets, forecast expenditures, and report cost variances to leadership with recommended corrective actions.

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Champion Lean manufacturing principles across operational and facilities projects, embedding waste reduction and flow optimization into capital planning decisions.
• Facilitate and lead Value Stream Mapping (VSM) sessions to identify current-state inefficiencies and design future-state workflows for manufacturing operations.
• Plan, organize, and lead Kaizen events across production and support functions; document results, sustain gains, and share learnings organization-wide.
• Apply 5S methodology to workplace organization initiatives tied to facility relocations, expansions, and line reconfigurations.
• Drive process improvement activities using structured problem-solving methodologies (A3, PDCA, DMAIC) to address root causes and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Partner with operations leaders to identify improvement opportunities, reduce non-value-added activity, and improve throughput, quality, and safety.

Project Coordination & Stakeholder Communication

• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans including scope documents, schedules (MS Project or equivalent), resource plans, risk registers, and status reports.
• Coordinate cross-functional project teams across operations, engineering, EHS, quality, finance, and IT.
• Facilitate regular project meetings, design reviews, and steering committee updates; communicate project status clearly to all stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements throughout all project phases.
• Translate operational data and project metrics into actionable insights and executive-level reporting.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in project management with a focus on facilities, capital projects, or manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing construction projects with direct involvement in architect and contractor relationships.
• Proven ability to read, interpret, and critique architectural drawings, construction documents, and engineering specifications.
• Hands-on experience leading Lean initiatives including Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen events, and 5S implementations.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred; Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt a strong plus.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, organizational, and analytical skills.

• Proficiency in project management software (MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working knowledge of construction contract types (GMP, lump sum, T&M) and contract administration practices.
• Familiarity with building codes, permitting processes, and OSHA construction safety standards.
• Ability to develop and manage project schedules using critical path methodology (CPM).
• Experience with facility layout tools (AutoCAD, Visio, or similar) for reviewing and communicating space planning concepts.
• Ability to analyze operational and project data and develop corrective action plans.
• Strong proficiency in preparing technical documentation, cost estimates, and presenting findings to leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects across varying complexity and scale.