Operations Manager

Job Description:\n\nAbout Alston Construction:\nAlston Construction Company is a nationwide general contractor, with more than 20 offices coast to coast. For 40 years, we have been a true partner, an honest advisor, as well as a responsible contractor for our clients. We believe the success of any project depends upon a strong builder client relationship, and a commitment to establishing common goals and objectives from the project start. Alston Construction offers a diverse background of general contracting, construction management and design-build experience of industrial, commercial, healthcare, education, retail and government projects. \n\nWe look for passionate construction professionals who share our core values: commitment, integrity, teamwork, and respect. As our CEO, Paul Little, says “In order to be successful at Alston Construction, you must enjoy seeing success in others.” If this sounds like you and what you’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you!\n\nOur top tier benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, prescription safety glasses, short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance/AD&D, HSA, health FSA, dependent daycare FSA, EAP, 401(k), Roth 401(k), After-Tax Roth In-Plan Conversion; paid vacation and sick time, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, Tickets at Work, paid Identity Theft Protection (family coverage) and more! Pay for this position will be $165 to $190K DOE. \n\nJob Title: Operations Manager\n\nClassification: Exempt\n\nOffice Location: Downers Grove, IL \n \nTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.\n\nJob Summary: Responsible for assisting in the general business operations of the company by the daily management, supervision, coordination, and successful completion of projects for the assigned business unit(s). In addition, the Operations Manager is responsible for the mentoring, development, and training of the business unit’s Operations (project management and field supervision) staff. The overall goal of the Operations Manager is to ensure the business unit’s operations are effective, comply with company policies and procedures, adhere to industry best practices, and are profitable.\n\nEssential Duties and Responsibilities:\nThe Operations Manager will be primarily involved with performing the following duties and responsibilities. \nOperations\n\nUse discretion and independent judgment and professional skills to perform daily duties and to resolve business operations issues.\nParticipate in establishing short and long-term goals and objectives for business unit(s), consistent with corporate goals and objectives, and communicate to staff.\nMake recommendations for ways to improve business operations (including processes, procedures and best operating practices), looking for ways to improve efficiency and profitability and to increase client satisfaction.\nDevelop and maintain strong working relationships with Company staff, prospective and current clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors. Provide oversight to ensure Operations staff is properly managing client relationships.\nReview contracts and assist VP/GM, SVP/RM and Risk Management with mitigating risks associated with project and contract terms.\nIdentify key issues in contract disputes and assist in mediating the issues to an acceptable resolution by all parties.\nAssist VP/GM, SVP/RM and Risk Management in managing warranty and post warranty claims.\nProvide oversight to ensure all projects are completed in a quality manner, on time and within budget.\nReview ongoing project performance, to include staffing, document control, job cost management, quality control, proper change order processing, attaining/enhancing fee, etc.\nEnsure subcontracts are “bought” in a fair and equitable manner and confirm all scope is purchased at a current market price.\nAct within and ensure compliance with Alston Construction’s “Levels of Authority”.\nCoordinate and confer with staff to resolve operating problems and challenges.\nResolve conflicts that could impede Alston Construction’s ability to meet goals and client expectations.\nPlan, manage, and complete assignments and projects on time and accurately. Assume responsibility for performance and productivity of self and team.\nConsistently provide others with appropriate day-to-day and strategic information so others can make informed decisions.\n\nStaff Management\n\nProvide leadership and guidance to staff; provide oversight to ensure effective and efficient operation of business unit(s) and compliance with Alston Construction’s established policies and procedures.\nProactively identify workforce needs. Assist in recruiting efforts through networking in the local community. Interview and assist in the selection of new staff.\nCommunicate regularly with staff. Evaluate performance of Operations staff and provide them with regular, ongoing feedback (positive as well as constructive areas for improvement or development opportunities); assist VP/GM and/or SVP/RM in completing timely formal performance evaluations.\nMentor, develop and train Operations staff.\nRecommend appropriate personnel actions (e.g., salary adjustments, bonuses, promotions, layoffs, training, disciplinary actions, etc.).\nCreate and foster collaborative and effective team relationships.\n\nThis position will also require performance of the following duties:\n\nConduct or participate in presentations to clients.\nAssist in identifying new work opportunities and advise VP/GM of potential projects with existing and new clients and lead or participate in the pursuit of project leads.\nParticipate in applicable corporate meetings and forums.\nAs necessary or as requested by the VP/GM, perform Project Management and Superintendent duties from time to time to ensure proper job level performance is maintained.\nOther duties as assigned.\n\n \nMeasures:\nThe following measures are typical of the Operations Manager position, but are not all encompassing. \n\nProfitability of assigned business unit(s).\nProjects meet contractual delivery date.\nSafety performance.\nClient satisfaction (may be qualitative measures; occasional visits with clients by VP/GM, SVP/RM or others, client reference letters, etc.).\nPerformance of staff (including overall job performance, remaining current in Alston Construction required training, and professional development).\nTurnover rate of personnel.\nActual expenses versus budgeted.\nAnnual performance evaluations of staff (quality, timeliness, and percentage complete).\n\n \nSafety:\n\nComply with all safety policies, report suspected safety concerns, make recommendations for enhancements to the safety program, and visibly support and uphold the company’s strong safety culture.\nProvide oversight to ensure employees are conducting all construction activities in a safe, clean and orderly working environment and ensure job site compliance with the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), including communication to subcontractors, addressing job site issues and documentation of any IIPP events in adherence with the Company’s IIPP manual.\nRemain current in all company required safety training and certifications and ensure staff remains current.\nAcknowledge and celebrate safe behaviors and actions of others.\n\nPersonal:\n\nUnderstand and work within the accepted ethical standards of the company.\nProactively support and encourage diversity on projects and team. Visibly support and promote fair and equal treatment and opportunity for all.\nRemain current in all company required training and certifications.\nStay abreast of changes in the industry, best practices, and other industry information (including changes/trends in methods of construction and materials, construction costs, wage rates, fringes, working rules, and construction software and technology), and share pertinent information with others.\nContinuously find ways to take on challenges, increase skills and capacity, and improve knowledge and performance.\n\n \nEducation, Experience, and Licensing/Certifications:\n\nDegree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.\nMinimum of 15 years of progressive operations experience, to include supervisory experience, with a general contractor.\nAn equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.\nDesign-build experience on relevant project types.\nValid State-issued driver’s license and vehicle insurance which meets Alston Construction liability coverage requirements and satisfactory driving record.\nOSHA 30-hour Certification.\nFirst Aid/CPR Certification.\n\n \nKnowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:\n\nAbility to exercise initiative and to work well with discretion and sound independent judgment with minimal supervision, as well as in a team environment.\nThorough understanding of the Company’s services, policies, processes, procedures and systems.\nStrong knowledge and understanding of the internal operations of a construction design-build general contractor, the construction industry, and the local construction market.\nAbility to maximize profitability and successfully balance the needs and expectations of the client while maintaining the Company’s standards and reputation and mitigating risks.\nAbility to lead and supervise employees, including mentoring and developing capabilities in others.\nThorough understanding of buyout, scheduling, sequencing, documentation compliance, means and methods, quality control, cost control, and change management.\nStrong negotiation skills; ability to achieve goals by effectively negotiating with different individuals and personalities in various situations and circumstances.\nThorough understanding of multiple project delivery types, including Design-Build, CM at Risk, CM not at Risk, General Contractor (hard bid and negotiated), etc.\nThorough understanding of prime and sub-contract provisions and contract delivery methods, including lump sum, guaranteed maximum price (GMP), cost-plus, etc. and ability to mitigate associated risks.\nKnowledge of estimating techniques, cost control systems and accounts.\nStrong mathematical and analytical skills.\nAbility to read and understand drawings, specifications, maps, surveys, mechanical and electrical sheets, project schedules, cost reports, and other construction documents; understanding of contract provisions which address scope of work and design criteria.\nUnderstanding of all local, state, federal and company safety and environmental regulations, codes, and requirements related to the construction industry\nAbility to impart knowledge to others.\nGood knowledge of all sub trades and their relationship and impact on each other.\nAbility to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and make timely decisions.\nCreative problem-solver; willing to try several approaches when initial solution fails.\nAbility to effectively handle stress.\nExcellent skills in organization, time management, planning, and prioritization.\nProactive and readily adaptable to changing conditions or demands and ability to work well under pressure and with tight deadlines.\nEffective communication skills (written and verbal) and presentation skills.\nSkilled at active listening techniques. Gathers appropriate information before taking action and encourages others to listen and check before acting. Communications are tactful, diplomatic, and influential.\nProfessional demeanor and effective interpersonal skills; ability to successfully interface with and to maintain good working relationships with co-workers, managers, clients, subcontractors, vendors, and others.\nStrong industry contact relationships and the ability to assist in identifying and securing profitable new business.\nProficiency in computers, Microsoft Project, Word, Excel and Outlook, and CMiC.\n\n \nPhysical Requirements:\n\nFrequently required to sit, stand, walk, and reach.\nOccasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or climb.\nLift 10 lbs.\nExtensive computer use and reading from documents and computer. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.\nRepetitive use of keyboard and mouse, extensive reading from documents and computer.\nWillingness and ability to work extended hours and flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends.\nWillingness and ability to travel.\n\nWork Environment\n\nThe majority of the Operations Manager’s duties and responsibilities take place in the office; however, office and non-manual work in the field is also required.\nWill be exposed to outside weather elements while in the field.\nMay be exposed to loud noises, fumes, and/or airborne particles while in the field.\nDress, including proper PPE, is conducive to a building construction environment.\n\nAlston Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all federal, state, and local laws that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, as well as any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We expect all employees to maintain a respectful working environment. For additional information, please refer to the Alston Construction Employee Handbook or contact Human Resources.