Director of Operations | Heavy Civil Construction

Operations Leader | Director of Operations | Heavy Civil Construction

Location: Sterling Heights, MIAbout the RoleStillpoint AEC is partnering with a growing heavy civil construction contractor in the Detroit metropolitan area to identify a Operations Leader to lead day-to-day operations and support the company’s continued growth.Reporting directly to the President, the Operations Leader will provide financial, operational, management, and cultural leadership across the organization.

This individual will oversee project management and field operations while helping strengthen financial performance, develop future leaders, establish accountability, and drive consistent execution across the business.The company is seeking an accomplished professional with a heavy civil or construction background and meaningful experience in project management and/or operations management and leadership. This opportunity could be an excellent next step for a proven construction leader who has developed strong financial and operational capabilities and is ready to take on broader responsibility for people, projects, and overall business performance.About the ClientOur client is an established and growing heavy civil construction contractor specializing in municipal underground utility and infrastructure construction throughout Southeast Michigan.The company has built a strong reputation delivering water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, road reconstruction, site development, and related municipal infrastructure projects.The organization has an experienced, collaborative leadership team and is entering an important period of continued investment and growth. The Operations Leader will work directly with thePresident and assume responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the business while helping build the leadership, processes, and operating structure necessary to support continued growth.The position offers significant visibility within the organization, direct access to executive leadership, performance-based compensation, and an opportunity to participate in the equity of a growing construction organization.ResponsibilitiesProvide financial, operational, management, and cultural leadership across the organizationReport directly to the President and assume responsibility for day-to-day construction operationsLead, mentor, and support Project Managers, Superintendents, Office-Based Staff and field leadershipOversee multiple concurrent heavy civil and municipal infrastructure projectsEstablish operational priorities and allocate personnel, equipment, and resources across active projectsMonitor project schedules, budgets, manpower, equipment utilization, productivity, quality, and profitabilityReview project financial performance including job costs, forecasts, labor productivity, margins, and overall project performancePartner with Project Managers to identify risks, resolve operational challenges, and improve project executionSupport estimating, preconstruction, bid strategy, project turnover, and operational planningAssist with contract administration, change-order strategy, and project financial decision-makingMaintain a visible presence in the field while supporting Superintendents and project leadershipBuild strong relationships with municipalities, consulting engineers, owners, developers, subcontractors, and suppliersSupport client relationships and business development effortsDevelop and mentor the next generation of operational leadership within the companyPromote accountability, communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement across field and office teamsPartner with the President on strategic planning, organizational development, and long-term growth initiativesChampion safety, quality, and operational excellence throughout the organizationQualificationsProgressive experience within heavy civil construction, general construction, or a related construction environmentMeaningful experience in project management and/or operations management and leadershipHeavy civil construction experience strongly preferredExperience with municipal underground utilities, water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, roadway construction, site development, or related infrastructure projects highly preferredDemonstrated experience leading construction professionals, Project Managers, Superintendents, field personnel, or operational teamsStrong understanding of project budgeting, forecasting, job-cost management, scheduling, and profitabilityDemonstrated exposure to P&L management or meaningful project-level financial responsibilityExperience with estimating, preconstruction, public bidding, or project turnover preferredAbility to effectively manage multiple projects, teams, and prioritiesStrong leadership, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving abilitiesCollaborative and supportive leadership style with the ability to earn credibility across both field and office teamsAbility to operate effectively in a growing, entrepreneurial, and evolving organizationDemonstrated career stability and progression of responsibilityBachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related discipline preferred; equivalent industry experience will be consideredExperience with HCSS HeavyBid, HeavyJob, or similar construction management platforms considered a plusPay & BenefitsCompetitive executive-level base salary based on experienceSignificant performance-based bonus opportunityEquity participation opportunityCompany vehicle or vehicle allowanceComprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with company matchPaid time off and company holidaysProfessional development opportunitiesLong-term advancement potential within a growing organizationWhy JoinStep into a highly visible leadership position reporting directly to the company PresidentAssume meaningful responsibility for the financial, operational, management, and cultural performance of an established heavy civil contractorOpportunity for a successful Project Management or Operations professional to advance into broader executive leadershipLead and develop an experienced team of Project Managers, Superintendents, and construction professionalsJoin a growing organization with significant investment behind its continued developmentDirectly influence operational strategy, organizational development, leadership development, and the future direction of the businessSignificant performance-based compensation opportunityEquity participation within a growing construction organizationPrimarily office-based leadership position with regular field involvementProjects concentrated throughout Southeast MichiganStrong long-term career and leadership growth potentialWhy Partner with Stillpoint AECClarity-Driven Recruiting Solutions Built on Trust and PartnershipProven Industry Expertise in AEC RecruitmentPersonalized Candidate Representation and Career AdvocacyTransparent Communication and Consultative GuidanceLong-Term Partnership Approach for Clients and CandidatesEfficient, Results-Focused Permanent Placement ProcessNationwide Reach with Deep Industry Talent Networks