Operations Manager

About Alston Construction:

Alston 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. 

We 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!

Our 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. 

Job Title:                                Operations Manager

Classification:                            Exempt

Office Location: Downers Grove, IL 

To 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.

Job 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Operations Manager will be primarily involved with performing the following duties and responsibilities.    

Operations

• Use discretion and independent judgment and professional skills to perform daily duties and to resolve business operations issues.
• Participate in establishing short and long-term goals and objectives for business unit(s), consistent with corporate goals and objectives, and communicate to staff.
• Make 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.
• Develop 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.
• Review contracts and assist VP/GM, SVP/RM and Risk Management with mitigating risks associated with project and contract terms.
• Identify key issues in contract disputes and assist in mediating the issues to an acceptable resolution by all parties.
• Assist VP/GM, SVP/RM and Risk Management in managing warranty and post warranty claims.
• Provide oversight to ensure all projects are completed in a quality manner, on time and within budget.
• Review ongoing project performance, to include staffing, document control, job cost management, quality control, proper change order processing, attaining/enhancing fee, etc.
• Ensure subcontracts are “bought” in a fair and equitable manner and confirm all scope is purchased at a current market price.
• Act within and ensure compliance with Alston Construction’s “Levels of Authority”.
• Coordinate and confer with staff to resolve operating problems and challenges.
• Resolve conflicts that could impede Alston Construction’s ability to meet goals and client expectations.
• Plan, manage, and complete assignments and projects on time and accurately. Assume responsibility for performance and productivity of self and team.
• Consistently provide others with appropriate day-to-day and strategic information so others can make informed decisions.

Staff Management

• Provide 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.
• Proactively identify workforce needs. Assist in recruiting efforts through networking in the local community.  Interview and assist in the selection of new staff.
• Communicate 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.
• Mentor, develop and train Operations staff.
• Recommend appropriate personnel actions (e.g., salary adjustments, bonuses, promotions, layoffs, training, disciplinary actions, etc.).
• Create and foster collaborative and effective team relationships.

This position will also require performance of the following duties:

• Conduct or participate in presentations to clients.
• Assist 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.
• Participate in applicable corporate meetings and forums.
• As 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Measures:

The following measures are typical of the Operations Manager position, but are not all encompassing. 

• Profitability of assigned business unit(s).
• Projects meet contractual delivery date.
• Safety performance.
• Client satisfaction (may be qualitative measures; occasional visits with clients by VP/GM, SVP/RM or others, client reference letters, etc.).
• Performance of staff (including overall job performance, remaining current in Alston Construction required training, and professional development).
• Turnover rate of personnel.
• Actual expenses versus budgeted.
• Annual performance evaluations of staff (quality, timeliness, and percentage complete).

Safety:

• Comply 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.
• Provide 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.
• Remain current in all company required safety training and certifications and ensure staff remains current.
• Acknowledge and celebrate safe behaviors and actions of others.

Personal:

• Understand and work within the accepted ethical standards of the company.
• Proactively support and encourage diversity on projects and team. Visibly support and promote fair and equal treatment and opportunity for all.
• Remain current in all company required training and certifications.
• Stay 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.
• Continuously find ways to take on challenges, increase skills and capacity, and improve knowledge and performance.

Education, Experience, and Licensing/Certifications:

• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive operations experience, to include supervisory experience, with a general contractor.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Design-build experience on relevant project types.
• Valid State-issued driver’s license and vehicle insurance which meets Alston Construction liability coverage requirements and satisfactory driving record.
• OSHA 30-hour Certification.
• First Aid/CPR Certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Ability to exercise initiative and to work well with discretion and sound independent judgment with minimal supervision, as well as in a team environment.
• Thorough understanding of the Company’s services, policies, processes, procedures and systems.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the internal operations of a construction design-build general contractor, the construction industry, and the local construction market.
• Ability to maximize profitability and successfully balance the needs and expectations of the client while maintaining the Company’s standards and reputation and mitigating risks.
• Ability to lead and supervise employees, including mentoring and developing capabilities in others.
• Thorough understanding of buyout, scheduling, sequencing, documentation compliance, means and methods, quality control, cost control, and change management.
• Strong negotiation skills; ability to achieve goals by effectively negotiating with different individuals and personalities in various situations and circumstances.
• Thorough understanding of multiple project delivery types, including Design-Build, CM at Risk, CM not at Risk, General Contractor (hard bid and negotiated), etc.
• Thorough 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.
• Knowledge of estimating techniques, cost control systems and accounts.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Ability 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.
• Understanding of all local, state, federal and company safety and environmental regulations, codes, and requirements related to the construction industry
• Ability to impart knowledge to others.
• Good knowledge of all sub trades and their relationship and impact on each other.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and make timely decisions.
• Creative problem-solver; willing to try several approaches when initial solution fails.
• Ability to effectively handle stress.
• Excellent skills in organization, time management, planning, and prioritization.
• Proactive and readily adaptable to changing conditions or demands and ability to work well under pressure and with tight deadlines.
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal) and presentation skills.
• Skilled 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.
• Professional 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.
• Strong industry contact relationships and the ability to assist in identifying and securing profitable new business.
• Proficiency in computers, Microsoft Project, Word, Excel and Outlook, and CMiC.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, and reach.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or climb.
• Lift 10 lbs.
• Extensive 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.
• Repetitive use of keyboard and mouse, extensive reading from documents and computer.
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours and flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends.
• Willingness and ability to travel.

Work Environment

• The 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.
• Will be exposed to outside weather elements while in the field.
• May be exposed to loud noises, fumes, and/or airborne particles while in the field.
• Dress, including proper PPE, is conducive to a building construction environment.

Alston 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.