Director of Operations

JOB SUMMARY

At RoadGuard, we protect people and infrastructure. As Director of Operations, you’ll lead field execution and project management across the Western region, driving safety, operational consistency, and financial performance while building teams as dependable as the infrastructure we protect.

The Director of Operations leads daily operations and PMO functions across multiple regions to ensure safe, profitable, and efficient delivery. This role manages operational execution and financial oversight of concurrent roadway safety projects through field crews, project managers, superintendents, and regional leaders while advancing operational maturity and preparing the business for scale.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Field Leadership & Execution: Lead regional operations team delivering concurrent roadway safety projects. Empower field crews, superintendents, and regional leaders to own execution and deliver results safely, profitably, and on time. Put people first by creating safe working conditions and investing in team development.
2. Project Management Office (PMO) Leadership: Oversee project management including scheduling, resource allocation, budget tracking, and stakeholder communication. Ensure projects flow seamlessly from award through closeout with clear visibility into performance, margins, and risk.
3. Financial Acumen & Performance Management: Own operational budgets, project margins, and P&L performance. Use data and financial analysis to uncover opportunities, drive accountability, and course-correct in real-time. Demonstrate strong project-level financial management including cost control, change orders, and revenue recognition.
4. Operational Excellence & Scalability: Deploy lean process improvements that simplify complexity, boost efficiency, and ensure accountability. Champion scalable systems that enable growth without sacrificing speed or quality.
5. People Development & Workforce Agility: Build high-performance field and PMO teams. Identify and grow emerging leaders, support frontline agility, and partner with HR to ensure the right skills in the right place.
6. Cross-Functional Impact: Connect Sales, Estimating, Engineering, Safety, and Supply Chain. Remove barriers, accelerate resolution, and ensure alignment. Deliver clear project documentation, updates, and reports to all stakeholders.
7. Estimating, Bidding & Contract Authority: Create and finalize project estimates, and review and approve subcontracts as part of project development. Execute and submit bids, in person or electronically, and attend pre-bid meetings to engage stakeholders and ensure thorough preparation, representing the company’s interests. Exercise all other authorities vested in the role through the company’s delegation of authority policies.
8. Safety & Compliance: Embed culture of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. Ensure adherence to OSHA standards, traffic control requirements, and roadway safety regulations.

OTHER DUTIES

• Manage internal communications and change management for operational initiatives
• Visit project sites regularly (~30% travel throughout West region) to monitor operations, address client concerns, attend pre-bid meetings, and build team morale
• Participate in strategic planning and business development as needed
• Perform other related duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Strong financial acumen with demonstrated ability to manage project budgets, margins, and P&L performance
• Operational leadership and field execution skills
• Data-driven decision-making with analytical capabilities
• Experience leading project management functions and teams
• Demonstrated experience with lean principles and continuous improvement
• Proficient in operations systems, project management tools, and financial analysis
• Clear communicator capable of aligning diverse teams to common goals
• Proven ability to improve performance metrics through leadership and coaching
• Skilled in managing change and building engagement
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software (Procore, Smartsheet, MS Project)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Construction Management, Operations, Engineering, or related field
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in construction, field operations, or industrial services
• At least 5 years in operational leadership with demonstrated project management responsibility
• Demonstrated financial acumen through project management, operations leadership, or equivalent experience
• Valid driver’s license and must be able to qualify as driver under company/insurance requirements

Preferred

• Experience in the construction or guardrail/roadway safety industry
• Proven track record implementing lean principles and continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience managing geographically dispersed operations across multiple regions
• Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, Lean Six Sigma, OSHA)

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to travel approximately 30% throughout the Western region
• Regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, and use hands and fingers to operate computers, telephones, printers, and keyboards
• Must be able to use vision to read documents and use computer screens
• Must be able to lift at least 75 pounds occasionally
• Work conducted in both office environments and construction sites with exposure to heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions with moderate to high noise levels where hearing protection is often required; exposure to active roadway environments and traffic control zones

US pay range for this role. 171500 - 255000 USD