Position Summary The Director of Operations - Water is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Five Star Infrastructure Services' water construction activities. This position will provide leadership to, superintendents, foremen, and field personnel while ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with customer requirements.
The Director will work closely with the Vice President - Water and other members of the leadership team to coordinate estimating, project startup, field execution, staffing, equipment, subcontractors, and customer relationships.
This is a hands-on operational leadership position requiring a strong understanding of underground water construction, , field operations, and team leadership. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in the field, solving problems, holding teams accountable, and developing strong relationships with customers and employees.
Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership - Oversee day-to-day operations of water construction projects, including water main installation, lead service remediation, and related underground utility work.
- Provide leadership and direction to, superintendents, foremen, and field crews.
- Ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and in accordance with contract requirements.
- Monitor project progress, production, staffing, equipment, materials, and overall field performance.
- Identify operational challenges and work with project teams to develop practical solutions.
- Conduct regular project and field reviews to identify opportunities for improved productivity and execution.
- Promote consistent operating procedures and best practices across water projects.
- Coordinate with estimating and project management teams during project turnover and startup.
- Assist with workforce planning and deployment of field personnel based on project needs.
Project & Financial Management - Monitor project efficiency, including labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and other project costs.
- Work with Project Managers and the Vice President - Water to maintain project profitability and minimize unnecessary costs.
- Review project budgets, forecasts, production reports, and financial performance.
- Identify potential cost overruns and work with project teams to develop corrective actions.
- Assist with estim ating, annual planning, forecasting, and operational budgeting for the Water division.
- Ensure accurate and timely project reporting.
- Review change orders, extra work, and other opportunities to ensure work is properly documented and captured.
Safety & Quality - Promote and reinforce Five Star's safety-first culture throughout water operations.
- Ensure field operations comply with company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and applicable local and state regulations.
- Partner with the Safety team to address safety concerns, incidents, and corrective actions.
- Promote quality workmanship and ensure projects meet customer specifications and applicable standards.
- Conduct or participate in regular safety, quality, and operational meetings.
- Hold field leadership accountable for maintaining safe and productive work environments.
Customer & Municipal Relationships - Develop and maintain positive working relationships with customers, municipalities, inspectors, engineers, and other project stakeholders.
- Participate in customer meetings and project reviews as needed.
- Address customer concerns and assist project teams in resolving issues quickly and professionally.
- Support the Vice President - Water in developing and maintaining key customer relationships.
- Help identify opportunities for additional work with existing customers.
- Represent Five Star professionally in meetings with municipalities, customers, and industry partners.
Field Operations & Resource Management - Monitor utilization of labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractors across water projects.
- Work with operations leadership to ensure projects are properly staffed and resourced.
- Assist with equipment planning, fleet utilization, and maintenance needs.
- Coordinate with purchasing and other internal departments to ensure materials and resources are available when needed.
- Evaluate subcontractor performance and address productivity, quality, or compliance issues.
- Promote efficient production methods and effective use of company resources.
Leadership & Team Development - Lead by example and establish a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and performance.
- Develop and mentor Regional Operations Managers, Superintendents, Foremen, and other field leaders.
- Assist with recruiting and onboarding key water operations personnel.
- Identify training and development opportunities for employees.
- Provide regular coaching and performance feedback to direct reports.
- Build strong relationships with field employees and demonstrate a visible presence in the field.
- Encourage communication and collaboration between field operations, project management, estimating, safety, and accounting.
Business Development Support - Support the Vice President - Water and Business Development team in identifying new project opportunities.
- Maintain awareness of market activity and upcoming municipal water projects.
- Participate in customer and pre-bid meetings when appropriate.
- Provide operational input regarding project scope, staffing, equipment, production expectations, and constructability.
- Assist estimating teams with field knowledge and project execution assumptions.
Candidate Profile Leadership & Culture - Hands-on, approachable leader who is comfortable working with both field personnel and management.
- Strong commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and customer service.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
- Ability to make sound decisions and solve problems in a fast-paced construction environment.
- Comfortable holding employees and project teams accountable for performance.
- Ability to build productive relationships with municipalities, customers, subcontractors, and employees.
Qualifications - 10+ years of experience in underground utility construction, water construction, or a closely related field.
- Prior experience managing or supervising water construction projects and field operations.
- Strong knowledge of water main installation, replacement, and underground construction practices.
- Demonstrated history of working with Union workforce.
- Prior experience leading Superintendents, Foremen, or field crews preferred.
- Demonstrated understanding of construction scheduling, production, labor management, and project costs.
- Experience working with municipalities, engineers, inspectors, or utility customers preferred.
- Strong understanding of construction safety practices and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Ability to read and understand construction plans, specifications, and project documentation.
- Experience with construction/project management software such as Vitruvi or similar platforms preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred but not required with equivalent experience.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project locations as needed.
