We are seeking a highly driven and results-oriented General Manager to lead and oversee field operations within a growing horizontal construction organization. This individual will be responsible for managing daily operations, driving operational excellence, developing business opportunities, and ensuring the successful execution of projects while maintaining a strong focus on safety, profitability, quality, and client satisfaction.
The ideal candidate is a firm but fair leader who possesses exceptional emotional intelligence, strong business acumen, and a proven ability to motivate teams while holding them accountable for performance. This role requires a strategic thinker capable of balancing operational execution with long-term growth initiatives and business development efforts.
Key Responsibilities:Operational Leadership:- Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for multiple horizontal construction projects, including utility installation, site development, civil infrastructure, roadway construction, underground utilities, and related operations.
- Direct and support Project Managers, Superintendents, Foremen, and field personnel to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to quality standards.
- Develop and implement operational processes, procedures, and best practices that improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
- Monitor project performance metrics, labor productivity, equipment utilization, and resource allocation to maximize operational effectiveness.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, client requirements, regulatory standards, and safety programs.
Financial & P&L Management:- Maintain full Profit & Loss responsibility for assigned business units, regions, or operational divisions.
- Develop, manage, and forecast operational budgets, labor costs, equipment expenditures, and project financial performance.
- Review project cost reports, job profitability, revenue forecasts, and operational KPIs to ensure financial objectives are achieved.
- Identify and implement cost-control initiatives while maintaining quality and operational integrity.
- Drive accountability throughout the organization regarding financial performance and project execution.
Business Development & Client Relations:- Collaborate with executive leadership to identify and pursue new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and market expansion initiatives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, municipalities, utility companies, engineering firms, and industry stakeholders.
- Participate in proposal development, estimating reviews, contract negotiations, and client presentations.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to customers by ensuring exceptional project delivery and responsiveness.
- Support revenue growth through repeat business, customer retention, and operational excellence.
Leadership & Talent Development:- Lead, mentor, coach, and develop high-performing teams across field and office operations.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development.
- Conduct performance evaluations, succession planning, workforce planning, and leadership development initiatives.
- Promote a positive workplace culture built on trust, transparency, respect, and operational excellence.
- Effectively manage employee relations matters with professionalism, consistency, and fairness.
Safety & Risk Management:- Champion a safety-first culture throughout all operations.
- Ensure adherence to OSHA regulations, company safety policies, environmental requirements, and client-specific safety standards.
- Participate in incident investigations, corrective action planning, and risk mitigation efforts.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing incidents and enhancing overall workplace safety.
Requirements- 7+ years of progressive experience within horizontal construction, civil construction, underground utilities, infrastructure, pipeline, site development, roadway, or related industries.
- Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience managing multiple crews, projects, departments, or operational business units.
- Demonstrated experience with P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial accountability.
- Proven track record of leading large-scale operational teams while consistently achieving project and financial objectives.
- Experience supporting business development efforts and cultivating client relationships.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:- Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire, influence, and hold teams accountable.
- Exceptional emotional intelligence, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational execution.
- Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and decision-making capabilities.
- Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
- Comprehensive understanding of construction operations, scheduling, project controls, workforce management, and resource planning.
- Proficiency with construction management software, project scheduling tools, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Leadership Profile:The successful candidate is:- A firm but fair leader who earns respect through consistency, integrity, and accountability.
- Highly driven, competitive, and results-oriented.
- Emotionally intelligent and capable of building strong relationships at all organizational levels.
- Decisive under pressure while maintaining professionalism and sound judgment.
- Passionate about developing people, improving operations, and growing the business.
- Committed to creating a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.
BenefitsCompensation & Benefits:Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including performance-based incentives, vehicle allowance, comprehensive benefits, retirement savings opportunities, paid time off, and professional development programs.
