Senior Operations Manager / Director of Operations

WATERS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

NOW HIRING!

Job Title: Senior Operations Manager / Director of Operations – Heavy Civil Division

Location: Bridgeport, CT

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $200K–$220K + Performance Bonus + 10% Profit Sharing

Waters Construction is seeking a senior operational leader to serve as the second-in-command for our Heavy Civil Division, a ~$70M/year business with a strong growth trajectory.

This is a high-impact role working directly with the Vice President of Heavy Civil, focused on leading execution across our portfolio of active projects, while helping scale the division to its next level of performance.

About the Role:

You will take primary ownership of day-to-day operations across multiple heavy highway and civil construction projects during the core execution phase (approximately 5%–95% complete).

Your mission is to:

• Drive consistent, high-quality execution across all active jobs


• Lead and develop project managers and project teams


• Improve schedule performance, cost control, and accountability


• Build the operational systems needed to scale the division

This role enables the VP to focus on strategic priorities such as bidding, market expansion, and major risk management, while you ensure the work gets delivered efficiently and profitably.

What You’ll Be Responsible For:

• Leading day-to-day operations across multiple concurrent projects


• Directly managing Project Managers and influencing field leadership


• Driving performance in:
  
  
  
  • Schedule adherence
  
  
  • Cost control & job profitability
  
  
  • Subcontractor and vendor execution
  
  
  • Staffing and resource allocation
  
  
  • Running project reviews and ensuring follow-through on key actions
  
  
  • Identifying and correcting operational issues before they escalate
  
  
  • Strengthening coordination across operations, field, equipment, accounting, and leadership
  
  
  • Developing the next generation of PMs, superintendents, and leaders
  
  
  
  

What Success Looks Like:

• Projects run with less drift, stronger accountability, and better predictability


• The division can effectively manage:

• 
  
  
  
  • 10–12 active projects, plus
  
  
  • 5–6 in startup or closeout
  
  
  
  

• Improved profitability, execution consistency, and team development


• You become the go-to operational leader for keeping the division running smoothly


• 
  

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong background in heavy civil / highway construction


• Experience in operations, project management, or field leadership


• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously


• Deep understanding of:
  
  
  
  • Scheduling
  
  
  • Cost control
  
  
  • Field coordination
  
  
  • Project execution
  
  
  
  

• A leader who brings:
  
  
  
  • Accountability and follow-through
  
  
  • Sound judgment under pressure
  
  
  • Clear, direct communication
  
  
  • The ability to develop people and build teams
  
  
  
  

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base Salary: $200K – $220K


• Performance Bonus: Tied to company and division performance


• Profit Sharing: Up to 10% contribution to 401(k)


• Medical Insurance: Fully covered for the individual

Why This Role:

This is not a typical operations role. It’s an opportunity to:

• Take on division-level leadership responsibility


• Help scale a growing heavy civil business


• Work directly with senior leadership


• Position yourself for future executive-level opportunities

If you’re ready to lead from the front and drive real operational impact, we want to hear from you today!

Waters Construction is an equal opportunity employer.