Operations Manager - Construction

Position Summary

Studebaker Electric, Inc. is medium sized contractor in the Public Works division. We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager responsible for the financial performance and operational oversight of all active projects managed through Studebaker Electric's Loomis and Richmond offices. This position serves as the primary link between Project Management, Operations, and Accounting to ensure accurate forecasting, cost control, billing, revenue recognition, and overall project profitability.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive public works construction experience, strong financial acumen, and the ability to lead project teams while maintaining a high-level perspective of company-wide project performance. This individual will work closely with executive leadership, project managers, project engineers, superintendents, and accounting personnel to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, profitably, and in accordance with contract requirements.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide senior-level oversight and leadership for multiple public works projects and project teams operating throughout the Loomis and Richmond regions.
• Monitor overall project performance, financial status, resource allocation, risk exposure, and operational execution across assigned projects.
• Lead project managers and project engineers by providing mentorship, guidance, accountability, and professional development.
• Analyze project budgets, cost reports, labor productivity, equipment utilization, subcontract performance, and material expenditures.
• Develop and maintain accurate cost-to-complete projections, revenue forecasts, and final cost projections throughout the lifecycle of each project.
• Review project financials regularly to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and corrective actions necessary to maintain profitability.
• Collaborate with accounting and executive leadership to manage cash flow, billing, collections, job costing, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Oversee project buyout strategies, subcontract administration, procurement activities, and change management processes.
• Maintain strong relationships with owners, general contractors, public agencies, subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Conduct project reviews and jobsite visits to evaluate progress, schedule adherence, safety performance, quality control, and overall project health.
• Support executive leadership with strategic planning, workload forecasting, staffing recommendations, and operational initiatives.

Qualifications & Skills Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive project management experience in Public Works construction required.
• Strong background managing electrical infrastructure, underground utilities, transportation, roadway, airport, traffic signal, or heavy civil construction projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects simultaneously with responsibility for overall financial performance and project profitability.
• Advanced understanding of construction accounting principles, job costing, budgeting, forecasting, earned revenue, work-in-progress reporting, and cost-to-complete analysis.
• Proven ability to forecast final project costs and identify financial risks early in project execution.
• Experience managing and mentoring Project Managers, Project Engineers, and field leadership teams.
• Strong understanding of public works contracting requirements, specifications, and agency standards including Caltrans, FAA, municipalities, counties, PG&E, SMUD, and other utility agencies.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel capabilities.
• Experience with Foundation Accounting Software or similar construction accounting platforms preferred.
• Experience with HCSS software is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel regularly between company offices and project sites.
• Valid California Driver's License required.

Preferred Attributes

• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance high-level operational oversight with detailed financial analysis.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of construction profitability drivers.
• Effective leader who can build accountability, collaboration, and performance across multiple teams.
• Results-oriented professional capable of managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Committed to safety, quality, client satisfaction, and continuous improvement.

Why Join Studebaker Electric?

Studebaker Electric is a growing public works electrical contractor specializing in transportation infrastructure, underground utilities, traffic systems, airport lighting, and complex electrical construction projects throughout California. We offer a collaborative environment, long-term career growth opportunities, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to help shape the future success of our organization.