Senior Project Manager/Vice President of Operations-Heavy Civil

About the Company

Our client is a privately held, full-service heavy civil and highway construction contractor based in Wisconsin. Founded in 2006, the company has grown to approximately 200 employees and generates roughly $100 million in annual revenue.

The organization has built a strong reputation for delivering complex infrastructure and site development projects throughout the region. Its diverse capabilities include transportation infrastructure, large-scale site development, underground utilities, specialized civil construction, and seasonal winter services.

Core Services

• Transportation Infrastructure: WisDOT roadways, highway construction, complex intersections, and airport grading
• Site Development: Commercial parks, residential subdivisions, industrial facilities, data centers, and power plants
• Underground Utilities: Storm sewer, water mains, and complete utility installation
• Specialty Civil Construction: Landfill cells, mine development, environmental cleanup, lake and pond dredging, and golf course shaping
• Winter Services: Commercial snow removal and bulk hauling

About the Position

The Senior Project Manager / Vice President of Operations is a high-impact leadership opportunity designed for an experienced heavy civil professional who can lead major projects today and assume responsibility for the company's overall operations in the future.

Initially, the Senior Project Manager will oversee complex heavy civil projects involving mass excavation, underground utilities, DOT work, and commercial and industrial site development. The position will also provide leadership to Project Managers, Project Engineers, Superintendents, and field teams.

The successful candidate will have a defined path toward becoming Vice President of Operations within approximately 12–18 months, based on performance and demonstrated readiness. In the VP role, the individual will assume responsibility for company-wide project management and field operations.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Operational Leadership

• Manage heavy civil projects from preconstruction through completion, ensuring work is delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, forecasts, billing, cost controls, and profitability.
• Lead Project Managers, Project Engineers, Superintendents, and field crews.
• Coordinate manpower, equipment, subcontractors, materials, and project resources.
• Monitor project performance and take corrective action when necessary.

Financial & Contract Management

• Track project costs, forecasts, billing, and financial performance.
• Manage owner changes, change orders, subcontractor payments, and contractual obligations.
• Review estimates, schedules, and project financial projections.
• Ensure projects achieve or exceed established profit expectations.

Client & Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, state and local agencies, engineers, subcontractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Serve as a senior point of contact for clients and resolve project challenges quickly and professionally.
• Participate in project negotiations, presentations, and key client meetings.

Team & Safety Leadership

• Develop and mentor project management and field personnel.
• Promote a strong company-wide safety culture.
• Establish clear expectations for project execution, accountability, and performance.
• Earn the trust and respect of field teams while providing decisive leadership.

Path to Vice President of Operations

During the first 12–18 months, the selected candidate will gain an increasingly broad understanding of company operations, including:

• Company-wide project management
• Field operations
• Equipment and fleet utilization
• Safety programs
• Staffing and resource allocation
• Financial and operational performance
• Strategic planning and business execution

Upon successful completion of established performance objectives, the candidate will transition into the Vice President of Operations role, directing the company's project management and field operations.

Requirements

• 10–15 years of experience in heavy civil construction project management.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Proven success delivering large and complex heavy civil projects safely and profitably.
• Experience with mass excavation, underground utilities, DOT/highway construction, and commercial or industrial site development.
• Strong understanding of construction scheduling, estimating, contracts, and project financial management.
• Advanced proficiency with construction scheduling and project management software.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts and contract administration.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop Project Managers, Project Engineers, Superintendents, and field personnel.
• Ability to build effective relationships with owners, government agencies, engineers, subcontractors, and employees.
• Willingness to travel periodically to regional job sites.

Performance Expectations for VP Advancement

The transition to Vice President of Operations will be based on demonstrated performance, including:

• Safety: Consistently maintain exceptional safety performance across managed operations.
• Profitability: Meet or exceed established project profit margins.
• Leadership: Earn the confidence of field personnel, project teams, and executive leadership.
• Operational Readiness: Demonstrate the ability to effectively oversee company-wide project management and field operations.

Benefits

• $150,000–$180,000 base salary, depending on experience and qualifications
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
• 3 weeks PTO
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Defined career path to Vice President of Operations