Director of Operations in Forest Park, Georgia at Cleveland Carter Enterprises, Inc

Location: Forest Park, GA (Full-Time, On-Site/ Job Site Based)
Reports To: President/ CEO/ Executive Leadership
Direct Reports: Field Supervisors, Foremen, Program/Project Managers, Office/Administrative Staff

Cleveland Carter Enterprises, Inc. (CCE) is a leading underground utilities construction company specializing in 24/7 emergency sewer and water repair, waterline installation, bypass pumping, and sewer and water services. CCE is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient utility solutions that protect infrastructure, support communities and stand the test of time.

Our work is built on the values of Safety, Teamwork, Commitment, Accountability, Customer Service, and Excellence. We believe successful projects require strong leadership, disciplined execution, effective communication, and a commitment to doing the job right.

Position Summary:
The Director of Operations is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for CCE's field and project operations. This position oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of daily operations to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with CCE standards and customer expectations.
The Director of Operations works closely with executive leadership, project management, field supervision, administrative personnel, customers, vendors, and subcontractors to ensure resources are properly allocated and operational objectives are achieved. This position is responsible for identifying operational challenges, improving processes, strengthening team performance, monitoring project and financial performance, and ensuring accountability throughout the organization.
This is a hands-on leadership role — the Director of Operations is expected to be regularly present at active job sites, not solely office-based, and to bring direct technical credibility to field operations. Minimum 10 years of experience installing water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage infrastructure - including pipe bedding, jointing, and backfill compaction per project specifications are REQUIRED.

Essential Responsibilities:
Operations Management
Direct and oversee daily field and operational activities to support successful project execution Establish priorities, workflows, schedules, and operational procedures that promote efficiency and accountability
Coordinate manpower, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and other resources to meet project requirements
Monitor project progress and address operational issues that may affect schedule, cost, quality, or customer satisfaction
Ensure operational policies and procedures are consistently communicated, implemented, and followed Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, control costs, and strengthen operational performance

Leadership and Team Management
Provide leadership, direction, and accountability to field supervisors, foremen, project teams, and other operational personnel
Establish clear performance expectations and promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professionalism
Coach and develop managers and field leadership to strengthen their technical, operational, and leadership capabilities
Partner with Human Resources and executive leadership regarding staffing, performance management, employee development, and workforce planning
Support recruitment and retention efforts by identifying operational staffing needs and maintaining appropriate workforce levels
Promote effective communication and collaboration between field and office teams

Project and Financial Oversight
Monitor project performance, labor utilization, equipment usage, material costs, and other operational expenses
Review operational and project metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement
Support project profitability by maintaining effective cost-control practices and ensuring resources are used efficiently
Collaborate with leadership on budgeting, forecasting, staffing, equipment needs, and operational planning Evaluate operational performance against established goals and take corrective action when necessary
Ensure projects are properly resourced and operational decisions support company financial objectives

Safety, Quality and Compliance
Promote and maintain a strong safety-first culture throughout all CCE operations
Ensure field operations comply with applicable safety regulations, company policies, project requirements, and industry standards
Partner with leadership to identify safety risks and implement corrective and preventive measures
Ensure work is performed in accordance with CCE quality standards and customer specifications Support incident reporting, investigations, corrective actions, and continuous safety improvement
Hold operational personnel accountable for compliance with safety, quality, and company standards
Customer and Vendor Relations
Develop and maintain professional relationships with customers, vendors, subcontractors, inspectors, and other project stakeholders
Serve as a senior operational point of contact for resolving project concerns and service issues Ensure customer commitments are communicated effectively to operational teams and fulfilled timely
Assist leadership with contract, vendor, and customer discussions when operational expertise is required
Address escalated operational concerns professionally and work toward timely, sustainable solutions

Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement
Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute short- and long-term operational strategies Evaluate current processes and implement improvements that increase efficiency, productivity, safety, and profitability
Establish and monitor key operational performance indicators
Identify recurring operational challenges and develop sustainable solutions
Support organizational growth by developing scalable processes, procedures, and leadership structures
Stay informed of industry trends, construction practices, technology, and operational best practices

Required Qualifications:
Minimum 10 years of experience installing water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage infrastructure, including pipe bedding, jointing, and backfill compaction per project specifications
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education, training, and significant industry experience may be considered
Demonstrated experience managing field operations and leading multi-functional teams, including superintendents, foremen, program/project managers, and office staff
Strong knowledge of underground utility construction operations, scheduling, resource allocation, and project execution
Experience with budgeting, cost control, project profitability, and operational performance metrics Knowledge of applicable safety regulations, compliance requirements, and industry best practices, including OSHA excavation and trenching standards
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to make sound decisions in time-sensitive situations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects, deadlines, and operational demands Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other business or project management systems
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced construction environment and respond to operational needs as required

Physical and Work Environment
This is an on-site leadership position based in Forest Park, Georgia Regular travel to active project sites is required
Ability to work in an active construction environment and visit job sites as needed, including areas with open excavations
May be required to work extended hours, weekends, or respond to operational issues outside of normal business hours based on project and business needs
Must be able to communicate effectively with employees, customers, vendors, and leadership in both office and field environments

Performance Expectations:
The Director of Operations is expected to lead with professionalism, integrity, accountability, and sound judgment while consistently supporting CCE's mission, vision, and core values.
Success in this position will be measured by the ability to: Maintain safe and compliant operations
Improve operational efficiency and productivity
Support projects being completed on schedule and within budget Improve resource utilization and cost control
Develop strong field and operational leadership Maintain high standards of quality and customer service Identify and resolve operational issues proactively Support sustainable company growth and profitability

Core Values Alignment
CCE is looking for a leader who embodies:
Safety — Leads by example and prioritizes safe work practices in every operational decision Teamwork — Builds collaboration between field, office, leadership, customers, and vendors
Commitment — Demonstrates dedication to project success, company goals, and customer expectations Accountability — Establishes clear expectations and takes ownership of operational performance and results
Customer Service — Maintains strong professional relationships and responds effectively to customer needs
Excellence — Continuously seeks opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, productivity, and overall performance