Operations Manager at Ideal Construction – Staples, Minnesota

Build the Future of Asphalt/Paving Site Development, Join Ideal Construction as Operations Manager!

Position Title: Operations Manager
Company Name: Ideal Construction
Salary Range: $120,000$165,000 per year, based on experience + Commission + Performance Bonus
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: Staples, MN
Industry: Asphalt/Paving Site Development

Ideal Construction is seeking a transformative Operations Manager to lead operational execution across all paving and excavation projects. This role is critical in scaling the business from $8M to $50M+ in revenue while improving safety, quality, and profitability. The Operations Manager will translate strategic goals into on-the-ground results by optimizing people, systems, and processes across the organization.

Since 1958, we have remained the ideal company for quality construction in the Staples, MN area. As a family-run business, Ideal Construction is an asphalt, site development, and aggregate contractor company, servicing Residential, Commercial, and Government sectors. We keep our values close and emphasize integrity on every job site. From hauling dirt during excavating to road paving a neighborhood, we keep an old fashioned attitude of working hard and following our word. Learn more at www.idealconstructionmn.com.

• Operational Execution

  • Ensure all projects are completed on time, within budget, and to quality standards

  • Manage production planning, scheduling, and crew deployment

  • Set and meet key production benchmarks (tons/day, LF/day, CY/day)

• Production Planning & Capacity

  • Build weekly, monthly, and 90-day production plans

  • Align labor, equipment, and subcontractor resources with project demands

  • Proactively resolve capacity constraints

• Financial & Cost Control

  • Drive improvements in operational gross margin

  • Implement job cost tracking, labor productivity analysis, and equipment utilization strategies

  • Partner with finance for forecasting and cash flow planning

• Team Leadership & Development

  • Lead and mentor foremen, superintendents, and project managers

  • Develop scorecards, set expectations, and provide coaching

  • Build a leadership pipeline for long-term growth

• Systems & Process Optimization

  • Develop and implement SOPs for daily planning, project kickoff, and closeout

  • Lead adoption of digital tools for reporting and job costing

• Safety & Quality Management

  • Cultivate a zero-incident safety culture

  • Implement quality control standards and reduce warranty/rework costs

  • Improve insurance mod and risk mitigation practices

• Fleet Strategy

  • Manage equipment planning, maintenance, and replacement

  • Optimize availability and utilization to support business growth

• Cross-Department Coordination

  • Work closely with Sales, Estimating, and Accounting for seamless project handoffs

  • Lead pre-construction planning and post-job reviews

• Performance Tracking

  • Establish and manage KPIs for production, safety, and utilization

  • Conduct weekly operations reviews to drive accountability

• Organizational Change

  • Lead transition from reactive operations to scalable systems

  • Champion continuous improvement and culture evolution

• Experience

  • 10+ years in civil construction (paving/excavation)

  • 5+ years managing multi-crew operations

  • Proven track record of scaling teams and processes in $5M$30M+ businesses

• Skills

  • Operational leadership with financial acumen

  • Mastery of scheduling, cost control, and crew deployment

  • Proficient in digital tools and reporting systems

  • Safety, risk, and quality oversight

• Leadership Traits

  • Calm under pressure with high standards

  • Strategic, data-driven decision-maker

  • Builder mindset with a drive for continuous improvement

• Medical Insurance

• Paid Time Off

• Paid Parental Leave

• Retirement Savings Program

• Weekly Pay Cycle

• Paid Training and Certifications

• Safety Equipment Provided

• Referral Bonus Program

• Prevailing Wage Projects

• Full-Time

• MondayFriday

• Onsite Based in Minnesota

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

A background check will be completed as part of the onboarding process, in compliance with applicable laws.

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