Director of Field Operations - Tonawanda, New York, United States

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Field Operations (Industrial Services) to lead our millwrighting, rigging, and equipment installation operations. In this critical leadership role, you will oversee Project Managers, Superintendents, and Foremen to ensure th ...

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Field Operations (Industrial Services) to lead our millwrighting, rigging, and equipment installation operations. In this critical leadership role, you will oversee Project Managers, Superintendents, and Foremen to ensure the safe, high-quality, and on-budget delivery of projects. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the Field Services department by driving operational excellence, improving efficiency, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

This position works in close partnership with the Vice President of Operations to establish and execute both short- and long-term department goals. If you are a collaborative leader with strong business acumen and deep operational experience in construction services, we want to hear from you.

Relocation support may be available for the right candidate and will be provided as a limited relocation reimbursement to help offset eligible moving expenses.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with the Vice President of Operations to develop and execute department strategies, goals, business plans, budgets, and KPIs.

• Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement of processes, procedures, and systems.

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies.

• Implement performance metrics to measure efficiency, quality, and profitability.

Operational Execution

• Lead, mentor, and manage Project Managers, Superintendents, and Foremen to ensure projects are executed safely, on time, within scope, and within budget.

• Oversee project performance, identify risks, and support Project Managers in developing mitigation strategies.

• Partner with the Safety Director to uphold safety standards and ensure OSHA compliance on job sites.

• Partner with the Dispatch Director to ensure proper allocation of personnel and equipment.

• Review and approve all Field Service bids, contracts, and project financials.

• Monitor job costs, profitability, invoicing, and financial performance.

• Cultivate communication and collaboration across teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and customers.

• Identify business development opportunities with existing and new clients.

• Manage customer/vendor disputes and oversee site visits to ensure quality and compliance.

Team Management & Development

• Promote a positive, collaborative, and safety-focused culture.

• Recruit, train, mentor, and motivate a high-performing Field Services team.

• Conduct performance evaluations, set goals, and support employee development.

• Recognize excellence and provide constructive feedback to drive team growth.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement improvement solutions.

• Champion new technologies, best practices, and process innovations.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to implement automation and digital tools.

• Foster a culture of creativity, efficiency, and cost optimization.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; Master's degree preferred. Equivalent experience may substitute for education.

• Proven experience in operations management within the construction services industry.

• Strong knowledge of construction operations, project management, and industry best practices.

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams.

• Strong business acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial management.

• Preferred: Knowledge of rigging, steel erection, equipment installation, and union trades.

• Professional certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma are a plus.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, contracts, regulations, and technical documents.

• Strong analytical and mathematical capabilities, including cost estimating.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, stay organized, and make sound decisions.

• Proficiency with standard office software (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).

• Ability to evaluate data, draw conclusions, and provide recommendations.

Physical Requirements

• Office: Frequent computer use, close vision, and typical office activities.

• Field/Shop: Ability to perform physically demanding tasks (lifting, climbing, crawling) in challenging environments without accessibility accommodations.

Work Environment

• Office: Standard office environment with moderate noise and climate control.

• Field/Shop: Active construction and industrial environments-dirty, noisy, non-climate-controlled, and potentially hazardous.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to lead a critical division with high visibility and strategic impact

• Work with a strong leadership team committed to operational excellence

• Competitive compensation and benefits package

• Culture grounded in safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement

Keywords:

Project Executive, Senior Project Executive, Director of Operations, Director of Field Operations, Field Services, Industrial Services, Project Delivery, Project Management, Field Operations, Construction Operations, Millwright, Rigging, Equipment Installation, Heavy Industrial, Industrial Construction, Mechanical Contracting, Turnaround, Shutdown, Plant Maintenance, Capital Projects, Site Superintendent, General Superintendent, Field Superintendent, Foreman, Safety Leadership, Job Costing, Budgeting, Cost Control, P&L, Profitability, Resource Planning, Scheduling, Workforce Planning, Estimating, Bid Review, Contract Review, Change Orders, Risk Management, Subcontractor Management, Quality Control, Client Relationship Management, ERP, CMMS, MS Project, Primavera, Procore, Bluebeam, Work Orders