Operations Manager - In Plant/Special Projects - NexGen Contracting

NexGen is looking for an Operations Manager - In Plant/Special Projects to join our team! 

Why NexGen?

Gray is a fully integrated, global service provider deeply rooted in engineering, design, and construction, along with smart manufacturing and equipment manufacturing services. NexGen is our self-performing Construction Division. Gray is consistently ranked as a leader in the industry, we focus on the following markets for domestic and international customers: Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, Automotive, Distribution, Mission Critical, and Commercial.

Founded in 1960, Gray’s robust offering enables us to create one-of-a-kind solutions at the highest levels of customization, delivering unmatched precision and partnership to some of the world’s most sophisticated organizations. Still, these areas don’t define Gray—our people do. Passion, commitment, and a great team spirit all speak to the team members at Gray.

Why Gray?

Gray is a fully integrated, global service provider deeply rooted in engineering, design, and construction, along with smart manufacturing and equipment manufacturing services. Consistently ranked as a leader in the industry, we focus on the following markets for domestic and international customers: Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, Automotive, Distribution, Mission Critical, and Commercial.

Founded in 1960, Gray’s robust offering enables us to create one-of-a-kind solutions at the highest levels of customization, delivering unmatched precision and partnership to some of the world’s most sophisticated organizations. Still, these areas don’t define Gray—our people do. Passion, commitment, and a great team spirit all speak to the team members at Gray.

Position Overview:
The Operations Manager is a critical role that is responsible for overseeing multiple in-plant and industrial maintenance projects from proposal to completion. This role sits between the Business Unit Leader and the Project Manager/Superintendent on projects.  The role requires a highly skilled individual with deep industry knowledge, strong leadership abilities, and the capability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. The Operations Manager ensures that all project goals are met, including safety, quality, and team performance, across multiple projects. This role demands a proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment, is eager to learn and grow, and is driven to exceed expectations while fostering teamwork and professional development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee safety compliance and foster a culture of safety-first.
• Manage multiple project management teams from an Operations standpoint.  Following a successful project pursuit, “own” the operational execution of projects from planning to mobilization, to execution, to close out. 
• Facilitate an atmosphere of problem solving and solution seeking, successfully navigating project teams toward mutually beneficial outcomes for NexGen and our customers.
• Manage job cost spread, oversee and track project estimates, and financial aspects to ensure profitability across multiple projects.
• Conduct detailed project health reviews, focusing on safety, quality, schedule, and financials, at a regular cadence.
• Proactively manage resource planning and allocation across multiple projects – including labor, equipment, and support resources. 
• Monitor project progress, oversee production analysis, communicate, and implement necessary changes.
• Conduct detailed project cost reporting and financial management.
• Monitor the AP and AR management process.
• Manage change order processes, including notification, tracking, and cost management.
• Serve as the primary coordinator with general contractors/owners, ensuring clear communication and successful partnerships.
• Assist with divisional reporting efforts, including detailed documentation of field time, productivity, materials, safety, and other critical aspects.
• Resolve project hurdles and negotiate with stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
• Perform routine job walks of project sites and interface regularly with all levels of field personnel.
• Timely and consistent attendance at all meetings is required.
• Assist the preconstruction team with project pursuits and proposal efforts.
• Must be able to travel up to 50% of the time (in-state and out-of-state).
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Construction Management (or closely related field), and 10 years of industry experience with a proven track record in project management or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• In lieu of the above requirements, 10+ years of relevant experience may be considered.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a plus but not required
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, Project, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Procore, Bluebeam, CMIC, or similar project management software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead teams and present to stakeholders.

• Ability to work extended hours as required by projects schedules or urgent circumstances.

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective planning, resource management, and project scheduling skills.
• Attention to detail with a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
• Ability to navigate complex construction schedules and identify potential issues proactively.
• Dedication to promoting and ensuring workplace safety.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the team member is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and arms, reach, and talk or hear.  They are regularly required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.  Must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 lbs, and occasionally lift or move up to 100 lbs.  Specific vision abilities include accurate near and distant vision.

Frequently in a normal office environment where noise level is moderate and temperature/humidity is controlled.  Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, and outside weather conditions.  May be exposed to high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, extreme cold and/or heat, risk of electrical shock, explosives and vibrations.  Noise level on the job site is normally moderate to loud.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position will have supervisory responsibilities over In Plant and Special Project - Project Managers and Superintendents. 

EEO Disclaimer

Gray is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes everyone to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

#NexGen

#LI-MS1