What Does An Operations Manager Do In Construction?

In this blog, I want to dive into a key role in construction that is often misunderstood: the Operations Manager. I’ve talked before about Project Directors and Project Executives, but now it’s time to discuss what it takes to excel as an Operations Manager. Having worked at Hensel Phelps for many years, I’ve had the unique opportunity to see this role in action, and I believe I have an edge in explaining what makes it so crucial to the success of a construction company.

An Operations Manager is no ordinary position. It’s an executive-level role that requires a unique combination of skills: sales, networking, project oversight, resource management, and more. It’s like being the CEO of multiple projects, and it’s not for the faint of heart. In this blog, we’re going to break down the responsibilities of an Operations Manager, from ensuring projects stay on time to managing resources and overseeing pre-construction.

1. Overseeing All Projects

One of the main responsibilities of an Operations Manager is project oversight. Whether it’s managing a single project or a portfolio of projects, the Operations Manager ensures everything runs smoothly. If your projects are delayed, it’s on you to fix it. This role demands accountability at every step of the construction process. If you’re not ensuring deadlines are met, you’re not doing your job.

2. Managing Resource Allocation

Operations Managers also act as resource brokers. You’re not just managing people—you’re responsible for hiring the right team members, selecting trade partners, and securing resources for every phase of the project. It’s your job to make sure every project team has what it needs to succeed, just like a CEO ensures their company has the tools it needs to thrive.

3. Monthly Check-Ins

Great Operations Managers conduct monthly check-ins with their projects. These check-ins include financial forecasting, reviewing project status reports, and ensuring that everything is on track from a budgetary standpoint. It’s not just about cutting costs—it’s about strategically allocating resources to maximize project profitability.

4. Ensuring Quality and Safety

As an Operations Manager, you set the standard for quality and safety. You’re not on the job site every day, but you hold your project managers and superintendents accountable for maintaining the highest standards. If they don’t meet those expectations, it’s your responsibility to step in and correct it.

5. Client Relations

Operations Managers are the primary point of contact for clients. You need to be people-focused, always checking in, addressing concerns, and being available to the client whenever needed. This role requires excellent soft skills and the ability to influence and build strong relationships with both the project team and the client.

6. Solving Problems

Finally, the Operations Manager is the ultimate problem-solver. When issues arise that can’t be resolved by the project team, it’s up to you to step in and handle them. Whether it’s a resource conflict or a major delay, you’re the one responsible for finding solutions and keeping the project on track.

Conclusion

Being an Operations Manager in construction is no small feat. It requires a deep understanding of the industry, the ability to juggle multiple projects, and the skills to manage people, resources, and relationships. If you want to excel in this role, you need to be a builder—someone who not only manages but actively participates in the success of each project.