Director of Field Operations

Description

We are seeking an experienced, results-driven Director of Field Operations to lead field execution, site operations, and installation activities for our growing modular construction business. Based in Chicago, this individual will oversee the successful delivery of modular construction projects from factory completion and transportation through site preparation, module setting, installation, commissioning, and project turnover.

The Director of Field Operations will be responsible for building and leading high-performing field teams, coordinating with internal departments and external trade partners, maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards, and ensuring projects are delivered on schedule and within budget.

This role requires a hands-on construction leader who understands the unique demands of modular construction, including the integration of off-site manufacturing with traditional on-site construction, crane and rigging operations, logistics planning, and the sequencing of multiple trades.

The ideal candidate combines strategic operational leadership with practical field experience, strong financial and project management skills, and the ability to scale field operations as the company grows.

Requirements

• Direct all field operations across active modular construction projects throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and other designated markets.
• Establish consistent standards, procedures, and best practices for site mobilization, installation, field coordination, and project closeout.
• Develop and manage field staffing plans, including superintendents, site managers, installation crews, subcontractors, and specialty contractors.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and accountability to field personnel while fostering a culture of ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear reporting structures, performance expectations, and escalation procedures across all field operations.
• Conduct regular site visits to evaluate progress, address operational challenges, and ensure compliance with company standards.

• Oversee the delivery, staging, lifting, setting, fastening, weatherproofing, and integration of modular building components.
• Coordinate crane operations, rigging plans, delivery sequencing, site access, laydown areas, and installation logistics with project teams and specialty contractors.
• Ensure field readiness before modules leave the manufacturing facility, including verification of foundations, embeds, utilities, access, permits, and installation prerequisites.
• Coordinate the transition from factory production to transportation and on-site installation to minimize delays, damage, rework, and unnecessary handling.
• Work closely with manufacturing, engineering, project management, design, and procurement teams to resolve constructability issues and field conflicts.
• Oversee the integration of modular units with site-built foundations, structural systems, building envelopes, MEP systems, and interior and exterior finishes.
• Ensure projects progress efficiently from module placement through final installation, testing, commissioning, and owner acceptance.

• Develop and monitor field execution schedules in coordination with project management and manufacturing teams.
• Align labor availability, subcontractor mobilization, equipment, transportation, and material deliveries with project milestones.
• Identify schedule risks and implement recovery plans to protect critical-path activities and contractual completion dates.
• Manage field resources across multiple simultaneous projects, balancing staffing, equipment, and subcontractor capacity.
• Establish regular project reporting and performance reviews to track productivity, installation rates, schedule adherence, and outstanding work.
• Anticipate seasonal and weather-related challenges associated with construction in the Chicago and Midwest markets.

• Champion a proactive safety culture across all jobsites, with particular emphasis on crane lifts, rigging, work at height, material handling, and coordination among multiple trades.
• Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA requirements, local building codes, project specifications, and company safety policies.
• Coordinate with safety personnel and project leadership to conduct site inspections, toolbox talks, incident investigations, and corrective-action…