Vice President, Operations Manager

The Vice President, Operations Manager is a key member of Jay Dee Contractors Inc. leadership team, responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational performance of all tunneling and underground construction projects. This role demands strong leadership, deep industry knowledge, and exceptional communication skills.

Strategic Leadership

• Foster a positive, high-performing team culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, and professionalism.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to define, develop, and implement operational strategies aligned with corporate goals and growth objectives.
• Participate in executive decision‑making and business planning, including long‑term equipment and resource investments.
• Represent the company at project joint venture (JV) meetings and strategic bid reviews and lead JV meetings as necessary.
• Represent the company and interface with owners and partners at all project DRB meetings.

Operational Management

• Oversee the execution of all tunneling and underground construction projects with the ability to act as on‑site Project Manager and manage projects as needed.
• Manage project performance, budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Establish and maintain operational policies and performance metrics.
• Create standardized processes for project start‑up and close‑out, documenting and implementing lessons learned from past projects, scheduling, budgeting, forecasting, cost coding, and time‑keeping.
• Lead the claims management process for all projects.
• Partner with the equipment department to ensure proper equipment resources are allocated/procured for projects and programs/policies are in place to ensure equipment is operated safely on projects and proper maintenance is performed.

Business Development & Client Relations

• Support preconstruction, estimating, project pursuit, and business development efforts by providing technical expertise and operational insight including constructability guidance and project execution KPI’s.
• Foster and maintain strong client and partner relationships to promote repeat business and strategic alliances.
• Participate in bid reviews, project selection, and contract negotiations.

Safety & Quality

• Champion a strong safety culture across all operations.
• Partner with the Corporate Safety Director to implement the corporate safety program on all projects, maintain the overall vision, and provide feedback.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Ensure consistent application of QA/QC programs and procedures.
• Collaborate with Safety department to continually improve safety performance metrics.

People Management

• Lead and mentor/train project management teams, superintendents, engineers, surveyors, and field staff to ensure continuous development and alignment with company goals.
• Set performance expectations, deliver regular feedback, conduct performance reviews, and establish training and career development plans for the project teams.
• Partner with Human Resources to proactively manage workforce planning including forecasting staffing availability and needs to ensure adequate project staffing and the best match of key people on each project.
• Partner with Human Resources to recruit, develop, and retain team members.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and results‑driven culture.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Mining Engineering, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• PE preferred and CSP and/or DBIA certification is a plus.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in heavy civil construction, with at least 8 years focused on tunneling or underground works.
• Proven leadership experience in a senior operational or executive role with experience managing projects $150 M and up.
• Extensive knowledge of tunnel boring machines (TBM), ground improvement, dewatering, shotcrete, and related disciplines.
• Strong understanding of geotechnical conditions, risk management, and contract delivery methods (Design‑Build, CM/GC, etc.).
• This position will be based in Livonia, Michigan and requires a significant amount of…