Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Rapid City, SD

Reports to: Operations Director

Final date to receive applications: Monday, March 30, 2026 – 8:00am CST.

Join our growing firm now! The Rapid City, SD Operations Manager will work closely with team members in Rapid City and Spearfish to ensure income‑earning activities are successfully managed and executed. This role is responsible for the overall management of staff, business development, and operations within the assigned geographies, guiding teams, managing resources, and ensuring operational excellence.

• Champion AE2S’s mission, vision, and values by cultivating a positive, high‑performing team culture.
• Lead, organize, and motivate team members to achieve shared goals while modeling integrity, professionalism, and trust.
• Encourage innovation and maximize employee potential through mentorship, communication, and empowerment.
• Balance the dynamic needs of project execution and business development, recognizing when adjustments are needed to maintain alignment.
• Set clear expectations, provide constructive feedback, and celebrate accomplishments that advance company and individual goals.

• Work closely with the Operations Director and other Operations Managers to align staffing and workload management across offices and disciplines.
• Ensure that projects are efficiently managed, aligned with client expectations, and completed to AE2S’s standards of quality and excellence.
• Remain technically engaged by dedicating approximately 50% of time to billable work, maintaining expertise in engineering practice and project management.

• Review financial metrics and take appropriate actions to support financial success for the office.
• Monitor key financial controls (billings, write‑offs, accounts receivable, project profits, project variance, etc.) and assist the Project Managers in developing solutions to issues.
• Develop and manage annual budgets in alignment with guidance from Operations Director, company goals and operational priorities.

• Ensure appropriate staffing levels to meet client, project, and internal needs.
• Analyze workload metrics to maintain appropriate staffing‑to‑workload ratios.
• Monitor utilization and direct labor ratios to ensure alignment with business goals.
• Manage assigned direct reports including performance evaluations, compensation reviews, performance management, and employment decisions.
• Recommend employment actions (hiring, termination, promotion, bonuses, etc.) for direct reports and others within span of control.
• Participate in recruitment and hiring, including interviewing and selection of direct reports.

• Strengthen and maintain relationships with existing and potential clients within the assigned geography.
• Partner with Client Program Leaders to drive business development efforts, supporting revenue growth and long‑term success.

• Oversee daily office operations including workspace organization, maintenance, and safety.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and security protocols both in‑office and on job sites.
• Lead by example in promoting a safe, productive, and supportive work environment.

• Associate degree in engineering, engineering technology, business or related field and 7 years of experience in civil engineering OR
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, business or related field and 5 years of experience in civil engineering.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to foster teamwork and accountability.
• Ability to travel as required for operations, projects, and client engagements.

• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE), or the ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams.
• Financial and budgeting acumen with experience managing operational performance.
• Proven ability to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.

• Ability to walk up to 3‑miles on uneven terrain.
• Ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Occasionally climb, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and…