Department Manager

Job Summary

The Department Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing daily operations, financial performance, and strategic execution across an assigned campus or region. This position provides full operational and financial oversight, including profit and loss accountability, staffing strategy, project execution, and client engagement. The role leads multiple Project Managers and Superintendents, ensuring consistency in execution, margin protection, schedule adherence, safety compliance, and quality standards. This is a high-accountability leadership position focused on operational excellence, workforce development, and sustained financial performance across a complex project portfolio.

Job Responsibilities

* Lead and manage daily operations across multiple projects within the assigned campus or region.

* Maintain full profit and loss and SG&A responsibility for the assigned portfolio.

* Oversee and coach Project Managers and Superintendents to ensure performance, accountability, and execution consistency.

* Review financial performance across projects, including forecasting, budgeting, and cost control.

* Conduct forecast and Client alignment meetings to support resource planning.

* Manage staffing plans and align with recruiting to meet workforce demands.

* Protect project margins through cost control, change order strategy, and recovery management.

* Identify, escalate, and mitigate schedule, funding, and operational risks.

* Oversee schedule performance and protect key milestones.

* Engage with executive-level client stakeholders to maintain strong partnerships.

* Serve as a primary liaison for customer representatives and executive stakeholders.

* Review and enforce safety, quality, and performance standards across all projects.

* Lead culture initiatives, enforce discipline standards, and promote leadership development.

* Develop mid-level leaders and support succession planning efforts.

* Oversee workload distribution to ensure proper staffing and task alignment.

* Participate in or facilitate bid processes as required.

* Implement process improvements to enhance operational and financial performance.

* Perform additional duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

* Strong leadership presence with the ability to manage large, multi-project operations.

* Demonstrated financial acumen, including forecasting, budgeting, and margin management.

* Advanced critical thinking, risk identification, and problem-solving skills.

* Effective written and verbal communication skills with executive-level stakeholders.

* Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

* Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel for forecasting and financial modeling.

* Experience with scheduling software such as Primavera P6 or equivalent; Microsoft Project preferred.

* Experience with project management platforms such as Procore, Bluebeam, or similar systems.

* Knowledge of fiber infrastructure standards and testing methodologies, including OTDR interpretation.

* Understanding of fiber cleaning techniques; splicing experience preferred.

* Familiarity with Division 27 or equivalent telecommunications standards preferred.

* Experience with business intelligence tools such as Power BI is a plus.

* Ability to travel within the assigned region as required.

* Reliable and consistent attendance.

* Must meet applicable driving standards.

Education

* High school diploma or GED required.

* Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, business, or a related field preferred.

Work Experience

* 8-12+ years of leadership experience in construction, data center, or mission-critical environments.

* Proven oversight of multiple projects simultaneously within a complex portfolio.

* Demonstrated financial ownership of a $25M+ annual project portfolio.

* Experience leading workforce operations of 100-200+ employees.

* Strong forecasting, Client planning, and budgeting experience.

* Demonstrated success recovering at-risk projects and protecting project margins.

* Experience developing and mentoring mid-level leaders.

* Background in hyperscale data centers, ISP/OSP network fiber infrastructure, mission-critical facilities, large industrial or logistics campus construction, colocation data centers, or multi-building campus programs.

* Experience supporting large-scale enterprise or hyperscale client builds preferred.

Benefits

* Health insurance

* Dental insurance

* Vision insurance

* 401(k)