Project Engineer

Director of Field Operations

Location: Corona, CA
Salary Range: $180,000 – $210,000 (based on experience)
Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

The Director of Field Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the strategy, performance, and profitability of all field construction activities across the division. This position leads the overall execution of projects, ensuring operational excellence, safety, and profitability while maintaining alignment with the company’s long-term goals and growth vision.

The ideal candidate is an experienced field leader with a proven ability to manage large-scale heavy civil or underground utility projects, oversee complex field operations, and develop high-performing teams.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the vision for field operations across all active and upcoming projects.

• Align project delivery with company goals, client expectations, and profitability targets.

• Collaborate with executive leadership on resource allocation, long-term planning, and strategic growth initiatives.

Financial Performance

• Full accountability for divisional P&L , Gross Profit (GP) , and Operating Profit (OP) .

• Improve labor productivity, material efficiency, and equipment utilization to maximize profit.

• Partner with Estimating, Project Management, and Finance to monitor performance and drive margin improvements.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee construction scheduling, sequencing, and manpower deployment across multiple job sites.

• Manage field operations from preconstruction planning through project closeout.

• Review scopes, schedules, and budgets to reduce risks and improve execution consistency.

Safety, Quality, and Compliance

• Lead and enforce a zero-incident safety culture across all field activities.

• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards, company safety protocols, and environmental regulations.

• Drive continuous improvement in field quality and minimize rework through proactive oversight and training.

Team Development and Leadership

• Build and mentor a high-performing team of General Superintendents, Superintendents, Foremen, and field crews.

• Lead recruitment, training, and succession planning for key field leadership positions.

• Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and foster a culture of accountability and recognition.

Client and Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a senior field-facing representative for clients, municipalities, and partners.

• Maintain strong communication and professionalism at all project levels.

• Proactively manage client relationships to ensure satisfaction, retention, and future opportunities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the bridge between field operations and internal departments, ensuring alignment with Safety, HR, Finance, and Project Management.

• Lead operations meetings, pre-job planning sessions, and project reviews.

• Maintain transparency in reporting progress, risks, and key performance indicators.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of construction experience, with at least 7 years in a senior field leadership role.

• Proven track record managing heavy civil or underground wet utility projects .

• Strong financial acumen with direct P&L ownership experience.

• Exceptional leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence and motivate large, distributed teams.

• Advanced knowledge of construction methods, safety standards, and industry best practices.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field (preferred).

• OSHA 30 Certification (preferred).

• Experience with both union and non-union labor workforces is a plus.

Performance Metrics

• Achievement of divisional profit targets (P&L, GP, OP).

• Field team retention and leadership development.

• On-time, on-budget, and quality project delivery.

• Client satisfaction and repeat business rates.

• Reduced safety incidents and rework frequency.

Physical Requirements

• Must have full range of mobility in upper and lower body.

• Ability to stand, kneel, or squat for long periods.

• Able to lift, push, or pull up to 25 lbs occasionally.