Operations Manager - Bridge & Pavement Engineering #1510

A premier engineering services firm has engaged us to identify an accomplished Director of Operations to spearhead their United States business within the bridge and pavement engineering specialty. This outstanding opportunity offers an experienced engineering executive the chance to establish market leadership, cultivate commercial expansion, and champion technical quality in a specialized engineering domain.

The ideal candidate will possess complete ownership of business operations, strategic development initiatives, and client-facing representation with industry authorities, clients, and key stakeholders. This position merges executive strategy, technical governance, and business accountability within an entrepreneurial, expansion-focused setting.

Key Responsibilities

Business Strategy & Operations Oversight

• Develop and implement strategic business plans, including market and service line expansion
• Oversee all United States operations with complete responsibility for growth, profitability, and performance
• Manage financial reporting, compliance frameworks, budgets, and strategic resource deployment
• Generate revenue through client engagement, business development, and commercial initiatives

Team Development & Technical Standards

• Maintain rigorous standards of technical delivery and oversee sophisticated project execution
• Supervise engineering leadership to guarantee technical quality and project success
• Promote a workplace culture emphasizing safety, innovation, and accountability across the US division
• Ensure adherence to professional licensing requirements, US standards, and regulatory frameworks

Stakeholder Engagement & Commercial Growth

• Cultivate and sustain strategic partnerships with private sector clients and public agencies
• Direct commercial expansion strategies and business development efforts
• Serve as the company representative with regulatory agencies, clients, and industry partners at senior levels
• Collaborate with global headquarters regarding financial reporting, strategy alignment, and reporting protocols

Requirements

• Strong work ethic coupled with resilience and adaptability in challenging situations
• Proven track record leading teams, managing complex projects, and generating business expansion
• Demonstrated expertise in operations or business management leadership positions
• 10-15 years of advancing experience in pavement, structural, or civil engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in Illinois - required credential
• Outstanding leadership and communication capabilities with experience representing organizations at executive levels
• US Citizenship or Permanent Resident status (Green Card) - visa sponsorship unavailable
• Results-oriented approach with commitment to exceeding expectations for successful delivery
• Commercial expertise including P&L responsibility
• Capacity to excel in fast-paced, dynamic organizational settings

Preferred Qualifications

• Track record in successful client relationship cultivation and business development
• Experience navigating regulatory compliance within US engineering sectors
• Master's or doctoral degree in Civil, Structural, or comparable engineering field
• Strategic planning development and execution background
• Technical specialization in any of these domains:
• Geotechnical engineering
• Asset management systems
• Bridge inspection and design
• Pavement testing and design

Benefits

Salary Range: $180,000 annually Exceptional candidates with proven track record may be considered for compensation up to $230,000

Benefits & Additional Compensation:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
• Annual leave and paid time off
• Professional development opportunities and study allowances
• Potential for performance-based bonuses
• Professional license maintenance support

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

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• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.