Director of Operations

WFN - The McDonnel Group•Metairie, LA

About The Position

The Director of Operations is responsible for the overall operational leadership of The McDonnel Group. Reporting directly to the President, this executive leads all project management and field operations, ensuring safe, profitable, consistent execution across every business unit. The role establishes operational strategy, develops future leaders, drives financial performance, and ensures alignment between people, processes, clients, and company objectives. The Director of Operations consistently demonstrates and promotes TMG's Core Values: Work Ethic, Solution Oriented, Project Excellence, Client Centric, Professionalism.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related discipline preferred.
15+ years of progressive commercial construction leadership.
Experience leading multiple business units or large operational organizations.
Demonstrated success improving profitability, operational consistency, and leadership capability.
Strong knowledge of Procore, Primavera P6, Sage, Microsoft 365, and construction financial reporting.
Strategic thinking and executive decision making
Financial acumen and operational analytics
Executive presence and influence
Coaching, mentoring, and succession planning
Psychological safety and trust
Change leadership
Continuous improvement mindset
Excellent communication and relationship management
High integrity and sound judgment
Ability to balance tactical execution with long-term strategy

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the company's operational strategy in alignment with the President and Executive Leadership Team.
Provide executive oversight for all Project Management and Field Operations across every business unit.
Lead, mentor, and develop Business Unit Managers, the Director of Field Operations, Senior Project Managers, and future operational leaders.
Establish company-wide standards for project execution, forecasting, scheduling, staffing, risk management, quality, and client service.
Own company operational performance including backlog health, forecasting accuracy, profitability, cash position, resource utilization, and project outcomes.
Review and approve major staffing decisions, project pursuits, estimates, contract strategy, risk mitigation plans, and recovery plans for challenged projects.
Champion operational excellence through continuous improvement, Lean thinking, technology adoption, AI initiatives, and standardized best practices.
Partner with HR on succession planning, leadership development, workforce planning, and organizational design.
Collaborate with Accounting to improve forecasting, billing discipline, cost position, and financial visibility.
Represent TMG with executive-level clients, partners, community organizations, and industry associations.
Support strategic growth initiatives including expansion, acquisitions, new markets, and major pursuits.
Maintain accountability for company-wide safety performance, quality standards, ethics, and operational compliance.
Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
Translate company vision into measurable operational objectives.
Drive cross-functional alignment between Operations, Accounting, HR, Safety, Estimating, Marketing, and Business Development.
Develop annual operational business plans and quarterly strategic priorities.
Identify organizational risks before they impact company performance.
Build a culture of accountability, ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.