Operational Planning & Support Manager

Waveforce Electrical•Norfolk, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operational Planning & Support Manager provides direct support to the Operations Manager and broader leadership team, ensuring effective project planning, cost control, and execution oversight across all active work. This role is responsible for maintaining financial accuracy, supporting project setup and forecasting, coordinating staffing plans, and validating physical progress to ensure alignment between field execution and financial performance. The position serves as a critical link between operations, finance, and field teams, enabling disciplined project delivery and operational efficiency in support of financial, operational, and execution performance objectives.

Requirements

Five (5) years of experience in project controls, operations support, planning, or project management within shipboard electrical installation and repair services business
Bachelor's degree with (3) years’ experience can be substituted for the above
Strong understanding of project budgeting, forecasting, and cost tracking methodologies
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and project management/accounting systems
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including field personnel, finance, and leadership
Understanding of NAVSEA Standard Items, ABS and other industry-related guidelines as applicable to various programs
Understanding of EIMB, EPISM and Electrical MIL standards
High School Diploma or equivalent
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Must be able to pass Waveforce Electrical pre-employment drug and background screening
Must be able to obtain government facility and/or shipyard access, to include a DBIDS credential, as required by work locations
Ability to work extended hours, as required

Responsibilities

Perform ongoing validation of Estimate at Completion (EAC) and Estimate to Complete (ETC) for all assigned projects
Track and analyze actual costs vs. budget, identifying variances and supporting corrective action plans
Support gross and net margin tracking and analysis across projects
Provide insight into cost-to-revenue alignment and forecast accuracy
Assist in identifying margin risk and recovery opportunities
Ensure accuracy and consistency in cost reporting across labor, materials, subcontractors, and other project expenses
Support monthly and periodic project financial reviews with Operations leadership
Support monitoring of project schedule performance vs. plan
Identify and flag schedule risks impacting cost, manpower, or delivery
Lead and support project kick-off activities, including budget setup, job cost structure, and administrative setup
Establish and maintain project folders, cost tracking tools, and reporting systems in alignment with company standards
Assist in pre-planning activities, ensuring projects are properly scoped, structured, and positioned for successful execution
Assist in the development and review of growth work estimates, including change orders and scope expansion opportunities
Work closely with the Operations Manager to ensure estimates reflect field conditions, resource requirements, and execution strategy
Support documentation and tracking of approved changes to maintain alignment with project financials
Develop and maintain integrated manpower plans across all active work
Identify staffing gaps, conflicts, and over/under-utilization risks
Provide forward-looking staffing projections based on backlog and pipeline
Align manpower plans with project schedules, workload demands, and operational priorities
Monitor labor utilization and productivity, providing insight to Operations leadership
Conduct field and data-based validations of physical progress
Ensure reported percent-complete aligns with actual work in place and incurred costs
Support accurate progress tracking for forecasting, billing, and operational decision-making
Support alignment of project tracking with contract requirements, including billing milestones, revenue recognition, and deliverables
Provide ongoing operational support to the Operations Manager and VP of Operations
Proactively identify and communicate project financial, schedule, and execution risks to Operations leadership
Lead or assist with special projects and process improvement initiatives as assigned
Develop and enhance reporting, tracking tools, and operational processes to improve efficiency and visibility
Support preparation of executive-level reporting packages
Develop, maintain, and standardize operational and financial performance dashboards and metrics across all programs
Support tracking and reporting of safety and quality performance metrics