Operations Manager, Clean Energy

E-J Electric Installation Co.•South Plainfield, NJ

6d•$180,000 - $230,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Manager of the Clean Energy Division is the senior operational leader responsible for the full lifecycle of division-wide projects, from estimating and pre-construction through field execution, closeout, and client delivery. The role leads project managers, engineers, and field supervisors across concurrent projects and owns division-level financial performance, value engineering, change-order management, and subcontractor coordination. The Operations Manager serves as a primary client contact and contributes to the division’s growth, profitability, and reputation. The role reports to the VP - Division Manager and may support special company initiatives as needed. This is a full-time office- and project-site-based role in South Plainfield, requiring travel between project locations and support for weekend and night work. Extended hours may be needed during critical project phases.

Requirements

15 or more years of Project Manager experience.
Demonstrated experience in a senior oversight or management role.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in the electrical contracting or engineering field.
Strong experience in large, complex commercial and industrial projects.
Previous work experience in a union environment.
Practical knowledge of all phases of construction.
Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.
Strong business acumen in project planning and management.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with project-management software, such as Procore, and the Microsoft Suite.
Strong estimating experience.

Nice To Haves

Three to five years of operations experience is recommended.
Experience in business sectors such as GIS, EHV, or BESS is recommended.
Experience with Design-Build (EPC) projects is recommended.
Knowledge of McCormick software.
OSHA-30.

Responsibilities

Oversee active Clean Energy Division projects and hold project managers accountable for scope, schedule, budget, and quality commitments.
Monitor project health across the division portfolio, identify risks, clear roadblocks, and advise teams on corrective action.
Establish and enforce milestone and deadline discipline, aligning teams and subcontractors with contract schedules.
Review and advise on CPM schedules developed using Primavera (P6) and MS Project, including sequencing, recovery strategies, and schedule risks.
Advise pre-construction and estimating teams on scope, value engineering opportunities, and bid strategies.
Perform bid reviews and prepare technical bid proposals, ensuring complete, timely, and properly documented submissions, including in-person client presentations.
Oversee subcontractor performance and multi-party project teams, including field personnel, and support manpower planning and projections.
Support client interfaces with utility authorities, general contractors, and owners’ representatives; maintain proactive communication throughout the project lifecycle.
Represent E-J at owner progress meetings, executive-level project reviews, and coordination sessions.
Oversee division-level financial performance and advise project managers on cost control, budget variances, production tracking, and earned-value trends.
Ensure change orders are identified, documented, and submitted promptly, and hold project teams accountable for the process.
Review monthly financial reports and communicate the division’s financial health, risks, and forecasts to management.
Guide contract negotiations and subcontracting decisions, including oversight of risk, scope, and commercial terms; negotiate contracts and onboard subcontractors.
Manage claims, including time extensions, impact claims, arbitration, insurance claims, position statements, and negotiations.
Develop strategic partnerships and execute teaming and joint-venture agreements.
Advise project managers and engineers on electrical-system challenges; review and guide engineering submittals, shop drawings, and RFI responses as needed.
Manage the engineering team to support on-schedule, on-budget delivery.
Advise on value-engineering solutions during pre-construction and construction to improve cost efficiency and constructability.
Apply P.E.-level technical judgment or equivalent experience when evaluating design issues, field conditions, and client technical requirements.
Reinforce a safety-first culture by setting expectations, supporting safety leadership, and ensuring accountability.
Focus on staff retention and development; provide day-to-day leadership, mentorship, and professional-development guidance to project managers, project engineers, and other staff.
Set performance expectations, conduct regular check-ins, support career growth, and foster a collaborative, accountable team culture aligned with E-J’s values and standards.