[Hiring] Director of Operations @CEI Services

Role Description

Saiia Construction is expanding in the Western United States and seeking a Director of Operations! The Director of Operations provides senior-level leadership and oversight for all field operations within the heavy civil construction division, specializing in large-scale earthmoving and coal-combustion residuals (CCR) projects. This role is responsible for driving safe, efficient, and profitable execution of complex projects while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local environmental and safety regulations.

The Director of Operations partners closely with project management, estimating, equipment, safety, environmental, and executive teams to align operational performance with company strategy, growth objectives, and client expectations.

Location & Travel Details:

• The location of this position is flexible, based on the identified candidate (Denver, CO, Phoenix or other Southwestern US locations).
• This position will have up to 30% travel to regional office locations.
• This role is eligible for an annual incentive plan and vehicle allowance.

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
  • Provide strategic and hands-on leadership for multiple concurrent large-scale earthmoving and CCR projects.
  • Establish and enforce standardized operating procedures, best practices, and performance metrics across all projects.
  • Ensure effective planning, staffing, sequencing, and execution of work to meet schedule, budget, and quality objectives.
  • Lead and mentor Project Managers, Superintendents, and field leadership to build a high-performing operations team.
• Project Delivery & Performance
  • Oversee project startup, execution, and closeout, ensuring alignment with contract requirements and internal cost controls.
  • Monitor production rates, cost performance, equipment utilization, and labor efficiency.
  • Proactively identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies to protect schedule, budget, and safety.
  • Support claims management, change orders, and dispute resolution from an operational perspective.
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance
  • Champion a strong safety culture and ensure strict compliance with OSHA, MSHA (as applicable), and company safety standards.
  • Oversee compliance with environmental regulations governing CCR handling, transport, placement, closure, and remediation.
  • Coordinate with environmental, quality, and safety teams to ensure permit adherence, documentation, and audit readiness.
  • Lead incident investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Equipment & Resources
  • Oversee heavy equipment strategy, including selection, utilization, maintenance coordination, and fleet optimization.
  • Collaborate with equipment and maintenance teams to ensure reliability and productivity of large earthmoving fleets.
  • Align manpower, equipment, and material resources with project demands.
• Financial & Strategic Responsibilities
  • Partner with estimating and preconstruction teams to support pursuit, pricing strategy, and constructability reviews.
  • Provide operational input on schedules, means and methods, risk assessments, and resource planning during bidding.
  • Support business development efforts through client engagement, operational credibility, and proposal development.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase margins, reduce rework, and improve predictability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 15+ years of experience in heavy civil construction, with significant exposure to large-scale earthmoving operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, high-value projects with large equipment fleets.
• Strong understanding of CCR-related work, environmental regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Proven leadership experience managing multi-project, multi-discipline teams.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasts, and cost controls.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CCR landfill construction, dam or dike work, ash pond closures, or environmental remediation projects.
• Experience working on projects for utilities, energy producers, or regulated environmental programs.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification.
• Design-build or alternative delivery experience.

Core Competencies

• Strategic and operational leadership
• Safety and environmental stewardship
• Risk management and problem solving
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Data-driven decision making
• Talent development and team building

Working Conditions

• Field-focused role with regular site visits required.
• Travel to active project sites as needed, including regional or multi-state travel.
• Ability to work in outdoor construction environments and around heavy equipment.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with ongoing performance review and merit increase
• 401(k) with company match & Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Flexible spending account (Healthcare & Dependent care)
• AIP Eligibility
• Car Allowance
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (plan choice) - coverage for spouse, domestic partner, and children
• Diabetes Management, Telehealth Coverage, Prescription Drug Plan, Pet Insurance, Weight Management Drug Discount
• Discounted National Gym Membership Network
• Flexible PTO/Time Off, Paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave, including Benefits Continuation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short and long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment
• Voluntary life insurance, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity coverage
• Emergency Travel Assistance Program
• Group legal plan