An established asphalt paving and concrete contractor in the Chicagoland area is seeking a senior operations leader to oversee field operations, project execution, scheduling, and overall production performance. This person will play a key role in leading crews, supporting project management, driving operational efficiency, and helping ensure a successful construction season.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone with strong experience in asphalt paving, concrete, pavement maintenance, or related heavy civil/site construction. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on, with the ability to lead teams, manage multiple moving parts, and work closely with ownership and senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations for asphalt paving, concrete, and related field projects throughout the Chicagoland market
• Lead and support project management, field supervision, scheduling, and production planning
• Coordinate manpower, crews, equipment, subcontractors, and materials to ensure efficient project delivery
• Monitor project performance, budgets, schedules, and productivity across multiple active jobs
• Partner with company leadership on operational planning, staffing, forecasting, and resource allocation
• Work closely with project managers and field leaders to resolve issues, improve execution, and maintain high client satisfaction
• Establish and maintain accountability for safety, quality, production, and profitability
• Support onboarding, mentoring, and development of PMs, superintendents, and field staff
• Review job progress, identify operational risks, and implement solutions quickly
• Help strengthen internal processes related to scheduling, communication, reporting, and job execution
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders
• Assist in creating a culture of urgency, teamwork, accountability, and operational excellence

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in asphalt paving, concrete, pavement maintenance, site work, heavy civil, or related construction operations
• Proven leadership experience in a senior operations, division, area, or project leadership role
• Strong understanding of field operations, production management, scheduling, and crew coordination
• Experience managing multiple projects and teams simultaneously
• Strong financial and operational awareness, including budgeting, job costing, and margin management
• Experience leading project managers, field superintendents, foremen, or operations staff
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced contractor environment
• Strong local market familiarity in the Chicagoland area preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred, but not required

Preferred Background

• Asphalt paving and concrete operations leadership
• Municipal, commercial, parking lot, roadway, or site paving experience
• Experience growing or stabilizing an operations team
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to balance field realities and business priorities