Jobs at Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity (Now Hiring) — 2 open

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Construction Operations is a senior leadership position in the Construction Department responsible for the overall direction, oversight, and successful delivery of all active construction projects and operational programs. This position provides leadership across 10-15 simultaneous home builds from site layout through completion, ensuring quality, budget adherence, and timeline compliance through the staff and contractors it directs. The Director of Construction Operations leads and develops Construction staffing (5-8 individuals), including Supervisors and Crew Members assigned to active builds, oversees the coordination of subcontractors and vendors, holds accountability for project budgets and funding-program compliance, and provides leadership and direction for the home repair program and warranty work. This position works in partnership with the Director of Construction Strategy & Planning to create an efficient and effective construction program. The Director of Construction Operations focuses on operational leadership and program delivery through the team, delegating hands-on execution to staff and contractors, while the Director of Construction Strategy & Planning focuses on strategic development, organizational capacity, and program design.

This is a full-time position requiring flexibility to work occasional evening and weekend hours as needed to meet deadlines, attend special meetings, and support events.

COMPENSATION:

We believe in fair, market-informed compensation that recognizes the skills, experience, and contributions each team member brings to our mission. In addition to wages, we value the full employee experience, including benefits and a positive work environment. The posted pay range reflects the anticipated starting range for this position and may be adjusted based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations. The top of the range is not intended to represent the maximum amount this position could earn over time.

BENEFITS:

We care deeply about supporting the people who help carry out our mission, and we are pleased to offer a benefits package designed to support the well-being of our team members. Full-time employees receive fully funded health insurance, with a cost-sharing option for covered dependents, as well as dental and vision insurance at a shared cost. Part-time employees have access to health insurance for themselves and covered dependents at a shared cost. In addition, full-time employees receive $50,000 of fully funded life insurance, and we also offer a Simple IRA retirement plan with a 3% company match for all employees to help support long-term financial security.

DESIRED PERSONAL TRAITS:

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong coordinator and problem-solver with the ability to make quick, informed decisions in dynamic construction environments.
• Excellent communicator who can effectively interface with contractors, staff, homeowners, and community partners.
• Results-oriented with a commitment to quality, safety, and mission-driven construction.
• Proactive and self-directed with the ability to anticipate challenges and implement solutions.
• Collaborative team player who works effectively alongside the Director of Construction Strategy & Planning and other department leaders.
• Committed and enthusiastic about the organization's mission.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced environments with competing priorities and tight deadlines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Project Management

• Provides oversight and direction for the coordination of 10-15 active home construction builds simultaneously, delegating day-to-day execution to Supervisors and crew.
• Works with the Director of Construction Strategy & Planning to develop master project budgets and oversees long-term budget planning for the construction department.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of detailed construction schedules for all active projects, ensuring efficient sequencing and timeline adherence.
• Works with the Director of Construction Strategy & Planning to oversee all bidding processes and major contracting decisions.
• Ensures subcontractors, vendors, and trades are effectively coordinated to support timely project completion.
• Oversees site layout, ensuring effective coordination with engineering, surveying, and road construction as needed.
• Conducts regular site visits to monitor progress, quality, and safety compliance.
• Oversees individual project budgets from start to completion, holding staff accountable for budget performance.
• Guides the resolution of construction challenges and delays, providing direction and removing barriers for the team.
• Ensures all projects meet quality standards and building code requirements.
• Ensures inspections are coordinated and all required approvals are completed in a timely manner.

Grant & Funding Program Compliance

• Maintains awareness of grant timelines and requirements, including prevailing wage, procurement standards, and key reporting deadlines, and ensures construction projects remain in compliance with applicable funding programs.
• Stays informed of grant-specific milestones, including start dates, completion dates, and progress benchmarks, to ensure projects stay on track with funding requirements.
• Ensures that accurate records of contractor payments, labor compliance, and procurement documentation are maintained by the appropriate staff to support funder requirements.
• Partners with finance staff, who lead the tracking and reporting of grant-funded activities, providing the operational information needed for accurate compliance reporting.

Contractor Management

• Reviews and approves scopes of work prepared by staff for all contracted projects.
• Oversees the bidding process, ensuring quotes and proposals are solicited from qualified contractors for construction and repair projects.
• Reviews bidding packets and selects contractors for construction and repair projects.
• Oversees contractor relationships, performance, and accountability throughout projects.
• Ensures contractor schedules are effectively coordinated across multiple simultaneous projects.
• Ensures contractors meet quality, safety, and timeline expectations.
• Reviews and approves contractor payments and change orders in coordination with finance staff.

Home Repair Program

• Leads and manages all aspects of the home repair program operations.
• Oversees home repair program staff performance and development.
• Oversees the quoting process for repair projects with contractors and vendors.
• Oversees the scheduling, completion, and quality of repair projects.
• Oversees repair project budgets and timelines.
• Ensures repair work meets program standards and homeowner expectations.
• Oversees contractor relationships for repair program work.
• Establishes and oversees operational processes and systems for efficient repair program delivery.
• Builds community partnerships to support repair program service delivery.

Warranty Work

• Provides oversight and direction for the warranty work program for completed homes.
• Ensures warranty requests from homeowners are addressed in a timely manner.
• Ensures contractors are engaged and coordinated to complete warranty repairs.
• Oversees the scheduling and completion of warranty work.
• Ensures warranty work records and documentation are accurately maintained.

Safety, Quality & Compliance with the Director of Construction Strategy & Planning

• Develops and oversees a comprehensive site safety program and policies.
• Establishes and maintains departmental quality standards and construction specifications.
• Establishes and maintains a program framework for warranty work.
• Ensures all construction activities comply with applicable codes, regulations, and organizational standards.
• Stays current on industry best practices and building techniques.

Safety & Quality Control

• Ensures site safety protocols are implemented and enforced on all active projects.
• Oversees quality control inspections throughout the construction process.
• Ensures that quality issues are promptly identified and addressed by the team.
• Ensures all work meets Habitat construction standards and building codes.

Facilities Management with Director of Construction Strategy & Planning

• Establishes and maintains a facilities management program for organizational properties.
• Oversees maintenance and upkeep of Habitat-owned facilities.
• Oversees the planning and execution of facility improvements and capital projects as needed.

Materials & Logistics

• Oversees the procurement of construction materials and supplies for active projects.
• Ensures delivery schedules are coordinated so that materials arrive when needed.
• Oversees vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective purchasing and quality materials.
• Monitors material costs against project budgets.

Volunteer Program Oversight

• Directs volunteer engagement opportunities and staff assignments to ensure volunteers are meaningfully engaged in mission-driven work.
• Ensures volunteer program safety protocols are followed on all job sites.
• Coordinates with construction staff to ensure appropriate supervision and training of volunteers.
• Monitors volunteer program effectiveness and identifies opportunities for improved engagement.

Special Projects

• Assist the Executive Director in carrying out special assignments based on organizational need.

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• A minimum of 5 years of construction project management experience with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex residential construction projects simultaneously is required.
• Deep understanding of the construction process, including site layout, engineering coordination, surveying, road construction, and managing contractors required.
• Experience with modular home construction is a plus, but not required.
• A minimum of 2 years of supervising construction staff or field crews required.
• High school diploma required. A degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with Builder Trend or other construction project management software is highly preferred.
• Experience with grant compliance requirements, prevailing wage, and government procurement standards is highly preferred.
• Strong budget management and cost control experience required.
• Experience with construction scheduling software and project management tools preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage contractor relationships and hold contractors accountable.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Position will involve regular local and occasional regional travel for meetings and events. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Willingness to work outside of standard office hours as needed on a regular basis.
• Willingness to travel in-state and out of state for appropriate trainings and conferences.
• Willingness to lead and train others.
• Comfortable with regular use of computers, software, and office equipment: Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, internet, printer/scanner, email, and web-based calendars, and the ability to learn new programs as needed.
• Must pass Criminal Background Check (convictions will be reviewed based on the seriousness of the crime, and a conviction does not necessarily mean disqualification).
• Must pass a Sexual Offender Check. Being listed will result in automatic disqualification from employment.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Director of Construction Operations will have direct oversight of Construction Supervisors and Crew Members assigned to active new-construction projects, as well as home-repair program staff. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and works in close partnership with the Director of Construction Strategy & Planning.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those required of an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, work will involve a mix of office work and extensive field work at construction sites. This position requires regular travel between multiple active construction sites. Work includes walking construction sites, climbing stairs and ladders, and inspecting work in progress. This position may need to handle items such as construction materials, tools, and equipment, occasionally weighing up to 50 pounds. While on site, work will be performed outside in various weather conditions or inside structures without access to heat or air conditioning. The position requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods during site visits.

NOTE:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. All employees may have other duties assigned at any time.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Applications are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.