Director Of Operations

Job Title: Director of Operations

Job Description

The Director of Operations leads construction operations for a data center innovations business, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, profitable projects. This role oversees project execution across construction, project management, safety, supply chain, logistics, and business development. The Director ensures projects are properly staffed, executed safely and efficiently, and aligned with company standards, while also supporting sales efforts, financial performance, and long‑term business growth.

Responsibilities

• Hire, coach, and develop high‑performing operations and field teams, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Lead operations meetings, reviews, and all‑hands presentations to align teams on goals, performance, and project priorities.
• Hold teams accountable for meeting performance expectations, project schedules, and financial targets.
• Support talent development and retention by identifying growth opportunities and building strong succession pipelines.
• Oversee all aspects of data center construction operations from planning through closeout.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards and company procedures.
• Coordinate closely with project management, construction, safety, supply chain, and logistics to ensure seamless project execution.
• Ensure standard processes and procedures are consistently followed on all projects to drive repeatable, high‑quality outcomes.
• Track productivity, identify and reduce rework, and implement measures to prevent cost overruns.
• Plan and manage staffing based on project forecasts, backlog, and changing client demands.
• Balance crew sizes and deployment to meet schedule, budget, and resource requirements across multiple projects.
• Coordinate labor, materials, and equipment needs to support efficient field operations and shop activities.
• Ensure shop and field labor hours stay within budget and align with project financial goals.
• Manage labor shifts and workforce changes as project needs evolve, ensuring adequate coverage and efficiency.
• Support monthly forecasting and annual planning activities by providing accurate operational and project inputs.
• Monitor costs, productivity, and work‑in‑progress to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Drive efficiency and profitability across projects through disciplined cost management and process optimization.
• Participate in post‑project reviews and lead continuous improvement efforts to enhance future project performance.
• Partner with the safety team on training, implementation, and reinforcement of safety programs and policies.
• Ensure consistent, professional project execution that meets safety, quality, and compliance expectations.
• Manage union labor considerations, including attending labor meetings as needed and maintaining positive labor relationships.
• Support estimating and sales teams with staffing strategies, constructability input, and operational insights.
• Participate in bid reviews and client meetings to represent operations capabilities and project execution plans.
• Collaborate with sales and leadership on new pursuits, contributing operational strategies that support business growth.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as construction management, engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of construction industry experience, with data center experience preferred.
• 7+ years of project management experience leading complex commercial or industrial construction projects.
• 7+ years of people leadership experience managing operations, field teams, or project teams.
• Proven experience in construction operations and program leadership within commercial or data center environments.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including experience with forecasting, cost management, and work‑in‑progress monitoring.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee mechanical, MEP, and contractor coordination in data center or similar technical facilities.
• Experience working with general contractors and commercial construction stakeholders.
• Solid background in safety and quality management within construction operations.
• Willingness to travel as needed to project sites, client meetings, and operational reviews.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in data center construction, including mechanical and MEP systems, is highly desirable.
• background in business development support, including participation in bid reviews and client presentations.
• Experience with union labor environments and participation in labor meetings.
• Demonstrated ability to lead people leadership and talent management initiatives, including hiring, coaching, and retention.
• Exposure to supply chain and logistics coordination in a construction or industrial setting.
• Familiarity with construction management practices in commercial construction and general contracting environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across project management, construction, safety, and supply chain functions.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for leading all‑hands meetings and engaging with clients and internal stakeholders.

Work Environment

The Director of Operations works in a dynamic environment focused on data center construction and innovation, overseeing both office‑based planning and field‑based execution. The role involves close collaboration with project management, construction, safety, supply chain, logistics, and business development teams. Work includes regular review of project schedules, budgets, productivity metrics, and safety performance, as well as participation in bid reviews and client meetings. The position requires flexibility to travel to active project sites and other locations as needed to support operations, client relationships, and team leadership

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Farmers Branch, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $230000.00/yr.

Why Join McKinstry: Comprehensive benefits including full health coverage, 401(k) with profit sharing, and generous PTO. Enjoy up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave, career development programs, and a strong, employee-first culture focused on work-life balance.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Farmers Branch,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.