Director of Operations – Heavy Industrial Electrical & Inside Wiring

(Oil & Gas | Industrial EPC | Power Generation | Hydroelectric | Data Centers)
Location: Nationwide
Employment Type: Full-Time
Travel: Required (~60%)

Leading Operations for Mission-Critical Electrical Infrastructure

Strengthening our nation’s power grid and industrial backbone isn’t easy—but reliable electrical infrastructure is essential to modern life. From energy production and industrial processing to digital infrastructure and power generation, Michels Power, Inc. delivers the systems that keep critical operations running.

Michels Power, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest and most respected electrical power contractors, executing complex projects across heavy industrial electrical construction, inside wiring, substations, transmission, renewable energy, and emergency restoration.

Position Objective

The Director of Operations – Heavy Industrial Electrical & Inside Wiring serves as a senior leader responsible for fostering a safe, high-performing, and profitable operational environment through planning and oversight of divisional activities.

This role partners closely with the Vice President and executive leadership team to establish strategic goals, direct regional teams in execution, and oversee day-to-day operations. The Director of Operations ensures alignment across safety, financial performance, and operational excellence while supporting decision-making at the highest levels of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and manage divisional operations to align with the strategic vision established by executive leadership
• Oversee multi-project, multi-region operations, ensuring performance against safety, revenue, margin, and production goals
• Support organizational growth across industrial, energy, and mission-critical infrastructure markets
• Address operational challenges related to financial performance, market growth, workforce development, and execution strategy

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and environmental policies and regulations
• Identify workplace risks and ensure corrective actions are implemented across all projects and regions

Financial & Performance Management

• Review analyses of operations, costs, productivity, and forecasts to evaluate progress toward organizational goals
• Lead and facilitate monthly financial reviews with Project Managers, Regional Managers, and General Managers
• Prepare and present financial performance reports to executive leadership (VP, COO, President)
• Drive profitability through operational efficiency, resource optimization, and performance accountability

Leadership & Team Development

• Carry out management responsibilities including hiring, training, performance management, and employee development
• Build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams across operations and project leadership
• Support managers in developing innovative work methods and improving team effectiveness
• Foster a culture aligned with Michels Family values, accountability, and operational excellence

Project & Execution Oversight

• Support Project Managers, Engineers, and Estimators in bidding, planning, and execution strategies
• Ensure appropriate resource planning, subcontractor coordination, and contract compliance
• Provide executive-level oversight on complex or high-risk projects, including commissioning-intensive work
• Support review and validation of as-built documentation and project closeout activities

Stakeholder & Labor Relations

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and labor unions
• Ensure compliance with labor agreements and promote collaborative working relationships

Culture & Continuous Improvement

• Promote company policies, culture, and core values across all levels of the organization

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operations, processes, and execution standards

• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
  (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 15+ years of power utility, industrial, or electrical construction experience, including leadership over geographic regions
• Proven project management and operational leadership experience
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Managerial Developmental Competencies

• Decision Quality
• Cultivates Innovation
• Resourcefulness
• Directs Work
• Ensures Accountability
• Collaborates
• Manages Conflict
• Attracts, Develops, and Retains Talent
• Builds Effective Teams
• Drives Engagement
• Managerial Courage
• Being Resilient
• Situational Adaptability

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Primarily office-based with frequent travel to field and project locations
• Work performed in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions
• Noise levels typically quiet in office settings; field environments may vary
• Travel required, including extended durations up to 100% as business needs dictate
• Ability to lift/move 10 pounds frequently and up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Requires close vision and focus adjustment for detailed work

Why Michels Power, Inc.?

• Ranked No. 1 Electrical Transmission & Distribution Contractor by Engineering News-Record
• Trusted partner for industrial EPCs, utilities, energy producers, and data center clients
• Family-owned company with long-term stability and growth
• Invests approximately $5,000 per employee annually in training and development
• Opportunities to lead high-impact infrastructure operations across multiple markets
• Strong safety culture—every role, every level
• Part of one of North America’s most diversified infrastructure organizations

Comprehensive Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance
• HSA / FSA Options
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Legal & Identity Protection Plans

Why You?

• You are a strategic leader who thrives in complex, multi-region operations
• You value safety, accountability, and operational excellence
• You enjoy building and leading high-performing teams
• You excel in balancing strategy, execution, and financial performance
• You want to lead work that powers energy, infrastructure, and the digital economy