Director of Project Operations

Arning Companies has proudly served the manufacturing and construction industries for over 40 years. Based in Cassville, Missouri, we specialize in high-quality canopies and metal structures, delivering reliable, durable solutions for our customers. Our longevity is built on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a team-oriented culture where safety, quality, and accountability come first.

We’re looking for motivated, dependable individuals who take pride in their work and are ready to contribute to a fast-paced, hands-on environment. Whether you’re skilled in fabrication, welding, painting, or assembly, Arning Companies offers an opportunity to grow your career with a company that values your dedication and expertise.

Position Overview

The Director of Operations is a strategic leadership role responsible for the end-to-end execution and operational performance of the project lifecycle. Reporting directly to the COO, this individual oversees the journey of every fuel canopy and modular building project from the initial bid to final site completion.

A primary focus of this role is to drive operational synergy between the Project Management and Installation departments. The Director will lead these teams to ensure that office-based planning and field-based execution are perfectly synchronized, creating a unified workflow that prioritizes clear communication, shared accountability, and professional collaboration.

Core Responsibilities

• Operational Lifecycle Leadership: Own the integrated workflow of Estimating, Project Management, and Installation. Ensure projects are scoped accurately and executed with technical precision to support a high-growth revenue trajectory.
• Departmental Management amp; Mentorship: Provide direct leadership, coaching, and daily accountability for the Estimating and Project Management teams. Act as the primary architect for their internal processes and professional development.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Serve as the bridge between Project Management and the Installation department. Foster a "one-team" culture where the success of the field is seen as a direct result of the office’s preparation and support.
• Process Optimization: Audit and refine the PM-to-Installation handoff. Establish standardized protocols for scheduling, site-readiness verification, and resource allocation to ensure the office and field remain in lockstep.
• Financial Stewardship amp; Margin Integrity: Guard the division’s profitability by ensuring estimates are realistic and that Project Managers are empowered to manage costs effectively throughout the project lifecycle.
• Strategic Partnership: Work closely with the COO to scale the organization by identifying resource gaps, implementing professional-grade project management tools, and maintaining operational agility.
• Manufacturing Coordination: Collaborate with Manufacturing leadership to ensure project timelines and material delivery schedules are aligned with production capacity and shop floor priorities.

Specific Expectations

• Unified Culture: Move the teams toward a collective goal of project excellence by facilitating open communication and resolving operational bottlenecks between the office and the field.
• Operational Flow: Ensure the Installation department receives "clean" project handoffs, including accurate technical data and realistic timelines, to maximize field efficiency and minimize site delays.
• On-Site Presence: Maintain a consistent, visible leadership presence in the Cassville facility to facilitate real-time collaboration and project troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 12+ years in project-centric industries (construction, specialty fabrication, or modular units), with 5+ years in a senior leadership role managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Interpersonal Mastery: Proven ability to align diverse teams and navigate the complex dynamics between technical office staff and field execution crews.
• Technical Proficiency: Deep understanding of ERP systems, project management software, and the logistics of field-based construction operations.
• Leadership Style: A high-accountability leader who values operational harmony, technical precision, and the removal of organizational silos.