Operations Manager

RK Water is seeking a high-impact Operations Manager to lead the full lifecycle delivery of complex, high-value projects while building and scaling a best-in-class operations team. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives at the intersection of people, process, and performance, owning safety, profitability, schedule, quality, and customer satisfaction from turnover through final acceptance. You'll set the operational vision, develop leaders, implement scalable project management systems, and drive continuous improvement across procurement, fabrication, productivity, and financial performance. With broad authority, executive visibility, and a direct influence on company strategy, this role offers the opportunity to leave a lasting operational legacy in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment where disciplined execution and strong relationships matter.

Self. Made. At RK

At RK, Self. Made. isn't a tagline, it's how work gets done. People here build more than projects; they build capability, confidence, and careers they can be proud of. With so much work designed and fabricated in-house, ideas move quickly from concept to shop floor to job site. Teams collaborate across disciplines, solve real-world challenges, and grow through hands-on work that truly matters.

RK Company Overview

RK Industries is a second-generation family-owned company led by brothers Rick and Jon Kinning. With seven specialized business units working together, we deliver construction, fabrication, manufacturing, and building services with a focus on safety, quality, and craftsmanship.

People join RK for the craftsmanship, complexity, and the ability to make a real impact. Our in-house capabilities mean employees see their ideas become real solutions, creating meaningful collaboration and clear visibility into how work gets built. Growth happens through challenging projects, mentorship from experienced builders, and opportunities that stretch your skill set.

With RK University, accredited apprenticeships, competitive benefits, and deep community investment, RK offers the stability of a family-owned company with the opportunity and momentum of an industry leader.

Position Summary

Provide leadership to the operations team with responsibility and accountability for the successful delivery of all projects. Has overall responsibility for project performance and profitability, including safely delivering projects on budget, on schedule, and in accordance with established policies and procedures. Serves as the central resource in managing project supply chain, procurement, fabrication, productivity, design compliance, quality control, and testing throughout the delivery process. Responsible for developing and implementing operations personnel, processes, and procedures from turnover through customer acceptance.

Role Responsibilities

• Train and develop a high-performance operations team.

• Provide leadership for safety and team culture.

• Establish and implement operations processes and procedures.

• Implement project management programs, including policies, practices, systems, and documentation.

• Manage project accounting, cost and trend reporting, work-in-progress, productivity metrics, and monthly forecasts.

• Review budgets, billings, and change orders prepared by project management teams.

• Manage and coordinate subcontractors and suppliers.

• Coordinate procurement procedures with the purchasing team.

• Oversee ordering, processing, and delivery of materials and equipment.

• Initiate, oversee, and verify project billings.

• Ensure turnover and pre-production planning meetings are conducted.

• Review and process purchase orders, contracts, and subcontract agreements.

• Maintain strong owner, customer, engineer, and vendor relationships.

• Drive continuous improvement in procedures, productivity, and efficiency.

• Support Account Executives with technical support and budget review.

• Coordinate with CAD/VDC personnel and production teams.

• Manage projects through multi-discipline shop fabrication processes.

• Demonstrate deep experience in project management, product management, and integration.

• Exhibit strong attention to detail, communication, and leadership skills.

• Deliver results in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

• Make authoritative decisions with significant company impact.

• Utilize ERP and project management systems including Viewpoint, Bluebeam, and CAD/VDC.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated people leadership experience required.

• Track record of achievement delivering complex projects and programs.

• Manufacturing Lean Six Sigma training and experience preferred.

• Experience leading programs/functions critical to overall company objectives.

• Plays a role in company business strategy development and execution.

• 15+ years of extensive relevant experience.

• College/university graduate or equivalent combination of skills and experience generally required.

What Sets RK Industries Apart

Safety: Our unmatched culture of safety is our foremost core value, guiding everything we do each day: Health, Safety, & Environmental

Awards: Whether in Construction, Manufacturing, Fabrication, or Service, RK Industries is highly recognized and accredited throughout the industry: Accreditations & Recognition

Benefits: RK Industries offers competitive benefits to support your growth and well-being: Benefits & Rewards

Philanthropy: RK Industries not only builds our community through our projects, but also invests in it by supporting local services for over a decade through the RK Foundation: RK Foundation

Development: Through RK University, we provide hands-on training and development opportunities that empower employees to advance their careers and grow within the company, including leadership and technical learning opportunities, as well as our accredited apprentice program: RK University & RK Apprenticeship Program

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.