Construction Operations Manager in Bakersfield

Job DescriptionJob Description

Job Scope Summary: Estimator / Project Manager / Operations Lead (Concrete, Civil & Electrical)

Location: Bakersfield
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $150,000 – $200,000 per year, DOE (Depending on Experience)

Position Overview

This role goes beyond traditional estimating and serves as a critical link between preconstruction, project execution, and high-level operations. The Estimator / Project Manager / Operations Lead is responsible for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates while also running projects in the field as needed, ensuring successful delivery from bid through completion.

This individual will operate at both a strategic and tactical level—managing the full lifecycle of projects while driving operational efficiency, process improvement, and alignment between estimating, field operations, and leadership objectives. The role will require travel to project sites and extended field presence depending on project demands.

The ideal candidate is a highly capable, self-directed professional with strong leadership skills, capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

·         Review construction drawings, specifications, and project documents for bid preparation

·         Perform detailed quantity take-offs and develop accurate cost estimates across concrete, civil, and electrical scopes

·         Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier pricing

·         Prepare comprehensive bid proposals, budgets, and cost analyses

·         Identify risks, gaps, and value engineering opportunities

Project Management / Field Execution

·         Run assigned projects from award through closeout, with full responsibility for scope, schedule, and budget

·         Travel to and be present on project sites as required to oversee execution

·         Develop and manage project schedules, milestones, and resource allocation

·         Coordinate field crews, subcontractors, and vendors to ensure successful delivery

·         Monitor project performance, track costs, and manage change orders

·         Ensure consistent communication and reporting of project status

Operational Leadership

·         Act as a bridge between estimating, project management, and field operations

·         Develop and improve systems, workflows, and standard operating procedures

·         Analyze project and cost data to improve estimating accuracy and operational performance

·         Drive efficiency, accountability, and consistency across projects

·         Support leadership in planning, forecasting, and scaling operations

Field & Collaboration

·         Attend job walks and site visits to assess conditions and inform both estimates and execution plans

·         Collaborate closely with operations, engineering, and field teams to ensure estimates reflect real-world execution

·         Ensure seamless handoff from preconstruction to field execution

Required Qualifications

·         Minimum 5–10 years of experience in estimating, project management, or operations within concrete, civil infrastructure, and/or electrical construction

·         Proven experience running projects in the field

·         Strong ability to read and interpret civil, structural, and electrical drawings and specifications

·         Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with estimating and project management software (e.g., Bluebeam or similar)

·         Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

·         Excellent communication and leadership abilities

·         Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously

·         Willingness and ability to travel and work on project sites as required

Education:
High school diploma required; degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field