Operations Manager - Mission Critical Projects
Shimmick
Denver, CO · Posted October 31, 2026
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November 2026
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Rankings about operations jobs
- Best cities for operations jobs #1 New York (1,429 openings)
- Best cities for operations pay after cost of living #1 Reston ($177k)
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Pay compared with the market
This listing does not state pay. Across 210 open operations manager listings that state pay, the middle half runs $82,500 to $120,000 and the median is $100,000.
Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.
How AI is used in this kind of work
Among general and operations managers, AI is already used for some of the tasks. Measured exposure for general and operations managers: 14% (some).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Shimmick has filed one layoff notice in the last twelve months, covering 183 workers, most recently May 2026. These are public WARN filings with state labor departments, and an open role can sit alongside them. See the filings
About the job
Overview
Shimmick seeking a highly accomplished Operations Manager – Mission Critical Division to help lead the growth of our Mission Critical Division. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Mission Critical, this senior operations leader will provide strategic and operational oversight for some of the industry's most complex and technically demanding construction projects.
This role is ideal for a seasoned mission critical construction professional with extensive experience delivering data centers, semiconductor facilities, advanced manufacturing plants, battery facilities, pharmaceutical facilities, or other high-performance industrial infrastructure. The successful candidate will combine operational excellence with strong leadership, helping build scalable teams, mentor project leadership, strengthen client relationships, and establish best practices as the division expands nationally.
As a key member of the division leadership team, this individual will help shape operational strategy, support business development efforts, and ensure projects are delivered safely, profitably, and with exceptional quality.
Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Provide executive operational oversight for multiple mission critical construction projects simultaneously.
Sponsor and mentor Project Managers and Project Directors to achieve outstanding safety, quality, schedule, and financial performance.
Drive consistent execution of project controls including:
Cost management
Scheduling
Risk management
Contract administration
Change management
Procurement strategy
Lead project reviews, forecasting, and executive reporting for major projects.
Ensure operational consistency across all Mission Critical projects through implementation of standardized processes and best practices.
Collaborate with executive leadership to establish organizational goals, operating metrics, and long-term strategic initiatives.
Identify operational risks early and develop mitigation strategies.
Support staffing plans, succession planning, and workforce development for a rapidly growing business unit.
Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing project management teams.
Client Leadership
Serve as an executive relationship manager for key Mission Critical clients.
Participate in executive meetings with owners, design partners, and key stakeholders.
Foster long-term client relationships that generate repeat business.
Support project teams in resolving complex commercial, contractual, and operational issues.
Represent the company throughout project delivery while reinforcing a client-focused culture.
Business Development & Market Growth
Partner with Business Development and Executive Leadership to expand the Mission Critical portfolio.
Participate in pursuit strategy, client development, and capture planning.
Review RFQs, RFPs, and contract documents to identify risks and opportunities.
Support go/no-go decisions and pursuit strategy discussions.
Collaborate with estimating teams during preconstruction to develop competitive, executable solutions.
Assist in developing strategic partnerships with clients, designers, trade partners, and technology providers.
Monitor market trends, emerging technologies, and delivery methods within the Mission Critical industry.
Technical Leadership
Provide subject matter expertise throughout all phases of project delivery, including:
Data Center construction
Electrical infrastructure
Medium- and high-voltage systems
Mechanical systems
Critical power distribution
UPS systems
Emergency generation
Cooling systems
Commissioning
Integrated systems testing
Building automation
Phased turnover
Fast-track delivery methods
Support project teams in achieving demanding client expectations related to uptime, commissioning readiness, quality assurance, and schedule certainty.
Financial & Operational Excellence
Ensure projects consistently achieve profitability goals.
Review project financial performance and forecasting.
Assist project teams with recovery planning when required.
Support contract negotiations and change order strategy.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the division.
Monitor key performance indicators including:
Safety
Schedule adherence
Cost performance
Client satisfaction
Quality metrics
Workforce utilization
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Facility Management or other relevant discipline plus 15+ years of progressively responsible experience managing large-scale construction projects or demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Proven success building and leading high-performing project teams.
Strong knowledge of construction contracts, scheduling, project controls, estimating, procurement, and risk management.
Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.
Ability to travel nationally as required.
Preferred Qualifications
5+ years leading Mission Critical construction projects.
Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple concurrent projects exceeding $100M in value.
Strong understanding of:
Design-Build
CMAR
EPC
Progressive Design-Build
Extensive experience in one or more of the following:
Data centers
Semiconductor manufacturing
Battery manufacturing
Pharmaceutical facilities
High-tech industrial construction
Experience with hyperscale data center clients.
Experience delivering projects for major technology companies.
Experience leading commissioning and turnover of mission critical facilities.
Familiarity with:
Primavera P6
Procore
CMiC
Bluebeam
Microsoft Project
Power BI
The salary range for this position is between $230,000 - $300,000 per year depending on experience and/or education.
Shimmick's comprehensive benefits plan includes medical, dental and vision coverage; as well as options to participate in an FSA or HSA. The Company also provides employer paid STD, LTD, basic life and AD&D, and an Employee Assistance Program. Additional voluntary benefit offerings include pet insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness insurance, legal and identity theft protection.
These benefits are available to all employees working more than 20 hours per week. Employees working less than 20 hours per week are eligible for medical, dental and vision coverage as well as EAP services.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:Please note that Shimmick does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Shimmick will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Shimmick explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Shimmick. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. #LI-AR1