Operations Manager

Job Opening: Operations Manager

Department: Field Operations
Sub-Department: Installation
Reports To: Director of Field Operations

 

About this Role

The Operations Manager is responsible for driving disciplined execution across internal scheduling teams and external install partners. This role ensures installations are executed safely, on time, within cost targets, and aligned with company quality standards. The Operations Manager also owns install partner recruitment, onboarding, budget negotiations, performance management, and operational oversight. This leader builds the systems that prevent operational chaos and enforces the standards that protect margin, customer experience, and company reputation.

Key Responsibilities

Install Partner Leadership & Performance Management

• Recruit and onboard high-performing install partners.
• Establish and enforce performance standards related to cost, speed, quality, and safety.
• Own partner budget negotiations and protect cost-per-project targets.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and implement corrective action plans as needed.
• Remove underperforming partners when standards are not met.
• Build long-term, accountable relationships with strategic install partners.

Scheduling & Install Coordination Oversight

• Directly manage the Install Coordinators and Scheduling Team.
• Optimize install flow to ensure crew utilization, material readiness, inspection timing, and capacity planning.
• Eliminate scheduling bottlenecks and rework loops.
• Align scheduling cadence with cost-per-watt and throughput targets.

Process Development & Systems Integration

• Design, refine, and enforce Field Operations SOPs.
• Develop standardized install playbooks for internal teams and partners.
• Partner with Technology and other departments to:
• Integrate automation into scheduling and documentation.
• Improve CRM workflows.
• Eliminate redundant or manual processes.
• Build scalable systems that maintain quality as install volume increases.

Cost, Margin & Financial Discipline

• Own labor cost negotiations and enforce agreed partner cost structures.
• Track and protect cost-per-watt and margin targets.
• Identify cost overrun drivers and implement corrective measures.
• Collaborate with Finance to improve margin visibility and reporting.

Quality, Safety & Customer Experience

• Ensure install partners adhere to company installation and safety standards.
• Reduce deviation rates and rework.
• Support first-time completion and inspection of pass rate targets.
• Align field execution with approved plans and quality expectations.

Change Management & Field Alignment

• Lead operational change initiatives within Field Operations.
• Roll out new processes with clarity and accountability.
• Ensure adoption of updated standards, tools, and systems across partners and coordinators.
• Monitor execution discipline and adjust processes as necessary.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum 7+ years of field operations experience in solar, residential construction, or a comparable trade-based environment.
• Proven experience managing subcontractors, install partners, or external vendors with full performance accountability.
• Demonstrated budget negotiation and cost control experience, including enforcing labor rate structures and protecting margin.
• Strong process-builder mindset with the ability to design, implement, and refine scalable operational systems.
• High-accountability leadership style with experience setting clear expectations and enforcing standards.
• Comfortable addressing performance gaps and making difficult personnel or vendor decisions when necessary.
• Systems thinker capable of connecting people, process, and tools into an integrated operating model.
• Ability to balance day-to-day field realities with long-term operational structure and scalability.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Operations, Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel to job sites and partner locations as needed.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to conduct field visits and site inspections when required.

Measures of Success:

1. Cost per project / cost