General Manager – Construction Operations
Role Summary
SAWW Developments is seeking an experienced General Manager – Construction Operations to lead and oversee our growing construction operations throughout British Columbia.
Unlike a traditional Project Manager role focused on the day-to-day administration of individual projects, this position serves as the operational leader responsible for building, managing, and supporting the project delivery team. The General Manager will act as the primary escalation point for clients, consultants, project staff, subcontractors, and ownership, ensuring issues are addressed quickly and effectively while maintaining strong relationships and successful project outcomes.
The successful candidate will provide leadership and oversight to Project Coordinators, Project Managers, Site Supervisors, and administrative staff while ensuring projects are properly resourced, teams remain aligned, and company standards are consistently maintained across all active projects.
This role combines operational leadership, team development, client relationship management, resource planning, and strategic growth initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Operations Leadership
- Provide overall leadership and management of construction operations.
- Oversee multiple concurrent projects and ensure teams have the resources necessary for successful execution.
- Establish and maintain operational standards, procedures, and company best practices.
- Monitor project performance, staffing requirements, budgets, schedules, quality, and client satisfaction.
- Work closely with ownership to support strategic growth initiatives and operational planning.
- Lead regular operational meetings with project and field teams.
- Ensure alignment between office operations and field operations.
Team Leadership & Development
- Directly supervise and mentor Project Coordinators, Project Managers, Site Supervisors, and support staff.
- Build and maintain a strong, accountable, and collaborative team culture.
- Recruit, hire, onboard, and develop Site Supervisors and other operational personnel.
- Identify staffing gaps and proactively plan resource requirements based on project workload.
- Conduct performance evaluations and establish development plans for team members.
- Hold project teams accountable for performance, communication, documentation, schedule management, and client service.
- Provide guidance and support to project teams in resolving operational challenges.
Client Relations & Escalation Management
- Serve as the primary escalation point for clients regarding project concerns, disputes, delays, quality issues, staffing concerns, and other project-related matters.
- Maintain strong relationships with owners, consultants, property managers, and stakeholders.
- Lead resolution efforts for both minor and major project issues.
- Participate in client meetings where elevated management involvement is required.
- Manage sensitive conversations regarding schedule delays, change orders, scope disputes, and performance concerns.
- Ensure clients receive consistent communication and a high level of service throughout project delivery.
- Support business development efforts by fostering long-term client relationships and repeat business opportunities.
Resource Planning & Workforce Management
- Develop staffing strategies to support current and future project workloads.
- Recruit and maintain a network of qualified Site Supervisors, Project Managers, and key personnel.
- Allocate resources across projects to maximize efficiency and project success.
- Monitor workforce utilization and operational capacity.
- Support succession planning and leadership development within the organization.
Project Oversight
- Provide high-level oversight of all active projects.
- Review project budgets, schedules, risk registers, and performance metrics.
- Support project teams in resolving critical schedule, procurement, subcontractor, and technical challenges.
- Ensure projects are being administered in accordance with contracts, company procedures, and client requirements.
- Review major change orders, claims, and project risks before escalation to ownership.
- Monitor project profitability and overall financial performance.
Subcontractor & Vendor Relationships
- Support project teams in the procurement and management of subcontractors.
- Maintain relationships with key subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
- Assist in resolving significant subcontractor disputes or performance issues.
- Support strategic sourcing initiatives to strengthen trade partnerships and improve project delivery.
Quality, Safety & Risk Management
- Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and professionalism throughout the organization.
- Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with company quality standards and client expectations.
- Support implementation of company safety programs and policies.
- Participate in the resolution of major quality, safety, and risk-related issues.
- Assist in developing procedures to improve operational efficiency and reduce project risk.
Strategic Growth & Business Development
- Support company growth initiatives and expansion throughout British Columbia.
- Participate in business development meetings, client presentations, and industry networking activities.
- Assist ownership in identifying opportunities for operational improvements and organizational growth.
- Contribute to long-term planning and strategic decision-making.
Required Experience
- 15+ years of experience in commercial construction.
- Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership, operations management, construction management, or executive-level role.
- Proven experience managing multiple project teams simultaneously.
- Demonstrated success leading Project Managers, Coordinators, Site Supervisors, and field personnel.
- Strong experience in commercial, institutional, healthcare, and tenant improvement construction.
- Experience resolving complex client, subcontractor, and project-related issues.
- Strong understanding of construction contracts, project delivery methods, scheduling, procurement, budgeting, and risk management.
- Experience recruiting, building, and managing high-performing teams.
Leadership Competencies
- Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
- Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
- Ability to make decisions under pressure.
- Strong client relationship management skills.
- Strategic thinker with strong operational judgment.
- Highly organized and results-driven.
- Ability to balance big-picture planning with day-to-day operational demands.
- Professional, confident, and capable of representing the company at the highest level.
Additional Requirements
- Valid driver's license.
- Willingness to travel throughout British Columbia as required.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, construction management software, and digital documentation platforms.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in both office and field environments.
Compensation
SAWW Developments offers a highly competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, leadership capability, and organizational responsibility.
This position represents a key leadership role within the company and offers significant opportunity for long-term growth, operational influence, and advancement into executive leadership.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and references to:
[email protected]
SAWW Developments is an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Pay: $50,000.00-$70,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Vancouver, BC V6B 3M1
