Job Title: Operations Manager - Procurement, Plant & Site Operations

Department: Operations

Reports To: Project Manager / Operations Director

Location: Head Office, Pune.

Job Type: Full-time

Job Overview:

We are looking for a highly skilled and organized Operations Manager to oversee the daily operations for procurement, plant and machinery maintenance, material inventory, site progress monitoring, and other key functions related to our road and highway construction projects. This role is pivotal in ensuring that construction sites are properly stocked, equipment is maintained, and all operational aspects run smoothly, ensuring the timely completion of projects within budget. The Operations Manager will also be responsible for managing supplier payments, overseeing labour payments, billing, security deposits (EMD), and managing third-party supervision to ensure compliance with contract terms and project specifications.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Procurement & Material Management:

- Oversee the day-to-day procurement of raw materials (e.g., aggregates, asphalt, cement, steel) and construction supplies for ongoing road and highway projects.

- Ensure timely and cost-effective ordering of materials based on project requirements and inventory levels.

- Monitor and control stock levels to ensure that materials are available when needed, avoiding delays in construction work.

- Work closely with suppliers to negotiate prices, delivery schedules, and ensure the quality of materials meets required standards.

2. Plant & Machinery Maintenance:

- Ensure proper maintenance of all construction machinery and equipment (e.g., excavators, graders, rollers, pavers, etc.) used in road construction projects.

- Oversee a preventive maintenance schedule to minimize equipment downtime and extend the life of machinery.

- Coordinate with maintenance teams and external service providers to resolve any mechanical issues promptly.

3. Site Progress Monitoring & Reporting:

- Conduct regular site visits to monitor construction progress, identify potential issues, and ensure work is on schedule.

- Report on daily/weekly site progress, including work completed, pending tasks, challenges faced, and any deviations from the project timeline.

- Communicate any concerns related to site progress to senior management and recommend corrective actions if required.

4. Supplier Payments & Priority Payments:

- Monitor and ensure timely payments to suppliers and contractors for materials, services, and work performed.

- Oversee priority payments, ensuring that urgent payments for critical materials or services are processed efficiently.

- Work closely with the finance department to ensure that all invoices are accurate, comply with contracts, and are paid within agreed-upon terms.

5. Labour Payment Management:

- Supervise the processing of labour payments, ensuring that payroll is accurately calculated and distributed on time.

- Work closely with the HR and finance teams to ensure labour costs are within budget and that all legal and contractual labour requirements are met.

- Ensure compliance with labour regulations and maintain accurate records for audits.

6. Third-Party Supervision & Vendor Management:

- Manage third-party contractors and vendors, ensuring compliance with contract terms, quality standards, and safety regulations.

- Perform regular performance reviews of subcontractors and service providers to ensure they meet project specifications and timelines.

- Act as the primary point of contact for any issues or disputes with third-party vendors and work toward swift resolutions.

7. Billing & Invoicing:

- Oversee the preparation and submission of accurate and timely invoices for materials, services, and work completed.

- Work with the finance team to ensure that invoicing aligns with contract terms and that project billing is processed efficiently.

- Ensure that any billing disputes are resolved promptly and with minimal impact on cash flow.

8. Security Deposit & EMD (Earnest Money Deposit) Management:

- Oversee the management of security deposits (EMD) for contracts and ensure that all required deposits are processed and documented.

- Ensure that EMDs are returned or adjusted in line with contract completion milestones or upon settlement of claims.

- Coordinate with legal and finance departments to ensure proper handling of security deposits and any associated conditions.

9. Continuous Improvement & Efficiency:

- Identify opportunities to streamline procurement processes, improve plant maintenance efficiency, and enhance overall project delivery.

- Implement best practices for resource utilization, material management, and equipment maintenance to reduce costs and minimize downtime.

- Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and innovative processes that can improve project operations.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field. A Master's degree or certifications in project management (e.g., PMP, CPM) is a plus.

Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in construction operations management, specifically in road or highway construction.

Skills:

- In-depth knowledge of construction materials, machinery, and road construction processes.

- Strong experience in procurement, inventory management, and vendor negotiations.

- Sound understanding of project budgeting, cost control, and financial management, including billing and payments.

- Proven ability to manage and lead teams effectively, including third-party contractors and site labor.

- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

- Familiarity with safety regulations and quality control standards in the construction industry.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with construction management software (e.g., Procore, Buildertrend, etc.) is preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

- This role will require frequent visits to construction sites and may involve working in outdoor or potentially challenging weather conditions.

- Ability to travel to various project sites as required.

- The role may require occasional extended hours to meet deadlines or handle urgent operational issues.