Director of Field Operations @ QH&A

About the role

You own field operations performance for Quality Sheet Metal across many sites. Daily choices shape how crews move safely and projects stay profitable. You guard schedules, labor hours, and margins while leading Superintendents. You translate strategic objectives into actionable field plans that keep work moving efficiently. You ensure that every decision balances safety, quality, and financial outcomes for the organization. You serve as the critical link between corporate expectations and the realities of the jobsite. You drive continuous improvement in how field teams execute against contract requirements.

Key facts

What you'll do

Setting expectations for manpower, scheduling, and clarity across crews so that work proceeds without confusion.

Coordinating staffing levels with project schedules to prevent overuse or shortages and maintain steady productivity.

Reviewing labor hours against estimates to catch overruns before they escalate and protect project margins.

Documenting field changes and scope shifts to support proper billing and maintain accurate project records.

Guiding Superintendents on staffing, productivity, and corrective actions to align execution with targets.

Anticipating future manpower needs to keep projects on track and efficient as conditions evolve.

Alerting leadership early when budgets drift off course so timely adjustments can be implemented.

Partnering with Project Managers to align field execution with contract goals and stakeholder expectations.

Ensuring that all field activities adhere to company standards, safety protocols, and contractual obligations.

Providing clear direction on priorities during peak periods to optimize the use of available resources.

Championing best practices in field communication to reduce rework and improve overall project reliability.

Supporting the implementation of tools and processes that enhance visibility into field performance.

Requirements

You must manage field teams and Superintendents with direct oversight and clear accountability.

You must understand manpower needs across active projects at all times to allocate resources appropriately.

You must coordinate staffing using schedules, budgets, and site conditions to match demand accurately.

You must prevent overstaffing while protecting critical project timelines and resource efficiency.

You must track actual hours versus estimates for each job to maintain financial control and transparency.

You must demand regular reports on completion rates and future needs to enable proactive decision-making.

You must investigate labor overruns and create action plans with leaders to correct deviations swiftly.

You must hold teams responsible while distinguishing added work from base tasks to ensure fair evaluations.

You must comply with all company policies, safety regulations, and industry standards in every assignment.

You must maintain confidentiality regarding project data, personnel matters, and financial information.

You must be willing to travel as required to support field operations and engage with project stakeholders.

You must be available during critical project periods to address urgent issues and maintain continuity.

You must demonstrate reliability and professionalism in all interactions with internal and external partners.

You must meet all employment eligibility requirements as defined by applicable laws and company guidelines.

Nice to have

None specified.

Practical notes

Hours are full time. Travel may be required between project sites in Wilmington, DE and surrounding regions. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship at this time. This role reports to leadership within the Quality Sheet Metal division of Kelso Industries. The position is based in Wilmington, Delaware, and is part of a broader network of field operations across the company's service area. Only direct applicants will be considered, in accordance with recruiter notice outlined in the company background.

The day to day

In this role, you will oversee the execution of field activities related to HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions. You will work closely with Superintendents to interpret schedules, manage resources, and resolve issues that could impact delivery. Your responsibilities include monitoring progress, identifying risks, and implementing corrective actions to keep projects on schedule. You will ensure that field teams have the clarity and support needed to perform their work safely and efficiently. Collaboration with Project Managers will be essential to align on objectives, manage changes, and maintain alignment with contractual terms. You will use data from labor reports, schedules, and site visits to make informed decisions about resource deployment. Communication skills will be critical as you coordinate with estimators, planners, and other stakeholders. You will help drive improvements in how field operations are planned and controlled across the organization. This position plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of project budgets while supporting high standards of quality. You will contribute to a culture where safety, accountability, and continuous learning are valued across field teams.

The company

Kelso Industries builds scientific research vessels for government marine operations. The company name honors the late Dr John Kelso, a scientist with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. This background is reflected in the design of vessels built to support fisheries research and water quality work. The lead vessel is a "Near Shore Fisheries Research Vessel" used for trawls, box core sampling, bottom sampling, and water quality sampling. It was commissioned in 2009 and built by ABCO Industries Lunenburg Shipyard. The vessel was ordered by the Canadian Coast Guard to replace the retiring CCGS Shark and operates from CGS Base Burlington in the Central and Arctic Region. The ship has a maximum speed near 16 knots and a cruising speed near 14 knots. Fuel capacity is about 2,848 litres, with additional water storage of 500 litres. Accommodation includes seating for ten passengers and a crew of three. This configuration supports day trips and focused research campaigns in coastal and nearshore waters.