Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Company: United Safety Traffic Control (USTC)
Location: Seattle, WA and the Greater Seattle Area
Work arrangement: Full-time, on-site
Salary: $55,000–$74,000, depending on experience and overall fit
Reports to: Senior Leadership and the Human Resources Manager
Preferred start date: September 1, 2026, or as soon as possible

Company Description

United Safety Traffic Control is a traffic management services provider dedicated to creating safe, efficient work zones and roadways for its clients and communities.

The company supports construction, utility and event projects by planning and implementing compliant traffic control solutions. Team members collaborate closely with public agencies, contractors and other partners to maintain safety standards while minimizing disruption to the public.

United Safety Traffic Control values safety, reliability, professionalism and clear communication in every aspect of its operations.

Build Something Bigger With Us

USTC is a small, ambitious company with significant potential. We are creating a new Operations Manager position to strengthen our leadership team, improve how we operate and help turn that potential into sustainable growth.

Because we are a smaller business, this role offers a level of access, ownership and influence that can be difficult to find in a large organization. The Operations Manager will work closely with senior leadership and the Human Resources Manager, contribute to important business decisions and help shape the systems, standards and culture that will support USTC’s future.

This is not a narrowly defined corporate position. It is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys building, improving and taking responsibility. As USTC grows, we expect the scope and significance of this position to grow with it—creating excellent long-term development potential for the right person.

Role Description

The Operations Manager is a full-time, on-site position based in Seattle, Washington. This individual will oversee USTC’s daily field and office operations across multiple traffic control projects.

The Operations Manager will plan and schedule crews, equipment and materials, ensuring projects begin and finish on time while complying with all applicable safety and regulatory requirements. This individual will monitor job performance, guide supervisors and field staff, and address operational challenges as they arise.

The role also includes responsibility for staff development, purchasing, inventory, vendor relationships and coordination with payroll and administrative functions. Through strong leadership and careful analysis of operational results, the Operations Manager will improve efficiency, support customer service and help position USTC for substantial growth.

Key ResponsibilitiesField and Project Operations

• Oversee USTC’s daily field and office operations
• Plan and schedule crews, equipment and materials across multiple concurrent projects
• Ensure projects begin and finish on time and meet client expectations
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, public agencies and other project partners
• Review traffic control and work-zone plans
• Visit field locations to support crews and monitor project execution
• Identify and resolve scheduling, staffing, equipment and project issues
• Ensure accurate project documentation, recordkeeping and operational reporting

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure field and office activities comply with workplace safety requirements, traffic control standards and other applicable regulations
• Reinforce a safety-first culture throughout the company
• Monitor compliance with company policies and operating procedures
• Identify operational risks and take appropriate corrective action
• Help develop and maintain consistent safety and quality-control practices

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach and support supervisors, field employees and other personnel
• Establish clear roles, priorities and performance expectations
• Provide regular, constructive performance feedback
• Conduct team meetings to communicate goals, expectations, results and operational updates
• Address employee concerns and help resolve workplace conflicts
• Partner with Human Resources to recruit, interview and select team members
• Support employee orientation, onboarding and ongoing training
• Identify development needs and help employees build the skills required for success
• Promote a positive culture of safety, ownership, accountability and teamwork

Resources, Purchasing and Administration

• Manage operational budgets, costs and resource allocation
• Support payroll administration by ensuring employee time and project records are complete and accurate
• Coordinate with bookkeeping and administrative personnel to maintain reliable operational and financial information
• Make purchasing recommendations and decisions within assigned authority
• Build productive vendor relationships and support contract or pricing negotiations
• Monitor equipment, material and inventory levels
• Establish effective inventory-control and replenishment procedures
• Ensure required resources are available without unnecessary cost or waste
• Review basic financial and operational reports to support informed decision-making

Performance and Continuous Improvement

• Monitor productivity, service quality, project performance and operational results
• Establish meaningful performance measures and maintain visibility of results
• Analyze operational information and develop action plans to address gaps
• Review existing systems and introduce practical, scalable improvements
• Improve communication and coordination throughout the company
• Develop processes and management practices capable of supporting a larger organization
• Help translate USTC’s growth ambitions into clear operational plans

Qualifications

• Experience in operations management, preferably in traffic control, construction or a related field-service environment
• Previous responsibility for supervising, coaching and developing employees
• Proficiency in scheduling, resource planning and coordinating multiple concurrent projects
• Strong leadership skills, including performance feedback and conflict resolution
• Knowledge of workplace safety practices and relevant regulations; familiarity with traffic control standards is a plus
• Experience with employee recruitment, interviewing, orientation and training is preferred
• Familiarity with payroll administration, bookkeeping processes and basic financial reporting
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities, with excellent attention to detail and follow-through
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with clients, agencies and internal teams
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, office software and project- or operations-tracking systems
• Basic mathematical and analytical skills for budgeting, cost review and performance reporting
• Ability to prioritize effectively and remain composed in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work on-site in Seattle, Washington, and visit field locations as needed
• Relevant education or training in operations, business, construction management or a related discipline is preferred
• A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record, as required for site visits and field coordination
• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills are highly desirable

The Person We’re Looking For

The successful candidate will be a dynamic, highly organized and adaptable operational leader who is excited by the opportunity to help build a business—not simply maintain an established operation.

You should be comfortable moving between strategy and hands-on delivery. One moment, you may be discussing long-term plans with senior leadership; the next, you may be helping supervisors resolve an immediate field challenge.

You will bring:

• A practical, solutions-focused leadership style
• The ability to motivate and develop a diverse team
• The confidence to make decisions and take ownership of results
• The ability to introduce structure without creating unnecessary bureaucracy
• A commitment to safety, customer service and operational excellence
• The flexibility and resourcefulness required in a small, growing company
• Strong follow-through and consistent attention to detail
• A genuine interest in developing people and building a high-performing team

What Success Will Look Like

During your first year, you will have:

• Developed a strong understanding of USTC’s people, clients, projects and growth opportunities
• Improved the coordination of crews, equipment, materials and project schedules
• Introduced clear operational objectives and meaningful performance reporting
• Clarified responsibilities and strengthened accountability across the team
• Improved safety, consistency, communication and day-to-day execution
• Strengthened onboarding, training and employee-development practices
• Improved purchasing, inventory control and operational cost visibility
• Developed a capable, supported and performance-focused team
• Created scalable processes that allow USTC to pursue larger opportunities
• Established a practical roadmap for the company’s next stage of growth

Why Join USTC?

Small companies offer something different. Your contribution will be visible, your voice will be heard and your work will directly influence our success.

At USTC, you will have the opportunity to:

• Shape a newly created leadership position
• Work directly with the company’s senior decision-makers
• Influence how the business develops from an early stage
• Build systems, processes and teams rather than simply inherit them
• Gain broad operational, commercial and leadership experience
• Grow your responsibilities and career as the company expands
• Help transform a promising small business into a much larger and stronger organization

We are looking for someone who wants to play a meaningful role in building what comes next.

Compensation

• Salary of $55,000–$70,000, depending on experience and overall fit

How to Apply

Please submit your résumé and a cover letter explaining:

• The operational improvements you have previously led
• Your experience coordinating people and resources across multiple projects
• Your approach to developing and managing teams
• Why you are excited by the opportunity to help grow a small company

Applications should be sent to [email protected] by September 30th 2026.

United Safety Traffic Control is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.

Pay: $62,469.30 - $74,049.05 per year

Work Location: In person