Grading Operations Manager

Job Category: Manager

Requisition Number: GRADI002735

Posting Details

Posted: December 17, 2025

Full-Time

On-site

Locations

SAUK RAPIDS, MN 56379, USA

Pay or shift range: $130,000 USD to $160,000 USD

The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

Job Details

Description

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country, and we are a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are the key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and safely each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.

As a Grading Operations Manager, you will oversee the overall operation and be responsible for the effective and successful management of labor, productivity, quality control and safety measures as establishes and set for the Operations Department. Ensure safe and efficient operations. Serve as a company representative on regulatory issues. Enhance the operational procedure, systems and principles in the areas of information flow and management, business process, enhanced management reporting and looks for opportunity to expand systems. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with companies' policies and applicable laws.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, Construction Management or equivalent years' experience.
• Minimum of 5+ years' experience in the civil construction industry.
• Valid Minnesota driver's license and acceptable driving record to meet Knife River Fleet policy.

Preferred Requirements:

• Minimum 5+ years' experience in management.
• Experience using JDE or HCSS

Duties and/or Responsibilities:

• Review proposal specifications, drawings, pre-bid meetings and visit project sites to determine scope of work required in preparing bid/estimate proposal.
• Determine labor, equipment and material requirements to complete project and use information to prepare bid/estimate proposal.
• Submit complete bid/estimate proposals to project owners, managers and/or general contractors in a timely and professional manner, provide any clarification on information submitted as needed.
• Provide current and potential customers/clients prompt professional service including pricing assistance.
• Coordinate with Central Dispatch project objectives, procedures, schedules and performance requirements. Will provide indirect or direct supervision to employees.
• Provide ongoing support to operations in various departments; communicate job expectations, planning, monitoring, appraising and reviewing job contributions.
• Work closely with the General Manager and management team to set and/or implement policies, procedures and systems and to follow through with implementation.
• Review and approve all operational invoices and ensure they are submitted for payment.
• Communicate customer issues with operations team and devise ways of improving the customer experience, including resolving problems and complaints.
• Conduct reviews of projects to ensure compliance with Work in Progress (WIP) procedures and perform monthly assessments of revenue and cost.
• Manage job billing processes and oversee project closeout activities.
• Communicate all operating policies and/or issues at department meetings.
• Troubleshoot and problem solve situations/problems (material quality, material availability, scheduling/repair, etc.). Monitor and discuss production problems with General Manager.
• Ensure MSHA, OSHA, EPA, DNR, safety and environmental regulation compliance.
• Must work as needed, given the unpredictability of how long jobs or trips will take, including overtime, nights, and weekends.
• Always work safely and act to prevent any and all unsafe actions, processes, and behaviors.
• Wear company issued Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) in accordance with company policy.
• Regular attendance is required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:

• Self-motivated, team-player with good interpersonal skills; ability to maintain positive customer relations and act courteous/respectful of others.
• Communication skills and positive interactions with a employees, customers and vendors required.
• Negotiating, sales skills or customer service experience in civil construction.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, Power Point).

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account
• 401K with Company Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid/Sick Time Off
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Short-term Disability & Life Insurance
• Employee assistance Program
• Years of Service Recognition

Part-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• 401K with Company Match
• Paid/Sick Time Off
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Years of Service Recognition

How To Apply:

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.

Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.

If unable to apply online, please mail completed application to:

4787 Shadow Wood Drive NE, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379.

Qualifications

Education

Preferred

Bachelors or better in Business Administration or related field.

Bachelors or better in Construction Management Services or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.