Director of Construction Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Construction Operations

Location: Tempe, AZ
Employment Type: Full-Time

What You’ll Be Part Of

You’ll be joining a rapidly growing semiconductor construction organization entering its next phase of expansion. The team specializes in high-purity piping, process utilities, chemical systems, modular fabrication, and semiconductor facility construction.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who can help build a strong organization while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, customer service, technical expertise, and operational performance.

Why This Role Matters

This role will help shape the direction and growth of a growing semiconductor construction business. You’ll have broad responsibility across operations, project execution, field teams, staffing, customer relationships, quality, safety, financial performance, and continuous improvement.

The right leader will bring deep construction expertise while also building strong teams, developing customer partnerships, improving processes, and creating the structure needed for sustainable growth.

What You’ll DoExecutive Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the construction organization

• Develop and execute strategic initiatives that support company growth

• Establish performance expectations and accountability throughout the organization

• Lead managers responsible for project management, field operations, and support functions

• Foster a culture focused on safety, quality, customer satisfaction, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Report operational performance and strategic initiatives directly to executive leadership

• Provide executive oversight of operational performance, efficiency, forecasting, budgeting, and resource planning

Business Development & Customer Relationships

• Build trusted executive relationships with key customers

• Identify opportunities to expand existing partnerships, secure new business, and support long-term growth

• Serve as a trusted advisor to customers throughout the project lifecycle

• Identify new business opportunities and strategic partnerships

• Participate in customer presentations, project planning, and executive reviews

• Represent the organization at industry events and networking opportunities

• Develop initiatives that expand market share, strengthen customer partnerships, and position the organization as a preferred semiconductor construction partner

Construction Operations

Provide executive oversight across:

• Semiconductor piping construction

• Process piping

• Plumbing systems

• Chemical delivery systems

• Mechanical installations

• Off-site manufacturing and modular fabrication

• Project execution

• Field service operations

• Staffing and workforce planning

Technical Leadership

Maintain a thorough understanding of:

• Semiconductor piping specifications

• Process piping systems

• Process utilities

• Chemical distribution systems

• P&IDs

• Site walk evaluations

• Project constructability reviews

• Installation methods

• Quality standards

• Industry codes and specifications

• Multiple estimating systems

Provide technical guidance throughout project planning and execution.

Manufacturing Integration

• Connect engineering, off-site manufacturing, and field construction to improve productivity, quality, cost, and project delivery

• Identify fabrication opportunities that improve cost, quality, and speed of delivery

• Help build construction teams capable of identifying and separating off-site production opportunities

• Support clear definition of chemical equipment requirements for successful system production

• Build a strong team to support the design and management of off-site production operations

Operational Excellence

• Standardize business processes and improve project execution

• Implement automation and digital technologies

• Develop and continuously improve KPIs

• Use advanced Excel and reporting tools to improve visibility and decision-making

• Support ERP and digital workflow improvements

• Drive innovation through technology, automation, and standardized processes

• Promote Lean thinking and continuous improvement across departments

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, develop, and mentor high-performing leaders

• Build succession plans for critical positions

• Promote collaboration across departments

• Drive employee engagement and accountability

What We’re Looking For

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience within semiconductor and process piping construction

• Strong relationships with core customers within the semiconductor fabrication ecosystem

• Demonstrated advancement through increasingly responsible leadership positions

• Extensive experience with:

  • Semiconductor piping systems

  • High-purity piping

  • Mechanical fab construction

  • Project management

  • Estimating

  • Site management

  • Staffing

  • Project costing

  • Quality systems

• Strong understanding of P&IDs, specifications, constructability, and site walks

• Proven experience leading large construction organizations

• Strong financial and business acumen

• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency

• Experience implementing automated business systems

• Established relationships throughout the semiconductor industry

• Demonstrated ability to build customer confidence and long-term partnerships

• Ability to champion a culture where safety, quality, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction are foundational to every decision

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field

• Experience with chemical system design and build

• Experience integrating off-site manufacturing and modular construction into project delivery

• Lean Construction or Operational Excellence experience

• PMP or other relevant industry certifications

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive who combines deep expertise in semiconductor construction, process piping systems, and operational leadership with strong business acumen.

You’ll be comfortable developing long-term strategy, mentoring leaders, building executive-level customer relationships, evaluating complex project opportunities, and driving continuous improvement. Most importantly, you know how to build strong teams, create accountability, and foster a culture where people, quality, safety, and customer success come first.

About Saltera HR

Saltera HR is proud to partner with organizations who share our belief that people matter—and that opportunity, fairness, and respect belong in every workplace. We recruit, represent, and refer candidates based solely on qualifications, experience, and alignment with our clients' needs. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We are not the employer of record for this position. Our role is to represent both the client and the candidate with professionalism, integrity, and respect throughout the recruitment process.