VP of Operations #1510

Our client, an innovative real estate development firm, is looking for a VP of Operations to take the helm of a high-profile, ground-up commercial construction project. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned construction executive to serve as the owner's direct representative, acting as the organization's primary voice across all external partnerships — from architects and general contractors to exhibit planners and municipal agencies.

What You'll Be Doing

Executive Representation & Stakeholder Management

• Engage with investors, banking partners, legal advisors, and senior leaders at partner organizations with confidence and professionalism
• Partner with the CEO and Vice President of Finance & People to align on strategic priorities, budget parameters, and key project milestones
• Serve as the definitive decision-maker and central point of contact for all project-related external communications
• Attend and lead meetings with architectural teams, general contractors, exhibit planning firms, town planning bodies, and government agencies on behalf of the organization

Construction Project Leadership

• Manage project closeout procedures including punch list completion, collection of final documentation (manuals, warranties, keys), and financial reconciliation
• Own and maintain the master milestone schedule, driving accountability across design, permitting, procurement, construction, and fit-out workstreams
• Ensure contractor compliance with all applicable insurance requirements
• Direct all project phases from pre-construction planning through final certificate of occupancy
• Perform quarterly re-forecasting of construction volumes, project management capacity, and associated fees

Financial Planning & Cost Oversight

• Track development, project management, and supervisory fees to ensure billing accuracy and contribute to organizational profitability
• Develop and manage detailed project budgets encompassing all hard and soft costs
• Route all budget materials through the VP of Finance & People for formal review and sign-off

Vendor Sourcing & Relationship Management

• Support business development efforts by contributing to the creation and evaluation of vendor proposals
• Draft and distribute RFPs, oversee pre-qualification procedures, evaluate submissions, and manage contract development
• Source and engage architects, engineers, general contractors, construction managers, and specialty consultants
• Cultivate and sustain productive relationships with third-party vendors and municipal stakeholders

Regulatory Approvals, Compliance & Contract Administration

• Draft construction contracts working alongside General Counsel or the organization's external law firm
• Collect and maintain current insurance certificates from all consultants and contractors
• Navigate and manage all governmental approval and permitting workflows from initial application through certificate of occupancy

Initial Focus Areas (First 90–180 Days)

• Coordinate with legal counsel on licensing agreements for entertainment properties that will be incorporated into the attraction
• Complete the development agreement and planning process with the exhibit design partner
• Support environmental assessments and land surveys necessary for the building site
• Build strong working relationships with the architectural team and local municipal authorities to move project approvals forward

Requirements

• Comfortable working autonomously in a lean, high-accountability setting with the ability to build processes and systems from the ground up
• A minimum of 10 years in commercial real estate development or construction management
• Skilled negotiator with a track record of managing contractors, consultants, and suppliers effectively
• Strong command of Microsoft Office 365
• Demonstrated executive-level communication skills, with the ability to represent an organization to investors, financial institutions, architects, and government bodies
• 5 to 7+ years in a senior project management or owner's representative capacity, managing projects in the $25M–$100M range
• Deep financial expertise including hands-on experience with budgeting, cost estimation, and financial reporting
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities with meticulous attention to detail
• Understanding of legal compliance in contractor engagement, including 1099 contractor management and vendor account oversight
• Proven ability to manage the entire construction lifecycle for large-scale, complex commercial developments
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline — or 7+ years of equivalent hands-on experience
• Direct experience developing RFPs, evaluating contractor bids, and managing contract execution

Preferred Qualifications

• Background as an entrepreneur or small business owner in the construction or building management space
• Experience operating within startup or early-stage development organizations
• Familiarity with Shelby County or Collierville municipal planning and permitting procedures

Benefits

• Base salary of $150,000–$200,000 annually, based on experience
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Annual performance bonus
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Paid time off

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

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• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

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• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
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Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.