Construction Operations Director

About the Company

For more than 40 years, this family-owned commercial HVAC contractor has been a trusted provider of design-build construction, tenant improvements, retrofits, and mechanical services throughout the Greater San Diego region. With 100+ employees and a strong reputation for quality work and responsive service, the company is entering its next phase of growth - strengthening operational structure while maintaining the collaborative, family-style culture that sets it apart.

Position Overview

The Construction Operations Director will lead the day-to-day operations of the Construction Division and play a key strategic role in elevating performance, consistency, and accountability across the organization. This position was created to allow Ross, who currently oversees construction operations, to shift focus toward business development, client relationships, and market expansion.

The Director will ensure that projects are delivered safely, profitably, on schedule, and to the highest standards of technical quality and customer satisfaction. This individual will also help drive the implementation of scalable systems, develop the project management team, and strengthen communication and workflow across all construction functions.

Ideal candidates bring experience in commercial HVAC or MEP contracting and have overseen complex, multi-stakeholder projects and understand the operational demands of construction at scale.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead and oversee all daily operations of the Construction Division.
• Manage and develop Project Managers, Foremen/Installers, Estimators, and Project Coordinators.
• Serve as the primary operational leader for construction projects, freeing Ross to focus on business development.
• Standardize project planning workflows, including kickoff procedures, scheduling, manpower allocation, procurement coordination, and risk mitigation.
• Foster a culture of accountability, execution, teamwork, and pride in high-quality installations.

Strategic Growth & Organizational Improvement

• Implement systems and processes that support scalable growth as the company advances beyond its current ~$20M annual revenue level.
• Introduce and maintain KPIs, dashboards, and performance reporting tools to improve oversight, forecasting, and decision-making.
• Support the creation of structure through tools such as EOS, SMART goals, consistent meeting rhythms, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on financial forecasting, backlog visibility, operational planning, and long-term strategy.

Client, GC, Developer & Owner Partnership

• Build and maintain strong relationships with general contractors, developers, owners, and other external partners.
• Represent the company in escalated issues, customer meetings, complex project discussions, and field coordination.
• Support teams with installation guidance, constructability input, and technical expertise as needed.

Technology & Process Adoption

• Drive adoption and effective use of BuildOps and related construction/project management software.
• Improve documentation workflows, reporting accuracy, field communication, and project tracking.
• Strengthen operational visibility through better performance tracking, reporting, and forecasting systems.

Materials, Procurement & Compliance

• Oversee procurement processes to ensure the timely availability of labor, materials, and equipment.
• Work with vendors and subcontractors to ensure alignment with scope, quality expectations, and delivery timelines.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, local codes, contracts, permits, and internal policies.
• Maintain accurate documentation and oversee complete close-out packages for project handoff.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in commercial HVAC or mechanical contracting, including leadership of operational teams.
• Expertise in overseeing Project Managers, field leaders, and project support staff.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including the ability to drive project profitability, understand P&L drivers, and improve operational margins.
• Demonstrated success in implementing structure, KPIs, standardized workflows, and a performance-driven culture.
• Proficiency in construction/project management software; BuildOps experience preferred.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments, clients, and field teams.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple active projects simultaneously.

Who You Are

• A confident yet collaborative leader who values both accountability and people.
• Adept at driving change without compromising culture.
• Hands-on, present, and comfortable working closely with both leadership and field teams.
• Motivated to help a reputable HVAC contractor grow to the next level through improved systems, clarity, and leadership discipline.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $150,000 - $200,000, depending on experience and impact.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Life insurance and other standard benefits.
• Opportunity to contribute to the future development of performance-based compensation programs as KPIs mature.