Vice President of Operations

Wharton-Smith•Sanford, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is seeking a Vice President of Operations to work in Central Florida and steer its Commercial Construction Business Units toward success. The role is responsible for maintaining competitiveness, supporting profitable growth, supporting employees, and providing responsive client solutions through operational excellence. It will promote collaboration and empowerment, apply innovative practices and technology to improve efficiency, and drive continuous improvement across operations. The Vice President will also participate in and support the company’s strategic plan, driving its outcomes and reinforcing the company’s commitment to its people, operational excellence, and sustainable profitable growth. The position reports to the Executive Vice President of Operations and coordinates with Corporate Services Department Directors. It leads business-unit meetings and accountability processes, supports strategic and tactical planning, manages operational data and analytics, resolves obstacles and problems, and mentors leaders in decision-making, opportunity assessment, and risk management. The role requires visibility and approachability, as well as the ability to work in office environments and active construction sites, travel to project sites as business needs require, and accommodate extended hours based on project and operational demands.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
Ten to fifteen years of experience in an Operations Manager or comparable leadership role within a construction company generating $1 billion or more in annual revenue.
Proven experience leading operational leaders and multidisciplinary teams within the construction industry.
Strong understanding of construction operations, industry practices, market dynamics, and business processes.
Demonstrated ability to drive profitable organizational growth through strategic planning, operational efficiency, and effective leadership.
Strong customer-focused approach and ability to build and maintain positive client relationships.
Exceptional strategic and tactical thinking, including the ability to anticipate challenges, analyze complex information, and implement effective solutions.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, including informed decision-making in fast-paced environments.
Ability to challenge existing processes, identify improvement opportunities, and develop effective business strategies.
Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills; ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, employees, clients, and stakeholders.
Strong decision-making and conflict-resolution skills, including navigating challenging situations professionally and effectively.
Proven ability to develop, implement, and improve operational processes, business procedures, and organizational systems.
Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills, including managing competing priorities and meeting critical deadlines.
Ability to interpret business data, financial information, and operational metrics to support strategic decision-making.
Strong understanding of construction processes, technologies, methodologies, and operational best practices.
Ability to adapt to organizational changes and lead teams through evolving business needs.
Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills, including motivating employees and developing future leaders.
Ability to foster an inclusive, collaborative, high-performing team environment while maintaining accountability and operational excellence.
Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience, including providing constructive feedback and guiding teams through challenges.
Proficiency in technology, business software, and digital tools to support data-driven decisions and operational improvements.
Ability to work effectively in professional office environments and active construction job sites.
Ability to perform periodic site visits involving walking, standing, and navigating uneven terrain.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain performance in fast-paced, deadline-driven construction environments.
Availability to work a full-time, exempt schedule during standard business hours, with flexibility for extended hours based on project and operational demands.
Willingness to travel to project sites within assigned regions as business needs require.

Responsibilities

Run key business-unit meetings and ensure metrics are established and met and processes are followed, including project forecast meetings and audits.
Assist in developing strategic and tactical goals and drive them to completion by creating timelines, assigning owners, monitoring progress, anticipating and removing obstacles, contributing to success, leveraging strengths, addressing performance concerns, and celebrating success.
Create, contribute to, and manage data and analytical processes.
Contribute to meaningful metrics and drive accountability, consequences, and celebrations.
Understand and support the total customer experience, resolve problems, and drive continuous improvement.
Assist with problem resolution, drive consistency, and ensure adherence to company-wide procedures and processes.
Remove obstacles and barriers that hinder operations.
Serve as a sounding board, mentor, teacher, and confidant in decision-making; assist with significant opportunity assessment and risk-management decisions.
Ensure the organization focuses on learning, improving, and reinforcing successful practices when complications arise.
Remain visible and approachable by resolving problems and contributing to success for the business unit and the company.
Coordinate and collaborate with Corporate Services Department Directors.