Vice President of Operations - Digital Agency

Urban Insight•Houston, TX

2d•$160,000 - $200,000•Remote

About The Position

Urban Insight is a leading digital agency creating innovative websites and web applications for organizations that make a difference. We specialize in solving complex problems through website strategy, design and development using open source content management systems (primarily, Drupal and WordPress, and headless architectures). Our clients include some of the most well known museums, nonprofits, universities, cities and more. Urban Insight has been in business for 25+ years and continues to expand each year. We thrive on having a professionally rewarding environment where team members are encouraged to grow. The Vice President of Operations (remote, U.S. based position) reports directly to the CEO and is the company's number two. As the VP of Ops you will have two core responsibilities: (1) be the operational catalyst and strategic navigator of our organization and (2) lead the delivery organization as our core revenue engine. In this pivotal role, you will be a thought partner to the CEO and executive team in driving the company forward. You will lead the efficient execution of our business strategies, ensuring the seamless integration of our operations, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Revenue functions sit within your view from day one, but they are a secondary priority. Your first mandate is to strengthen delivery and internal operations. As those mature, you will take on a larger operational role across the revenue functions. This role is ideal for a motivated, energetic leader with a high sense of urgency who wants to help take an organization to the next level.

Requirements

10+ years of operations and leadership experience, including time operating as a senior leader reporting to a COO or CEO.
At least half of those years in a web development agency, project-based, fast-paced agency setting, or consulting firm with an employee base of 20 to 150. Working with WordPress and/or Drupal projects in particular is a plus.
Direct experience leading the delivery of complex website and web application projects, including client interactions and relationships.
Demonstrated success building and running internal and people operations that supported profitable growth.
Proven leadership of a multi-team organization, with accountability for managing managers (not only individual contributors).
Exposure to revenue functions in an agency context.

Nice To Haves

Working with WordPress and/or Drupal projects in particular is a plus.

Responsibilities

Own the delivery organization as a revenue-generating engine: accountable for project execution quality, on-time and on-budget performance, resource allocation, and margin. Define delivery standards, own capacity planning against project demand, and ensure the PM function is structured and resourced to lead complex engagements end to end.
Own and operate the company's planning and execution system (EOS) annual goal-setting, quarterly rock planning, and weekly leadership rhythms. Translate strategic direction into clear execution plans, drive the leadership team to results, and hold leaders accountable to their commitments. Serve as a thought partner to the CEO on strategy and the operational levers that enable sustainable revenue growth.
Develop and scale internal processes and systems across the business (tooling, workflow, and admin), ensuring the organization runs efficiently and can support continued growth.
Own recruiting, onboarding, and performance management to consistently hire and retain A players at every level. Lead employee engagement and culture as an ongoing operational function. Own the employee experience from hire to departure, including the HR processes that support it.
Own the company's operational performance metrics including utilization, project margin, revenue mix, pipeline health, and capacity. Build visibility into the right agency levers, interpret trends, and drive data-informed decisions that optimize how the business performs with its current resources.
Coach and develop the next layer of leaders into effective department owners. Close the gap between strategy and execution by ensuring leaders have clear plans, the right support structure, and real accountability for results.
As a secondary priority to delivery, coach and manage sales, business development, marketing and estimating functions to drive profitable new business via RFPs and direct sales, and harmonious and consistent handoff from sales to delivery.