Vice President of Operations-Heavy Civil Construction

Kimmel & Associates • Little Rock, AR

8d

About The Position

The company is hiring two newly created Vice President of Operations roles for its heavy civil construction business: one focused on public-sector work and one on private-sector work. Both positions report directly to the company's VP of Operations and were created to support continued growth and strengthen the operating leadership structure as the founders transition to board-only roles. The positions offer day-to-day autonomy and high visibility.

Each role leads a large portfolio of concurrent heavy civil construction projects and is accountable for developing teams, improving profitability, and driving operational excellence. The work spans complex infrastructure and site development, including transportation, earthwork, paving, utilities, structures, commercial development, mining, and residential projects. The job is based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, with regular travel to project sites. Relocation assistance is available.

Requirements

• 15+ years of progressive heavy civil construction experience, including significant operational leadership.
• Proven success managing a large portfolio of concurrent projects rather than primarily single large projects.
• Experience leading Project Managers, Superintendents, and other senior construction professionals.
• Strong background in heavy civil, infrastructure, transportation, or site development.
• Demonstrated responsibility for project profitability, forecasting, scheduling, cost control, safety, and customer relationships.
• Proven success owning full P&L for a major business unit, region, or portfolio of complex projects.
• Strong understanding of contracts, estimating, project controls, change management, claims, and risk.
• Experience with both self-performed and subcontracted work.
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing teams.
• Strong executive communication, leadership, relationship management, and business acumen.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Experience with public works or DOT projects, highways, bridges, utilities, large-scale earthwork, or commercial civil site development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee large-scale heavy civil construction operations across a portfolio of concurrent projects.
• Direct and develop Project Managers, Superintendents, and senior field leadership.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to customer expectations.
• Hold full P&L accountability for assigned operations, including budgeting, cost control, forecasting, and margin optimization.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs and performance standards.
• Partner with estimating, preconstruction, and senior leadership on project strategy and execution.
• Optimize manpower, equipment, and other resources across projects.
• Build strong relationships with owners, developers, agencies, subcontractors, and other stakeholders.
• Champion safety, quality, employee development, and continuous operational improvement.
• Support major pursuits, business development, contract negotiations, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Travel regularly to project sites.

Benefits

• $300,000+ base salary
• Significant annual performance bonus
• Meaningful employee ownership stake, with a track record of strong annual growth in employee equity value
• Long-term incentive opportunity
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) with company contribution/match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Short- and long-term disability
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
• Relocation assistance
• Significant opportunity for long-term executive growth

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed