Vice President of Operations

Wharton Smith•Sanford, FL

19d•Onsite

About The Position

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is seeking a Vice President of Operations to steer its Commercial Construction Business Units toward success. The role focuses on maintaining competitiveness, driving profitable growth, supporting employees, and providing responsive client solutions through operational excellence. The Vice President will foster collaboration and empowerment, promote innovative practices and advanced technologies, and lead continuous improvement across operational functions. The role also participates in, supports, and drives the outcomes of the company’s strategic plan, reinforcing commitment to its people, operational excellence, and sustainable profitable growth. The position is based in Central Florida and reports to the Executive Vice President of Operations. It works in coordination and collaboration with Corporate Services Department Directors. The role requires a full-time, exempt schedule during standard business hours, with flexibility for extended hours according to project and operational demands, and travel to project sites within assigned regions as needed.

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.
Experience leading operational leaders and multidisciplinary teams in the construction industry.
Strong understanding of construction operations, industry practices, market dynamics, business processes, construction technologies, methodologies, and operational best practices.
Ability to drive profitable organizational growth through strategic planning, operational efficiency, and effective leadership.
Customer-focused approach and ability to build and maintain positive client relationships.
Strategic and tactical thinking skills, including anticipating challenges, analyzing complex information, and implementing effective solutions.
Analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, including making informed decisions in fast-paced environments.
Ability to challenge existing processes, identify improvement opportunities, and develop effective business strategies.
Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills for communicating with executive leadership, employees, clients, and stakeholders.
Decision-making and conflict-resolution skills, including the ability to navigate challenging situations professionally and effectively.
Ability to develop, implement, and improve operational processes, business procedures, and organizational systems.
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 decisions.
Ability to adapt to organizational changes and lead teams through evolving business needs.
Leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills to motivate employees and develop future leaders.
Ability to foster an inclusive, collaborative, high-performing team environment while maintaining accountability and operational excellence.
Interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience, including providing constructive feedback and guiding teams through challenges.
Proficiency with technology, business software, and digital tools to support data-driven decisions and operational improvements.
Ability to work 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 setting timelines, assigning owners, monitoring progress, anticipating and removing obstacles, addressing performance concerns, and celebrating success.
Create, contribute to, and manage data and analytics processes.
Contribute to meaningful metrics and drive accountability, consequences, and recognition of success.
Support the total customer experience, resolve problems, and drive continuous improvement.
Assist with problem resolution, promote consistency, and ensure adherence to company-wide procedures and processes.
Remove obstacles and barriers that hinder operations.
Act as a sounding board, mentor, teacher, and confidant in decision-making, and assist with significant opportunity assessment and risk management decisions.
Ensure the organization learns, improves, and reinforces successful practices when complications arise.
Remain highly visible and approachable by resolving problems and contributing to success for the business unit and the company.
Collaborate with Corporate Services Department Directors.