Vice President, Project Operations

IMI•Topeka, KS

About The Position

The VP of Project Operations leads the end-to-end execution engine for DCS Core, overseeing engineering, project management, and site operations. This leader is accountable for delivering projects on time, on budget, and to quality standards—while establishing a culture where ownership, accountability, and client-satisfying results. Reporting to the President, this role partners cross-functionally and across companies to drive execution discipline, improve performance, and build a high-performing, accountable organization.

Requirements

12+ years leading project operations, engineering, or delivery in complex environments
Proven ability to drive execution performance and increase accountability
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across engineering and operations
Strong operational discipline with a results-driven mindset
Data-driven, decisive, and comfortable in high-accountability environments
Effective communicator and leader of high-performing teams

Responsibilities

Own Execution & Accountability: Lead engineering, project management, and site operations with clear ownership from design through delivery. Establish KPIs, operating rhythms, and performance management to ensure commitments are met. Drive a culture of accountability—holding leaders and teams responsible for results.
Drive Project Delivery Excellence: Own portfolio performance (schedule, budget, quality, customer outcomes). Work with partners at DCS to standardize processes, tools, and reporting to improve predictability and consistency. Identify risks early and ensure timely resolution.
Lead Engineering & Integration: Ensure designs are executable, aligned to project requirements, and transition seamlessly into delivery. Strengthen collaboration between engineering and operations. Improve design quality, documentation, and scalability.
Oversee Site & Field Execution: Ensure strong field leadership and accountability for project milestones. Deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality installations.
Partner Across the Business: Support sales and pre-contract efforts at DCS to ensure realistic plans, costs, and timelines. Provide clear, data-driven reporting to executive leadership.
Build & Develop the Team: Develop strong leaders across engineering, PM, and field operations. Set clear expectations and coach for performance and ownership. Build a high-performing, results-driven culture.