Vice President of Operations – Mechanical Construction

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $200,000–$250,000 (based on capability and experience)
Bonus: Target ~50% of base (tied to performance and regional results)
Vehicle Allowance
100% Employer-Paid Employee Healthcare
Dental & Vision coverage
401(k) with company match
20 days PTO + company holidays
Additional people-focused perks (employee support services, engagement programs)

Location: Raleigh–Durham, NC

Industry: Mechanical Construction (HVAC, Plumbing, Process Piping)

Reports To: Executive Vice President

About the Company

A fourth-generation, family-owned mechanical contractor in the Southeastern U.S. is seeking a Vice President of Operations to lead and scale construction operations across the Carolinas.

With nearly 700 employees and revenue exceeding $300M, this organization is recognized as one of the region’s most respected mechanical builders—serving clients in healthcare, higher education, hospitality, pharmaceuticals, data/technology, and advanced manufacturing. The company is known for its people-first culture, elite craftsmanship, long-term customer relationships, and strong financial performance.

The firm provides full-service mechanical solutions including HVAC, plumbing, process piping, design-build, and maintenance/service. The company is in a significant growth phase and is investing deeply in expanding its Carolinas market footprint.

Position Overview

The Vice President of Operations will oversee all construction operations across the Carolinas—providing leadership, structure, and consistent operational excellence. This newly created role will strengthen execution, enhance margin performance, and develop the next generation of project leaders.

You will oversee all Project Managers, Senior PMs, and Project Executives in the region, ensuring teams deliver high-quality mechanical projects on time, on budget, and with exceptional safety and client satisfaction.

This executive will play a central role in scaling multi-market operations and building the long-term operational infrastructure needed for continued expansion.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Oversee day-to-day mechanical construction operations across multiple project teams.
Ensure projects meet schedule, budget, safety, and quality expectations.
Lead project cost control, forecasting, and margin protection efforts.
Standardize and tighten operational processes across all project sites.

People Development & Leadership

Directly lead and mentor all PMs, Senior PMs, and Project Executives.
Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and high performance.
Identify skill gaps and implement clear development plans.

Work Acquisition Support

Partner with Preconstruction and Business Development to represent operations in pursuits.
Support interviews, presentations, and client meetings to win work.
Communicate competitive advantages tied to operational performance.

Process Improvement & Scalability

Strengthen workflows, tools, and systems that increase efficiency and consistency.
Improve process discipline across planning, scheduling, manpower management, and cost control.
Support adoption of technology and leaner project delivery methods.

Culture, Safety & Quality

Uphold elite safety standards and a people-first culture across all teams.
Ensure consistent quality control and project excellence across the regional portfolio.

Strategic Growth & Succession

Partner with the EVP to shape long-term market strategy and operational expansion plans.
Play a key role in preparing the organization for future market growth.
High-performers may be groomed for eventual EVP-level oversight of the Carolinas division.

Qualifications

15+ years of progressive leadership in mechanical construction (HVAC, plumbing, process piping, or similar).
Experience leading multi-market operations or large, complex project portfolios.
Proven ability to improve margins, strengthen execution, and build operational discipline.
Demonstrated success in developing leaders in a fast-growth mechanical or MEP environment.
Strong financial acumen (forecasting, job cost, P&L exposure).
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience valued.

Leadership Traits

Hands-on, servant-minded leadership approach.
High emotional intelligence and a strong communicator.
Able to elevate both people and process simultaneously.
Strategic thinker with strong operational instincts.
Thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

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