Vice President Operations

Build the Future of America's Infrastructure

Our client is one of the Top ENR-ranked General Contractors in the United States, delivering some of the nation's most complex heavy civil infrastructure projects. With an annual revenue exceeding $500 million , a strong financial position, and a multi-billion-dollar backlog, they continue to expand their presence across the Western United States.

As part of this continued growth, they are seeking an exceptional Vice President of Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership across their heavy civil business. This is a rare opportunity to join an industry-leading contractor and play a key role in shaping the delivery of landmark infrastructure projects while influencing the long‑term direction of the business.

This position can be based anywhere on the West Coast (California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona or Utah) with approximately 50% travel to projects and regional offices.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Executive Leadership Team, you will provide executive oversight across multiple heavy civil operations, ensuring projects are delivered safely, profitably and to the highest quality standards.

You will lead Project Executives, Operations Managers, Project Managers and Superintendents while partnering closely with Estimating, Business Development and Executive Leadership to drive operational excellence across the business.

This is a highly visible executive leadership role with responsibility for a substantial portfolio of major infrastructure projects including highways, bridges, transportation, site development, underground utilities, airports, rail and large public works.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Operational Leadership

• Lead operational performance across multiple business units and project teams.
• Provide strategic leadership for a portfolio of complex heavy civil projects.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company growth objectives.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration and operational excellence.
• Mentor and develop future operational leaders throughout the business.

Project Delivery

Provide executive oversight from preconstruction through final completion, ensuring:

• Safety excellence
• Budget achievement
• Client satisfaction
• Contract compliance
• Quality control
• Operational consistency

Oversee projects ranging from $25M to $500M+ in value.

Take ownership of:

• Operational profitability
• Forecasting
• Cost management
• Margin improvement
• Resource allocation
• Cash flow management
• Change management
• Executive project reviews

Drive consistent financial performance across multiple projects while identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

Develop and maintain executive‑level relationships with:

• State DOTs
• Airport Authorities
• Design partners
• Joint Venture partners

Become a trusted advisor to clients while ensuring repeat business and long‑term partnerships.

Strategic Growth

Partner closely with Executive Leadership to:

• Support major pursuits
• Improve operational systems
• Build regional operational capability

Provide leadership and mentoring to:

• Project Executives
• Operations Managers
• Senior Project Managers
• Project Managers
• Construction Managers

Create high‑performing teams capable of delivering some of the industry's most challenging infrastructure projects.

Project Experience

The ideal candidate will have executive oversight experience across a combination of:

• Bridges
• Interchanges
• Transportation Infrastructure
• Underground Utilities
• Water & Wastewater Infrastructure
• Site Development
• Mass Excavation
• Earthwork
• Airports
• Rail Infrastructure
• Marine Civil
• Large Public Works
• Design-Build
• CM/GC
• Progressive Design-Build

Experience managing multiple concurrent projects exceeding $500M in combined annual revenue is highly desirable.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking an accomplished operations executive with a proven track record of leading complex heavy civil organisations.

You will likely possess:

• 20+ years of heavy civil construction experience
• Significant experience within a Top ENR General Contractor
• Experience leading large regional or national operations
• Strong commercial and contractual understanding
• Experience managing large operational teams
• Proven ability to grow and develop future leaders

Technical Expertise

Strong understanding of:

• Alternative Delivery
• Design-Build
• CM/GC
• Project Controls
• Scheduling
• Self-Perform Construction
• Heavy Equipment Operations
• Safety Leadership
• Operational Excellence
• Lean Construction
• Workforce Planning
• Contract Administration
• Executive Reporting

Leadership Profile

The successful candidate will be:

• A respected industry leader
• Highly collaborative
• Commercially astute
• Operationally driven
• Relationship‑focused
• Committed to safety and operational excellence

Most importantly, you'll possess the ability to inspire high‑performing teams while delivering exceptional results for clients and the business.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to join one of the most respected heavy civil contractors in North America at a pivotal stage of growth.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead nationally significant infrastructure projects.
• Influence the operational direction of a Top ENR contractor .
• Work alongside some of the industry's best operational leaders.
• Build and mentor the next generation of construction executives.
• Shape regional growth strategy across the Western United States.
• Play a key role in delivering critical infrastructure that will benefit communities for generations.

A highly competitive executive compensation package is available and includes:

• Executive performance bonus
• Long‑term incentive opportunities
• Vehicle allowance
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Relocation assistance (where applicable)
• Executive benefits package
• Generous PTO and holidays

Confidential Search

CMC Partners has been exclusively retained to appoint this position on behalf of our client.

All applications and enquiries will be handled with the strictest confidence.

If you are an accomplished heavy civil operations executive seeking the opportunity to shape the future of one of America's premier infrastructure contractors, we would welcome a confidential conversation.