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We Build Dreams!

We are looking for a hands-on leader to drive our operations and further develop a cross-functional team. If you're passionate about leading teams, solving problems, and making sure every job is exceptional — from preconstruction to field completion — this is your chance to make a big impact at a small construction company!

Thevice president of operationscreates and implements operational initiatives to ensure highly efficient operations. They lead directors and others in the areas of design, estimating, preconstruction, project management, production/shop, and field operations. Reporting to the president, this role ensures the company’s quality and financial goals are met through collaboration and communication. They set priorities, manage resources, and drive profitability. 

What the Role Does

1. Lead and integrate operations acrossdesign, estimating, preconstruction, project management, production, and field service
2. Drive operational initiatives, ensuring goals align with financial targets and customer expectations
3. Implement systems and processes that drive efficiency, accountability, and collaboration
4. Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance across departments of responsibility
5. Champion and embrace continuous improvement across processes and technology
6. Recruit, develop, and mentor leaders across all operational areas
7. Build and sustain strong relationships with internal teams, clients, vendors, and partners
8. Oversee quality, safety, and compliance, ensuring all projects meet or exceed standards
9. Serve as a key member of the leadership team contributing to long-term business goals

What You Bring

Knowledge, Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business, operations, manufacturing, or a related field
• Preferred:  advanced degree; certification in quality frameworks, e.g., Lean, Kaizen
• Knowledge of construction industry, terms, types, and processes, as well as bidding and estimating
• Must have and maintain valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record

Experience

• 10 or more years of proven understanding and experience leading multiple operational functions
• Combined leadership expertise, professional experience, and formal education will be considered
• Highly Preferred:  experience in the construction industry, especially themed construction

Skills, Abilities

• Must demonstrate COST’s Core and Leadership Competencies
• Able to motivate, engage, direct, inspire accountability, and increase collaboration of team members
• Ability to identify root causes, analyze data, and apply sound judgment to develop solutions
• Ability to make data-driven decisions and manage political and conflictive situations 
• Ability to multitask, handle pressure, pivot, and adapt to changing requirements and ambiguity
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specs, business documents, procedures, etc. 
• Ability to create and implement organizational policies and procedures using a systems-thinking mindset
• Ability to apply algebraic concepts such as ratios, etc. to operational challenges
• Demonstrated ability to drive results across functions 
• Excellent communication skills, including listening, verbal, presentation, negotiation, and written
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including suppliers, clients, and employees
• Maintains a positive attitude and an open-minded approach to build a high performing, cross-functional team
• Tech savvy; proficient in Microsoft Office apps, project management tools, ERPs, and internet navigation
• Preferred:  Established network in the construction industry (themed or specialty related highly preferred)

Physical

• Regularly use hands to handle and feel materials or equipment
• Regularly walk, stand, sit, and balance; may stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, or crawl--depending on the setting
• Must have close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Must occasionally move and lift 30 lbs. at various heights

Work Environment

• Primarily in a standard office environment with typical equipment and tools (quiet to moderate noise level)
• Some time is spent in the warehouse/shop or on job sites which can be louder and environmental conditions vary (weather and air quality)
• 20% travel within the U.S., visiting team members, suppliers, and customer

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work that may be inherent in the occupation.COST of Wisconsin, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

COST is a theme construction company that fabricates and manufactures custom creative projects for museums, theme and water parks, aquariums, zoological exhibits, and other unique clients. Check out our work on our website!

Location:  Jackson, WI

Full-Time

Compensation starts at $135K, DOE