Chief Operating Officer

Sotalent; Aberdeen (SD); On-site; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level responsibility

Performance-based bonus

Growth-oriented organization

Relocation to Aberdeen, SD

Job summary

Sotalent in Aberdeen, SD is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead daily operations for a growing heavy civil construction group, relocating to Aberdeen, South Dakota. The role reports to the President & CEO and drives operational excellence, profitability, leadership development and scalable systems across construction operations, field teams, equipment, estimating, scheduling, safety and quality.

As COO you will translate strategy into measurable plans, build strong management, deploy

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in construction and heavy civil projects.
• Proven track record of improving operations and profitability.
• Strong knowledge of project management, scheduling, estimating, and safety.
• Ability to lead managers, project teams and field operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day construction and business operations.
• Translate strategic goals into measurable operating plans and KPIs.
• Improve project profitability, labor productivity, equipment utilization and schedule performance.
• Strengthen cost control, safety, quality and operational efficiency.
• Build and develop high-performing management and field leadership teams.
• Implement scalable systems, processes, dashboards and reporting.
• Use data, technology, automation and AI to improve decision-making.
• Partner with the President & CEO on growth, business development and long-term strategy.

Skills

Senior leadership

Construction

Heavy civil infrastructure

Project-driven environment

Operational excellence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related field

Job description

Industry: Construction / Heavy Civil Infrastructure

Compensation: $175,000–$200,000+ per year, plus performance-based bonus

About the Role

A growing heavy civil construction company is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead daily operations across an organization with 85+ employees and annual revenue of approximately $75M–$100M.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the COO will drive operational excellence, improve profitability, strengthen leadership and implement scalable systems across construction operations, field teams, equipment, estimating, scheduling, safety and quality.

Relocation to Aberdeen, South Dakota, is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day construction and business operations.
• Translate strategic goals into measurable operating plans and KPIs.
• Improve project profitability, labor productivity, equipment utilization and schedule performance.
• Strengthen cost control, safety, quality and operational efficiency.
• Build and develop high-performing management and field leadership teams.
• Implement scalable systems, processes, dashboards and reporting.
• Use data, technology, automation and AI to improve decision-making.
• Partner with the President & CEO on growth, business development and long-term strategy.

Requirements

• Significant senior leadership experience in construction, heavy civil, infrastructure, highway, transportation or a similar project-driven environment.
• Proven success improving operations, profitability, productivity or project delivery.
• Strong knowledge of construction management, estimating, scheduling, cost control, equipment, safety and quality.
• Experience leading managers, project teams and field operations.
• Strong financial, strategic, communication and decision-making skills.
• Experience implementing KPIs, systems and accountability structures.
• Ability to work effectively within an owner-led or family-owned business.
• Willingness to relocate to Aberdeen, SD.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Operations or a related field is preferred.

What’s Offered

• $175,000–$200,000+ annual compensation.
• Performance-based bonus incentive.
• Executive-level responsibility within an established, growing construction organization.
• Opportunity to shape operational strategy, leadership development and sustainable growth.