Chief Operating Officer

CLT Recruiters; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

CLT Recruiters is seeking a Chief Operating Officer based in Long Island City, NY, to lead operations for a premier general contractor serving luxury residential and hospitality clients. This role involves overseeing all operational and financial aspects while leading a team through strategic planning and execution.

The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in construction operations, strong leadership abilities, and familiarity with luxury projects. A bachelor's degree in business, construction management, or a related field is preferred.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of operations leadership in construction or related fields.
• Proven P&L ownership and financial management skills.
• Experience overseeing field operations and back-office functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations across the construction business.
• Oversee project execution from pre-construction through closeout.
• Manage risk, insurance, contracts, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Operational leadership

P&L ownership

Leadership and communication

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Tools

Construction ERP and accounting systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Chief Operating Officer - Luxury Residential & Hospitality Construction, Long Island City, NY

Our client is an established Long Island City general contractor serving luxury residential and hospitality clients across New York City. Built on a reputation for craftsmanship, honest communication, and a seamless client experience from start to finish, the firm is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to assume operational leadership of its general contracting business. This role offers a rare opportunity to run a respected, owner‑built company across its construction and business functions as the senior operating executive below ownership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day operations across the general contracting business, spanning construction delivery and business operations, as the senior operating executive reporting to ownership.
• Oversee project execution from pre‑construction through closeout, partnering with field and project management teams to protect quality, schedule, and margin.
• Oversee field operations and site supervision, ensuring safe, on‑schedule, and on‑budget execution across active projects.
• Direct all non‑construction functions, including accounting, finance, HR, legal, IT, purchasing, logistics, and office operations.
• Own company financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, job costing, and reporting, in partnership with ownership.
• Build, mentor, and hold accountable the leadership team across field and office.
• Develop and implement operational policies, systems, and KPIs that improve efficiency and support disciplined growth.
• Manage risk, insurance, contracts, and regulatory compliance in coordination with legal and financial advisors.
• Oversee estimating, procurement, and subcontractor and vendor relationships to strengthen buying power and delivery.
• Partner with ownership on strategic planning, growth initiatives, and the long‑term transition of day‑to‑day leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive operations leadership, including senior responsibility within a high‑end construction or related building trades business.
• Demonstrated P&L ownership with command of construction financials, job costing, and margin management.
• Proven experience leading both field operations and back‑office functions simultaneously.
• Direct experience overseeing superintendents, project teams, and field execution on high‑end build and renovation work.
• Track record of building systems, processes, and accountable teams within an owner‑led business.
• Strong financial acumen and the ability to partner with ownership on strategy and capital decisions.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision‑making skills, with the presence to lead a team through an ownership transition.
• Familiarity with luxury residential and hospitality construction strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in business, construction management, engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Proficiency with construction ERP and accounting systems and the Microsoft Office Suite.

This is a defining leadership role for an operator ready to take the reins of a premier New York general contractor and carry its standards forward.