Chief Operating Officer (COO) — Construction

Wainwright Talent Partners; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Executive bonus or profit-sharing plan

Vehicle or allowance

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Wainwright Talent Partners is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) — Construction in Boston to lead and optimize all operational functions. You will drive project delivery, safety, scheduling, and profitability across the portfolio, reporting to the CEO.

This executive role demands 15+ years in construction leadership, strong financial acumen, and proven ability to scale teams and processes while maintaining client relationships and strategic growth.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience within construction operations.
• Proven ability to lead large projects or multi‑project portfolios.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and P&L.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision‑making skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of construction operations including project management, field execution, estimating, preconstruction, scheduling, and safety.
• Establish operational strategies aligned with company growth objectives.
• Drive consistency and accountability across all projects and regions.
• Implement scalable operational processes and best practices.
• Monitor profitability, productivity and risk; partner with leaders to resolve challenges.
• Oversee resource planning and workforce utilization.

Skills

Executive leadership

Construction operations

Project management

Budget & P&L management

Strategic planning

Communication

Change management

Tools

Construction ERP

Project management systems

Job description

Chief Operating Officer (COO) — Construction

About the job Chief Operating Officer (COO) — Construction

Chief Operating Officer (COO) — Construction

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for leading and optimizing all operational functions of the construction organization to drive safe, profitable, and scalable growth. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO oversees project execution, field operations, preconstruction, scheduling, safety, and operational performance across the company's portfolio.

This executive leader ensures operational excellence, strengthens collaboration between departments, and builds systems, teams, and processes that support consistent project delivery and long-term organizational success.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Provide executive oversight of construction operations including project management, field execution, estimating, preconstruction, scheduling, and safety.
• Establish operational strategies aligned with company growth objectives.
• Drive consistency and accountability across all projects and regions.
• Implement scalable operational processes and best practices.

Project Delivery & Performance

• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to quality standards.
• Monitor project performance metrics including profitability, productivity, and risk exposure.
• Partner with project executives and operations leaders to resolve complex project challenges.
• Oversee resource planning and workforce utilization.

Financial & Business Performance

• Collaborate with finance leadership on forecasting, backlog planning, and operational budgeting.
• Improve margins through operational efficiency and risk management.
• Support contract strategy, procurement practices, and cost controls.

Safety & Risk Management

• Champion a strong safety culture across all job sites.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company safety standards.
• Mitigate operational, contractual, and execution risks.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing operational leadership teams.
• Create clear accountability structures and succession plans.
• Foster collaboration between operations, finance, HR, and business development.

Client & Market Leadership

• Maintain executive relationships with key clients, partners, and stakeholders.
• Support business development initiatives and strategic pursuits.
• Represent the company in industry organizations and client engagements.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience within construction operations.
• Proven success managing large-scale construction projects or multi-project portfolios.
• Deep understanding of project management, field operations, estimating, and construction delivery methods.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing operational budgets and P&L performance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and scale teams in a growing organization.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in general contracting, construction management, or specialty contracting environments.
• Background overseeing multiple offices or regional operations.
• Experience leading organizational growth, operational transformation, or process improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with construction ERP and project management systems.

Core Competencies

• Operational excellence
• Strategic execution
• Financial and business acumen
• Client relationship leadership
• Change management

Compensation is competitive and aligned with executive-level leadership responsibilities, including base salary, performance incentives, and long-term incentive opportunities. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Executive bonus or profit-sharing plan
• Vehicle or allowance
• Paid time off and holidays