Vice President Operations

High Country Search Group; California (MO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is looking for a Vice President of Operations to oversee telecom and utility construction operations in California. The role involves managing project delivery, operational efficiency, and team development while working closely with the CEO. Candidates should have over 15 years of experience in managing large infrastructure projects and possess strong financial management skills. This is a high-visibility leadership role with significant growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of leadership experience in telecom and utility construction.
• Experience managing large infrastructure programs including fiber and utility construction.
• Strong financial management skills including P&L ownership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all operational functions including project delivery and quality.
• Lead strategic planning and execution for growth and efficiency.
• Manage operational budgets and P&L performance.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Project delivery

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field

Job description

High Country Search Group is partnering with a rapidly growing, private-equity–backed telecom and utility construction platform operating across multiple U.S. markets. The organization delivers large-scale fiber, outside plant, and utility infrastructure projects for leading network operators, municipalities, and enterprise clients. Known for strong execution, disciplined operations, and a safety-first culture, the company is in a phase of accelerated growth and market expansion, particularly across California. This role represents a key leadership hire as the business continues to scale its regional footprint and operational capabilities.

Position Overview

The Vice President of Operations will report directly to the CEO and will have full responsibility for overseeing telecom and utility construction operations across the California market. This executive leader will be accountable for project delivery, safety performance, operational efficiency, financial results, and team development across multiple regions and project portfolios. This is a highly visible leadership role with the opportunity to shape strategy, build high-performing teams, and play a central role in scaling operations within one of the company’s most critical growth markets. The ideal candidate brings a blend of operational rigor, financial acumen, and field credibility, with a proven ability to lead complex, multi-region construction operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of all operational functions, including project delivery, field operations, safety, and quality.
• Lead strategic planning and execution to drive growth, efficiency, and expansion across California and adjacent markets.
• Own operational budgets, forecasting, and P&L performance across multiple regions and project portfolios.
• Build, mentor, and lead a strong leadership team of Directors, Managers, and field leaders.
• Champion safety as a core value, fostering a proactive, zero-incident mindset and continuous improvement across all field operations.
• Drive adoption of best practices, new technologies, and scalable processes to support operational excellence.
• Partner closely with executive leadership on business development initiatives and key client relationships.
• Identify operational risks and implement proactive solutions to mitigate schedule delays, cost overruns, and compliance issues.
• Oversee subcontractor performance to ensure cost control, quality, and consistency of execution.
• Ensure alignment between operations, finance, HR, and procurement to support scalable growth.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in telecom and utility construction.
• Proven experience managing large, complex infrastructure programs, including fiber, outside plant, and aerial/underground construction.
• Strong financial management capabilities, including budgeting, forecasting, and full P&L ownership.
• Demonstrated success building and developing high-performing teams across multiple regions.
• Deep understanding of permitting, safety leadership, and regulatory compliance, with a track record of driving safety excellence beyond baseline compliance.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly to project sites and regional offices.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred (or equivalent industry experience).

Why This Opportunity?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior executive role with direct influence over strategy, operations, and growth within a scaled and well-capitalized construction platform. The role offers meaningful autonomy, direct access to the CEO, and the ability to materially impact performance in a high-growth California market. For an operations leader seeking a seat at the executive table with real ownership and upside, this represents a compelling next step.