POSITION SUMMARY
Waterman Construction is seeking an accomplished VP of Operations to serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, driving operational excellence across our commercial construction portfolio. This is a director-of-operations-level role for a strategic, results-driven leader ready to shape company-wide processes, oversee multiple project teams and Senior Project Managers, and translate executive vision into consistent, scalable execution.
The VP of Operations will partner directly with the CEO and senior leadership to set operational strategy, strengthen company infrastructure, and build the systems and culture needed to support Waterman's continued growth. This role carries full P&L accountability for field operations and is central to the company's long-term expansion, profitability, and reputation for excellence.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned construction executive who wants to help define the next chapter of a growing, values-driven company — someone who leads with integrity, builds high-performing teams, and thinks like an owner.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Executive Leadership & Strategy
- Serve as a core member of the executive leadership team, contributing to company-wide strategic planning, growth initiatives, and long-term business goals
- Develop and execute operational strategy across all active projects, ensuring alignment with company vision, profitability targets, and quality standards
- Represent operations in board and executive-level discussions, providing data-driven insight into performance, risk, and opportunity
- Establish and continuously refine company-wide operational policies, procedures, and best practices
Operations Oversight & P&L Accountability
- Own operational and financial performance across the full project portfolio, including budgets, forecasting, margins, and resource allocation
- Oversee preconstruction through closeout processes company-wide, ensuring consistent delivery standards across all projects
- Identify and mitigate enterprise-level risk across schedules, budgets, safety, and quality
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across estimating, procurement, scheduling, and field operations
Team Leadership & Development
- Directly manage and mentor Senior Project Managers, Project Directors, and field leadership, building a strong bench of future company leaders
- Establish leadership development and succession planning programs to support long-term organizational growth
- Foster a high-performance, accountability-driven culture across all levels of the operations organization
- Lead hiring, performance management, and professional development strategy for the operations team
Client & Stakeholder Relations
- Cultivate and maintain executive-level relationships with key clients, owners, architects, and strategic partners
- Serve as an escalation point for high-stakes client and project issues, ensuring swift and effective resolution
- Represent Waterman Construction at industry events, client meetings, and community engagements to strengthen the company's market presence
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Partner with estimating, accounting, business development, and executive leadership to align operations with company-wide goals
- Ensure seamless communication and coordination between field operations and corporate functions
- Support business development efforts by providing operational insight during pursuit and proposal processes
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred; MBA a plus
- 10+ years of progressive experience in commercial construction, with a demonstrated track record of leading multiple large-scale projects or a project portfolio
- 5+ years in a senior leadership, director of operations, or executive management capacity
- Proven experience owning P&L responsibility and driving operational and financial performance at an organizational level
- Strong track record of building, mentoring, and leading high-performing teams, including other senior leaders
- Deep knowledge of commercial construction operations, including preconstruction, budgeting, scheduling, contracts, and risk management
- Executive presence with excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
- Strategic thinker who can balance big-picture vision with hands-on operational execution
- Extensive experience with construction management software (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, PlanGrid, MS Project) and financial/reporting systems
- Familiarity with building systems, permitting processes, and complex construction contracts
WHY JOIN WATERMAN CONSTRUCTION?
At Waterman Construction, we believe in building more than just structures — we're developing the next generation of construction leaders. As VP of Operations, you'll have the opportunity to shape that mission at the highest level, helping build the systems, teams, and culture that will define our company's future. We offer a competitive executive compensation package, performance-based incentives, and a genuine seat at the leadership table for someone who wants to leave a lasting mark on a company built on integrity, teamwork, and innovation.
Pay: $125,000.00 - $170,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Experience:
- Commercial construction: 10 years (Required)
- Senior Leadership : 5 years (Preferred)
Location:
- San Antonio, TX 78229 (Required)
Work Location: In person
