Description:
Position Overview
Sturges Company Holdings is seeking a highly capable Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead and optimize the operational performance of a portfolio of companies operating in the skilled trades, facilities services, construction, and commercial real estate sector throughout Northern Indiana.
The COO will be responsible for streamlining operations across multiple affiliated companies, implementing modern software systems, workflow automation, and AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency, reporting, and operational performance.
This role requires strong experience in the management and operation of skilled-trade service businesses, including mechanical, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and facilities services. The COO will work closely with field service managers, administrative teams, and executive leadership to ensure operations are organized, efficient, and scalable.
The ideal candidate combines strong operational leadership with technical proficiency in business software and emerging AI tools, and has experience designing systems that improve how companies manage work orders, scheduling, estimating, financial tracking, and internal communication.
This position is full-time and onsite in Fort Wayne, Indiana, working closely with the executive team and operating company leadership.
About Sturges Company Holdings
Sturges Company Holdings (“SCH”) oversees a portfolio of companies operating in commercial real estate, construction, facilities management, and skilled trades services throughout Northeast Indiana. The organization supports a growing platform of operating companies focused on delivering high-quality services to commercial and institutional clients.
The company started as a family business and still operates like one today. SCH puts its people above profitability and encourages a strong culture across each company. SCH is looking to emphasize operational excellence, technology adoption, and long-term growth, with a focus on building efficient systems that support skilled trade professionals and service operations.
Requirements:
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
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Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple affiliated companies within Sturges Company Holdings.
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Coordinate operational performance across service divisions including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, facilities maintenance, and construction services.
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Work with managers and supervisors to ensure efficient scheduling, job execution, and service delivery.
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Establish operational standards and best practices across companies to improve consistency and efficiency.
Technology & Operational Systems
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Lead the evaluation, implementation, and optimization of software platforms and operational technologies used across the organization.
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Design and implement technology-driven workflows for:
- Work order management
- Field service dispatch and scheduling
- Project tracking and job costing
- Bidding and estimating
- Accounts payable and receivable coordination
- Vendor and subcontractor management
- Improve operational reporting through dashboards, analytics, and automated reporting tools.
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Identify and implement AI tools that improve operational efficiency, including document automation, data analysis, workflow management, and internal communication.
Process Optimization
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Analyze existing business processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity.
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Develop standardized operating procedures that reduce administrative burden and improve coordination between field and office teams.
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Implement systems that improve communication between technicians, office staff, and management.
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Reduce operational bottlenecks through automation and improved workflow design.
Skilled Trades Operations Oversight
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Provide operational oversight for companies operating in:
- Mechanical / HVAC services
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Facilities maintenance
- Construction, Subtrades, and materials
- Work closely with service managers, field supervisors, and technicians to ensure projects and service work are completed efficiently and profitably.
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Monitor scheduling, labor utilization, and operational capacity across service divisions.
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Support operational planning as companies expand services or geographic coverage.
Financial & Operational Reporting
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Work closely with the CFO and accounting team to ensure operational systems support accurate financial reporting.
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Assist in tracking operational metrics such as labor utilization, service revenue, job profitability, and backlog.
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Implement operational systems to support billing cycles, AP/AR processing, and cost control processes.
Marketing & Brand Coordination
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Coordinate with the marketing manager to ensure company websites, service descriptions, and marketing materials remain accurate and current.
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Ensure marketing materials accurately represent the capabilities and services of each operating company.
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Support preparation of marketing materials and operational information used in proposals, RFP responses, and business development initiatives.
Acquisition Integration
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Assist executive leadership with the operational onboarding and integration of newly acquired companies.
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Implement standardized systems, workflows, and reporting structures within acquired businesses.
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Align newly acquired companies with the operational standards of the Sturges platform.
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Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability within acquired operations.
Limited HR & Organizational Support
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Assist leadership with development and implementation of basic HR policies and employee manuals where necessary.
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Support operational managers in employee onboarding and training processes.
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Focus primarily on operational structure and workflow management, rather than day-to-day HR administration.
Qualifications
Required Experience
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5+ years of experience in operations management or executive leadership
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Experience operating or managing companies in skilled trades industries, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, construction, or facilities management
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Experience managing multi-division or multi-company operations
Technical Skills
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Strong proficiency in:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Business management software platforms
- Experience implementing or managing:
- Work order management systems
- Field service management software
- Estimating and bidding platforms
- Workflow and operational management systems
- Familiarity with AI tools and automation technologies is strongly preferred.
Business & Operational Skills
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Strong organizational and workflow design abilities
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Basic accounting knowledge (accounts payable, receivables, job costing)
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Ability to develop operational reporting, run executive level meetings, and execute plans.
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Strong documentation and process improvement capabilities
Leadership Attributes
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Strong leadership and decision-making skills
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Ability to manage multiple companies and operational teams simultaneously
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Excellent communication and organizational skills
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Ability to execute, independently, with minimal daily oversight
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications and may include:
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Competitive base salary
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Performance-based bonuses
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Health benefits, 401K w/ matching, allowances for vehicle, phone, and or meals/entertainment.
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Opportunity to help lead and scale a growing regional platform of operating companies
