What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Operations position at COST of Wisconsin, Inc.?
We Build Dreams!
COST of Wisconsin is a theme construction company. COST is a theme construction company that fabricates and manufactures custom creative projects for museums, theme and water parks, aquariums, zoological exhibits, and other unique clients. Check out our work on our website!
We are looking for a hands-on leader to drive our operational strategy and further develop a cross-functional team. If you're passionate about leading teams, solving problems, and making sure every job is exceptional — from preconstruction to field completion — this is your chance to make a big impact!
The vice president of operations is an executive who creates and implements operational strategies to ensure highly efficient operations. They lead directors and other leaders in areas such as design, estimating, preconstruction, project management, production/shop, and field operations. Reporting to the president, this key role ensures the company’s quality and financial goals are met through collaboration. They set priorities, manage resources, and drive profitability.
What the Role Does
- Lead the resolution of operational issues associated with all areas of responsibility, e.g., production, field, design, project management, etc.
- Build and maintain strong internal and external relationships.
- Collaborate with the executive team to execute the company’s vision, mission, and business objectives, focusing on building short-term and long-term strategies for growth and competitiveness.
- Lead and manage plans that maximize resources, improve systems, increase quality, and ensure timely outcomes.
- Measure and report on individual and team performance levels, as compared to strategic initiatives.
- Understand and identify industry trends, new business opportunities, partnerships, and strategic alliances.
- Lead, motivate, and develop senior leaders, ensuring expectations are met. Align efforts cross-functionally to increase effectiveness.
- Set and monitor financial performance and divisional budgets, implementing changes and remedial actions.
- Oversee contract, bid, and proposal processes; assist as needed with assessments, negotiations, and closings, to ensure accurate and competitive pricing that satisfies company and customer objectives.
- Analyze and improve operational processes, e.g., supply chain, space usage, production, and service delivery.
- Be involved in talent acquisition, performance management, training, team building, engagement, goal/KPI establishment, etc.
- Enhance safety initiatives and comply with OSHA and all regulatory agencies.
- Monitor costs and quality; ensure resources are efficiently allocated to meet profitability goals.
- Identify and mitigate operational risks.
- Champion and oversee the implementation of new systems and technology that enhance efficiency.
What You Bring
Knowledge, Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business management, operations management, manufacturing, or a related field
- Preferred: master’s degree; certification in quality frameworks, e.g., Lean, Kaizen, etc.
- Knowledge of construction terms, types, and processes, as well as bidding and estimating
- Must have and maintain valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
Experience
- 10 or more years of proven understanding and experience in leading multiple operational functions
- Combines leadership expertise, professional experience, and formal education will be considered
- Highly Preferred: experience in the construction industry, especially theme construction
Skills, Abilities
- Must demonstrate COST’s Core and Leadership Competencies
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
- Ability to interact with and influence internal and external stakeholders, with a customer focus
- Ability to make data-driven decisions and manage political and conflictive situations
- Ability to multitask, handle pressure, pivot, and adapt to changing requirements and needs
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret blueprints, specifications, standard business documents, procedures, etc.
- Ability to create and implement organizational policies and procedures using a systems thinking mindset
- Ability to apply algebraic concepts such as ratios, etc. to situations
- Demonstrated ability to strategize and lead a full range of operational functions
- Able to motivate, direct, hold accountable, and increase collaboration
- Excellent communication skills, including listening, verbal, presentation, negotiation, and written
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including suppliers, clients, and employees
- Maintains a positive attitude and an open-minded approach to build a cross-functional team
- Tech savvy; proficient in Microsoft Office apps, project management software, ERP, and internet navigation
- Preferred: Solid network in the construction industry (theming related highly preferred)
Physical
- Regularly use hands to handle, or feel; regularly walk, stand, sit, climb or balance; may stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
- Must have close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
- Must occasionally move and lift 30 lbs. from floor to waist, from waist to chest, and at chest to above head.
Work Environment
- Standard office environment and office equipment usage (quiet to moderate noise level)
- Moderate to loud noise level when in the warehouse/shop or on job sites; some exposure to varying weather conditions and air quality changes based on location
- 20% travel, for team, supplier, executive, and customer meetings
The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work that may be inherent in the occupation. COST of Wisconsin, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Salary : $128,000
