Job Description
Summary
Our client is a growing residential construction and manufacturing company seeking an experienced Vice President of Operations to lead and scale its operations in San Diego, CA. The company specializes in the design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation of modular and prefabricated homes. This senior executive position will oversee manufacturing, production, construction operations, supply chain management, logistics, quality assurance, and field installation while driving operational efficiency, profitability, and organizational growth.
The ideal candidate will have 10–15+ years of progressive leadership experience in residential construction, manufacturing, or related industries, with proven expertise in production management, operational strategy, financial oversight, and cross-functional team leadership. Experience with modular housing, prefabricated construction, manufactured homes, or off-site building systems is highly preferred. This individual must combine strategic vision with hands-on operational leadership to improve production capacity, optimize costs, and support continued business expansion.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Executive Leadership & Operational Management
- Provide executive leadership and oversight of company operations, including manufacturing, production, engineering coordination, procurement, logistics, quality assurance, and field installation.
- Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company growth objectives, profitability targets, and long-term business goals.
- Collaborate with the CEO, COO, CFO, and executive leadership team to establish operational priorities, budgets, performance objectives, and strategic initiatives.
- Develop and implement standardized operating procedures, performance metrics, and accountability systems.
- Evaluate existing operational processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and cost control.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production output, labor efficiency, project delivery, quality, safety, and financial performance.
- Provide regular operational performance reports and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
- Lead initiatives to improve operational consistency, organizational effectiveness, and overall business performance.
- Manufacturing & Production Operations
- Direct manufacturing operations, factory production, assembly processes, scheduling, and quality control for modular and prefabricated residential construction.
- Oversee the complete production lifecycle, from design and engineering coordination through material procurement, manufacturing, transportation, and final installation.
- Develop production plans that align manufacturing capacity with project schedules, sales forecasts, and customer commitments.
- Implement scalable production processes to increase manufacturing throughput, minimize waste, and reduce production cycle times.
- Identify opportunities to incorporate lean manufacturing principles, automation, and advanced production technologies.
- Ensure manufacturing facilities, equipment, and production systems operate safely and efficiently.
- Coordinate with design, engineering, and construction teams to ensure manufactured components meet project specifications and installation requirements.
- Monitor production performance and implement improvements to increase efficiency, consistency, and product quality.
- Residential Construction & Project Delivery
- Oversee residential construction operations involving modular and prefabricated housing projects.
- Coordinate factory production, transportation, site preparation, and on-site installation activities.
- Ensure effective collaboration between manufacturing teams, Project Managers, field construction personnel, subcontractors, and external consultants.
- Establish operational processes that support successful project execution from preconstruction through final completion.
- Monitor construction schedules, project budgets, resource allocation, and operational performance.
- Identify and resolve manufacturing, logistics, and construction challenges that could affect project delivery.
- Ensure projects meet established quality standards, customer expectations, and applicable construction requirements.
- Support improvements to construction methods, installation processes, and project delivery efficiency.
- Financial Management & Operational Profitability
- Oversee operational financial performance, including budgets, cost controls, labor productivity, resource utilization, and profitability.
- Partner with the CFO and executive leadership to develop annual operating budgets, financial forecasts, and capital expenditure plans.
- Monitor manufacturing costs, labor expenses, material pricing, production efficiency, and project financial performance.
- Identify opportunities to improve profit margins through operational efficiencies, strategic purchasing, and effective resource management.
- Evaluate operational investments, equipment purchases, technology upgrades, and facility expansion opportunities.
- Develop financial accountability systems to ensure operational activities align with company profitability objectives.
- Analyze operational performance data and implement corrective actions to address cost overruns or productivity concerns.
- Support long-term financial planning and operational investment strategies.
- Supply Chain, Procurement & Logistics
- Oversee procurement, inventory management, supplier relationships, and material logistics supporting manufacturing and field operations.
- Develop strategic sourcing initiatives to improve material availability, purchasing efficiency, and cost competitiveness.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors, manufacturers, subcontractors, and transportation providers.
- Monitor supplier performance, material costs, lead times, and procurement risks.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain disruptions that could affect production schedules or project delivery.
- Coordinate transportation and logistics for modular components and completed housing units.
- Ensure materials, equipment, and resources are available to support manufacturing and installation schedules.
- Improve inventory management and purchasing procedures to reduce waste and operational costs.
- Quality Assurance, Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Establish and maintain comprehensive quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) programs for factory production and field installation.
- Ensure compliance with applicable California building codes, Title 24 energy efficiency standards, CALGreen requirements, seismic regulations, and local permitting requirements.
- Oversee workplace safety programs, regulatory compliance, and operational risk management.
- Promote a strong safety culture throughout manufacturing facilities and construction sites.
- Develop and implement procedures to improve workmanship, reduce defects, and maintain consistent product quality.
- Coordinate with engineering, design, inspection, and construction teams to ensure compliance with applicable construction standards.
- Monitor quality performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, quality, and operational compliance.
- Team Leadership & Organizational Development
- Build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams across manufacturing, construction operations, engineering, procurement, quality assurance, and logistics.
- Establish clear organizational structures, management responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability standards.
- Recruit, develop, and retain operational leaders capable of supporting continued company growth.
- Establish workforce planning strategies aligned with manufacturing capacity and construction project requirements.
- Foster a collaborative, results-oriented culture focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
- Implement leadership development, performance management, and employee training initiatives.
- Improve communication and coordination between departments to support efficient project execution.
- Promote operational accountability and professional development throughout the organization.
- Strategic Growth & Business Expansion
- Collaborate with executive leadership to develop strategies for expanding manufacturing capacity and operational capabilities.
- Evaluate opportunities to develop additional manufacturing facilities, production lines, and supporting infrastructure.
- Identify opportunities to introduce new residential construction products, modular building systems, and manufacturing technologies.
- Support evaluation of geographic expansion opportunities and increased market penetration.
- Develop scalable operational systems capable of supporting increased production volume and organizational growth.
- Assess operational risks and resource requirements associated with expansion initiatives.
- Lead strategic improvement projects that enhance efficiency, productivity, quality, and profitability.
- Ensure operational growth initiatives align with long-term company objectives.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Required Experience
- 10–15+ years of progressive leadership experience in residential construction, manufacturing, modular construction, prefabricated building systems, or related industries.
- Extensive experience managing complex construction or manufacturing operations, including production, scheduling, budgeting, personnel, and quality control.
- Proven track record of leading operational teams and improving organizational performance, productivity, and profitability.
- Strong understanding of residential construction methods, building materials, manufacturing processes, and project delivery.
- Demonstrated experience developing operational systems, implementing process improvements, and scaling business operations.
- Experience managing multiple departments and leading large, cross-functional teams.
- Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, cost control, forecasting, and profit and loss (P&L) responsibility.
- Experience overseeing production schedules, supply chain activities, resource allocation, and operational performance.
- Knowledge of construction safety standards, quality assurance procedures, and applicable building regulations.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and growth-oriented business environment.
- Manufacturing & Construction Operations
- Advanced knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning, scheduling, and process improvement.
- Strong understanding of residential construction methods and project execution.
- Experience coordinating manufacturing, engineering, procurement, logistics, and field construction activities.
- Ability to evaluate production capacity, resource requirements, and operational constraints.
- Knowledge of manufacturing efficiency, waste reduction, and productivity improvement.
- Understanding of construction sequencing, subcontractor coordination, and project delivery requirements.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Ability to develop scalable production processes and operational systems.
- Financial & Strategic Management Skills
- Strong understanding of operational budgeting, cost management, and financial forecasting.
- Proven ability to manage operational profitability and implement cost-saving initiatives.
- Experience developing and monitoring key performance indicators and operational performance metrics.
- Ability to evaluate capital investments, equipment purchases, and expansion opportunities.
- Strong analytical and strategic planning capabilities.
- Experience developing operational budgets and aligning resources with business objectives.
- Ability to identify financial and operational risks and implement effective solutions.
- Leadership & Professional Skills
- Exceptional executive leadership, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary management teams.
- Excellent problem-solving and operational troubleshooting capabilities.
- Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on operational management.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Results-driven leadership style with a focus on accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership, department managers, vendors, and construction professionals.
- Strong commitment to workplace safety, product quality, and operational excellence.
- Required Education
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline, or equivalent executive-level industry experience.
- Preferred Education & Experience
- Direct leadership experience in modular home manufacturing, prefabricated residential construction, manufactured housing, or off-site construction.
- Previous experience in a senior executive operations leadership position, such as Vice President of Operations or Chief Operating Officer.
- Experience scaling manufacturing operations, increasing production capacity, or supporting business expansion.
- Background implementing lean manufacturing practices, automation, or advanced production technologies.
- Experience coordinating factory-built housing production with transportation, site preparation, and field installation.
- Familiarity with California residential construction requirements, including Title 24, CALGreen, and seismic regulations.
- Experience developing operational procedures, performance management systems, and leadership teams within growing organizations.
- Work Environment & Location
- Position based in the San Diego, CA area.
- Executive leadership role involving oversight of manufacturing facilities, construction operations, and field installation activities.
- Regular coordination with executive leadership, production teams, construction personnel, and external business partners.
- Ability to visit manufacturing facilities and active construction sites as operational needs require.