Director of Operations Job at Arena Family of Companies in Murrieta

Director of Operations- Chief Operating Officer to President of Construction (Pathway Role)

Location: Murrieta, CA

Company Size: $130M General Contractor

Project Focus: Public Works and Commercial Construction

About the Company

Retained by a growing small-to-medium sized General Contractor delivering $50M–$80M annually across a diverse portfolio of public works and commercial projects . Our team is passionate about providing high-quality construction while building lasting relationships with clients, subcontractors, and the communities we serve. As we continue to expand, we are seeking a proven leader to oversee all construction operations and play a pivotal role in shaping our company’s future.

Position Overview

Looking for a Chief Operating Officer / Vice President of Construction to manage all project operations and drive performance across the organization. This executive-level role will oversee 3–4 Project Executives, ensure accountability across every project, and partner directly with ownership on strategy, growth, and execution.

The right candidate will thrive in a hard-bid, public works environment , be excited about pursuing larger projects , and bring a workaholic, ownership-driven mentality to scaling our firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all construction operations, including project management, estimating, field operations, and compliance.
• Directly manage and mentor 3–4 Project Executives with full responsibility for the performance of all projects.
• Drive operational excellence by ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Implement systems, reporting, and accountability processes to align office, field, and executive leadership.
• Lead efforts in public works compliance, contract negotiations, and risk management.
• Partner with ownership to develop long-term growth strategies, financial performance goals, and scalable processes.
• Champion a culture of excellence, integrity, and hard work — modeling a 7:30am–5:30pm leadership presence.
• Position the company for continued growth into larger, more complex public and commercial projects.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive leadership in general contracting, with an emphasis on public works and commercial projects.
• Proven experience overseeing multiple projects in the $5M–$50M+ range.
• Demonstrated success managing Project Executives, Project Managers, and Superintendents at a high level.
• Strong knowledge of California construction regulations, labor compliance, and public bidding.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a growth-focused, small-to-medium sized environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.

Career Path and Ownership Opportunity

This is a career-defining role with a clear path to Vice President of Construction or COO , with potential for ownership consideration as the company continues its growth trajectory.