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Kelso Industries

President, Kelso Southwest

Kelso Industries, Phoenix, Arizona, United States, 85003

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Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety At Kelso Industries, 3,500+ employees across 30 companies work together to deliver HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

Recruiter Notice We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications.

Job Description Kelso Southwest is a new operating company serving high‑quality industrial mechanical construction across Phoenix, AZ. This new organization delivers complex mechanical solutions for clients in manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and other industries.

As the seniormost executive, the President is responsible for establishing and leading Kelso Southwest from the ground up. This includes full P&L ownership, day‑to‑day operational leadership, and shaping the long‑term vision for the business. The leader operates with significant autonomy to build a high‑performing team, strengthen client partnerships, and drive operational and financial success.

The President will oversee all major functions of Operations, Construction, Preconstruction/Estimating, Fabrication, Business Development, Safety, Quality, and Finance and is accountable for delivering predictable project execution, exceptional client experiences, and a strong culture rooted in Kelso’s values.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Execution

Define and execute Kelso Southwest’s strategic direction, growth plan, and operating model in alignment with Kelso Industries’ broader industrial strategy.

Establish organizational structure, processes, and systems that enable scalable, efficient, and safe mechanical project delivery.

Build annual business plans, performance targets, and initiatives to drive sustainable growth.

Identify emerging opportunities in industrial markets and expand service offerings, client relationships, and geographic reach.

Operational Oversight

Provide hands‑on leadership across all operational areas, including field operations, mechanical construction, fabrication, preconstruction, and project management.

Implement operational discipline through KPIs, project reviews, reporting rhythms, and continuous improvement practices.

Set standards for mechanical excellence from planning and fabrication through installation, commissioning, and closeout.

Foster strong cross‑functional alignment to ensure seamless project execution and high‑quality outcomes.

Financial Performance & Management

Lead all financial aspects of the business, including revenue, margin performance, forecasting, and cost control.

Oversee estimating, budgeting, financial reporting, and regular project performance reviews.

Strengthen profitability through improved estimating accuracy, efficient resource management, and disciplined project controls.

Proactively identify risks and opportunities while ensuring the financial health of the organization.

Client & Stakeholder Relations

Build deep, trusted relationships with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and industry partners.

Lead major contract negotiations in collaboration with Kelso leadership and legal teams.

Represent Kelso Southwest with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to delivering exceptional value.

Strengthen the company’s presence in the industrial market through thoughtful client engagement and community involvement.

Talent Development & Organizational Culture

Shape a culture rooted in partnership, safety, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

Recruit, develop, and mentor talented mechanical professionals from project managers and estimators to welders, pipe fitters, and field supervisors.

Build systems for training, skill development, leadership growth, and workforce readiness.

Ensure effective succession planning and leadership depth as the company grows.

Qualifications

Extensive senior leadership experience in mechanical contracting, industrial construction, or related sectors.

Demonstrated success building or scaling operations and leading large mechanical teams.

Strong understanding of mechanical scopes: process piping, utility piping, industrial HVAC, equipment setting, welding/fabrication, and rigging.

Proven financial management skills including P&L ownership, forecasting, budgeting, and project financials.

Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills across field teams, clients, and executive leadership.

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

Success in the First 12 Months

Foundational systems, processes, and organizational structure in place to support a scalable mechanical contracting operation.

Consistent and predictable mechanical project delivery backed by strong planning, fabrication, and field execution.

Improving financial performance with healthy backlog, stable margins, and disciplined cost controls.

Key leadership roles filled with high‑performing talent and succession plans in motion.

Clearly defined KPIs and operational reporting cadence with visible progress quarter over quarter.

Strong integration and partnership with Kelso Industries’ corporate teams and peer operating companies.

Growing presence in the industrial market supported by early client wins and a reliable reputation for safety and quality.

Why Join Kelso Industries?

Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.

Company Culture: Thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.

Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.

Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You’ll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well‑being.

Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business.

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