Our client, an innovative real estate development firm, is looking for a VP of Operations to take the helm of a high-profile, ground-up commercial construction project. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned construction executive to serve as the owner's direct representative, acting as the organization's primary voice across all external partnerships — from architects and general contractors to exhibit planners and municipal agencies.

What You'll Be Doing

Executive Representation & Stakeholder Management

Engage with investors, banking partners, legal advisors, and senior leaders at partner organizations with confidence and professionalism
Partner with the CEO and Vice President of Finance & People to align on strategic priorities, budget parameters, and key project milestones
Serve as the definitive decision-maker and central point of contact for all project-related external communications
Attend and lead meetings with architectural teams, general contractors, exhibit planning firms, town planning bodies, and government agencies on behalf of the organization

Construction Project Leadership

Manage project closeout procedures including punch list completion, collection of final documentation (manuals, warranties, keys), and financial reconciliation
Own and maintain the master milestone schedule, driving accountability across design, permitting, procurement, construction, and fit-out workstreams
Ensure contractor compliance with all applicable insurance requirements
Direct all project phases from pre-construction planning through final certificate of occupancy
Perform quarterly re-forecasting of construction volumes, project management capacity, and associated fees

Financial Planning & Cost Oversight

Track development, project management, and supervisory fees to ensure billing accuracy and contribute to organizational profitability
Develop and manage detailed project budgets encompassing all hard and soft costs
Route all budget materials through the VP of Finance & People for formal review and sign-off

Vendor Sourcing & Relationship Management

Support business development efforts by contributing to the creation and evaluation of vendor proposals
Draft and distribute RFPs, oversee pre-qualification procedures, evaluate submissions, and manage contract development
Source and engage architects, engineers, general contractors, construction managers, and specialty consultants
Cultivate and sustain productive relationships with third-party vendors and municipal stakeholders

Regulatory Approvals, Compliance & Contract Administration

Draft construction contracts working alongside General Counsel or the organization's external law firm
Collect and maintain current insurance certificates from all consultants and contractors
Navigate and manage all governmental approval and permitting workflows from initial application through certificate of occupancy

Initial Focus Areas (First 90–180 Days)

Coordinate with legal counsel on licensing agreements for entertainment properties that will be incorporated into the attraction
Complete the development agreement and planning process with the exhibit design partner
Support environmental assessments and land surveys necessary for the building site
Build strong working relationships with the architectural team and local municipal authorities to move project approvals forward
Comfortable working autonomously in a lean, high-accountability setting with the ability to build processes and systems from the ground up
A minimum of 10 years in commercial real estate development or construction management
Skilled negotiator with a track record of managing contractors, consultants, and suppliers effectively
Strong command of Microsoft Office 365
Demonstrated executive-level communication skills, with the ability to represent an organization to investors, financial institutions, architects, and government bodies
5 to 7+ years in a senior project management or owner's representative capacity, managing projects in the $25M–$100M range
Deep financial expertise including hands-on experience with budgeting, cost estimation, and financial reporting
Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities with meticulous attention to detail
Understanding of legal compliance in contractor engagement, including 1099 contractor management and vendor account oversight
Proven ability to manage the entire construction lifecycle for large-scale, complex commercial developments
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline — or 7+ years of equivalent hands-on experience
Direct experience developing RFPs, evaluating contractor bids, and managing contract execution

Preferred Qualifications

Background as an entrepreneur or small business owner in the construction or building management space
Experience operating within startup or early-stage development organizations
Familiarity with Shelby County or Collierville municipal planning and permitting procedures
Base salary of $150,000–$200,000 annually, based on experience
401(k) retirement plan
Annual performance bonus
Comprehensive health insurance
Paid time off

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment: Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.