Chief Operating Officer - Arena Family of Companies : Job Details

Overview

Chief Operating Officer: Open to hiring on a COO day one or will consider other titles Directors of Construction, Sr. PM, Project Executive. Opportunity to take on ownership.

I have been retained by a growing small-to-medium sized 50-80M General Contractor specializing in public works and a wide range of commercial projects. Their team is passionate about delivering high-quality construction while building lasting relationships with clients, subcontractors, and the communities we serve. As we scale, we are seeking a strong operations leader who can take ownership of our project execution, internal processes, and overall business performance.

Position Overview

The Chief Operating Officer or Project Executive will play a pivotal role in overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring the successful delivery of projects. This leader will work closely with ownership to set strategy, drive operational excellence, and position the company for sustainable growth. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in general contracting, deep experience with public works and commercial construction, and the leadership skills to inspire high-performing teams.

This role is designed for an individual who can initially act as a senior Project Executive and grow seamlessly into the COO role.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and operational oversight across all company functions including project management, estimating, field operations, and client relations.
• Ensure that projects are delivered safely, on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Drive accountability through effective systems, reporting, and communication between office staff, field teams, and ownership.
• Mentor and develop project managers, superintendents, and administrative staff to strengthen the leadership bench.
• Lead the company's efforts in public works compliance, contract negotiations, and risk management.
• Partner with ownership on strategic planning, budgeting, and long-term growth initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Champion a culture of integrity, safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in general contracting with emphasis on public works and commercial projects.
• Proven track record of leading multiple projects in the $5M–$50M+ range.
• Strong understanding of California construction regulations, labor compliance, and public bidding processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage company operations at an executive level.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a small-to-medium sized, growth-oriented environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred; advanced education or certifications a plus.