Director of Construction (COO opportunity then President)

Company: Arena Family of Companies
Location: Murrieta
Posted on: October 30, 2025

Job Description:

Job Description 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.

Keywords: Arena Family of Companies, Murrieta , Director of Construction (COO opportunity then President), Construction , Murrieta, California