President, Kelso Southwest

Description

• Foundational systems, processes, and organizational structure in place to support a scalable mechanical contracting operation.
• Build systems for training, skill development, leadership growth, and workforce readiness.
• Foster strong cross-functional alignment to ensure seamless project execution and high-quality outcomes.
• Improving financial performance with healthy backlog, stable margins, and disciplined cost controls.
• Lead all financial aspects of the business, including revenue, margin performance, forecasting, and cost control.
• 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, pipefitters, and field supervisors.
• Proactively identify risks and opportunities while ensuring the financial health of the organization.
• Build deep, trusted relationships with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and industry partners.
• Lead major contract negotiations in collaboration with Kelso leadership and legal teams.
• Ensure effective succession planning and leadership depth as the company grows.
• Strengthen profitability through improved estimating accuracy, efficient resource management, and disciplined project controls.
• Oversee estimating, budgeting, financial reporting, and regular project performance reviews.
• Strengthen the company’s presence in the industrial market through thoughtful client engagement and community involvement.
• 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.
• Establish organizational structure, processes, and systems that enable scalable, efficient, and safe mechanical project delivery.
• Identify emerging opportunities in industrial markets and expand service offerings, client relationships, and geographic reach.
• Provide hands-on leadership across all operational areas, including field operations, mechanical construction, fabrication, preconstruction, and project management.
• Define and execute Kelso Southwest’s strategic direction, growth plan, and operating model in alignment with Kelso Industries’ broader industrial strategy.
• Build annual business plans, performance targets, and initiatives to drive sustainable growth.

Requirements

• Strong integration and partnership with Kelso Industries’ corporate teams and peer operating companies.
• Clearly defined KPIs and operational reporting cadence with visible progress quarter over quarter.
• Demonstrated success building or scaling operations and leading large mechanical teams.
• Consistent and predictable mechanical project delivery backed by strong planning, fabrication, and field execution.
• Strong understanding of mechanical scopes: process piping, utility piping, industrial HVAC, equipment setting, welding/fabrication, and rigging.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 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.
• Extensive senior leadership experience in mechanical contracting, industrial construction, or related sectors.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance