Position Summary
The Senior Vice President of Operations is responsible for leading and executing operations across Taplin Group’s Michigan regions, with a strong focus on environmental and infrastructure services. This role drives operational performance, ensures compliance across all business lines, and holds senior leaders accountable to company standards, safety, and financial outcomes.
This position partners closely with the President and executive team while maintaining a highly hands on leadership approach across offices and job sites.
Location and Work Expectations
• Must be based in Kalamazoo, MI or within a 50 mile radius
• Expected to be onsite 3 to 4 days per week
• Regular travel to regional offices and job sites required
• Overnight travel required based on project and business needs
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and oversee operations across multiple Michigan regions; ensuring safe, efficient, and high quality project execution
• Hold Vice Presidents and senior leaders accountable for performance, safety, compliance, and financial results
• Drive operational consistency across environmental and infrastructure service lines
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements; including environmental and safety standards
• Partner with leadership to establish and execute annual operating plans; including revenue, margin, and performance targets
• Align labor, equipment, and resources across regions to maximize utilization and efficiency
• Support business development efforts; including maintaining client relationships and identifying growth opportunities
• Provide executive level visibility into operational performance; risks, and opportunities
• Reinforce and evolve company policies, procedures, and operational standards
Leadership Expectations
• Strong ability to lead through others; including holding senior leaders accountable
• Comfortable operating in a hands on, field facing environment
• Ability to navigate complex personalities and drive alignment
• Focus on execution, follow through, and continuous improvement
Qualifications
• Experience in environmental services, construction, infrastructure, or similar industries preferred but not required
• Proven ability to lead multi site operations and senior leadership teams
• Strong background in compliance, safety, and regulatory environments
• Experience managing operational performance; including budgeting, forecasting, and KPIs
• Strong communication and leadership presence across all levels of the organization
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree required; Civil Engineering or related field strongly preferred
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations
Reporting Structure
• Reports to: President