Divisional Vice President of Operations - Kelso Corporate

Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety

At Kelso Industries, 5,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

Recruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications.

Kelso Industries is growing rapidly and is seeking additional dynamic Divisional Vice Presidents to help lead the next stage of scale across our operating companies. These roles are designed for proven operational leaders from the MEP+ Industry who can drive business performance from day one.

The Divisional Vice President will be accountable for driving operational and financial excellence across a designated division or region, including P&L performance, organic growth, leadership development, operational integration, and execution of Kelso’s strategic priorities. This leader will partner closely with operating company presidents, functional leaders, and executive leadership to strengthen performance, build scalable systems, and develop the leadership bench needed to support continued growth.

Candidates do not need to be located in a specific market. We are open to leaders located near a major airport hub with the ability to travel regularly and reach their assigned division or operating companies the same day when needed.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute divisional or regional strategies that drive growth, profitability, operational excellence, and long-term scalability in alignment with Kelso Industries’ overall objectives.
• Serve as a key decision-maker and strategic partner to operating company leadership, providing direction, support, and accountability across the portfolio.
• Help identify future growth opportunities across the division, including market expansion, service line development, leadership capability, and operational maturity.
• Represent Kelso’s enterprise priorities while balancing the entrepreneurial culture and local market strengths of each operating company.

Financial Management

• Manage divisional or regional P&L performance, including revenue, expenses, margins, cash flow, and overall profitability across operating companies.
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process for the division and ensure delivery against financial commitments.
• Identify and execute opportunities to improve profitability through operational efficiencies, cost discipline, pricing discipline, productivity gains, and revenue enhancement strategies.
• Partner with finance and operating company leaders to improve financial visibility, reporting discipline, and performance accountability.

Growth and Integration

• Drive organic growth by expanding market share, improving service offerings, strengthening customer relationships, and supporting operational execution.
• Oversee the integration of new acquisitions, ensuring alignment with Kelso Industries’ standards, values, operating expectations, and strategic priorities.
• Support the implementation and optimization of processes, systems, tools, and support structures that create greater consistency, scalability, and operational efficiency across the division.
• Help assess acquisition readiness and post-close integration needs, including leadership structure, operational gaps, process maturity, and cultural alignment.

Team Leadership and Development

• Build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams across multiple operating companies.
• Conduct regular talent reviews, succession planning, and leadership development efforts to ensure a strong leadership pipeline across the division.
• Identify and develop future leaders who can take on expanded roles within the division and across Kelso Industries as the company continues to grow.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and innovative culture that aligns with Kelso Industries’ mission, values, and growth expectations.

Operational Excellence

• Standardize and scale best practices across the division while preserving the strengths and customer relationships of each operating company.
• Collaborate with other Divisional Vice Presidents, functional leaders, and the executive leadership team to drive consistency, operational improvement, and innovation across Kelso.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety expectations, company standards, and operational requirements.
• Promote disciplined execution around performance metrics, operating cadence, project delivery, customer satisfaction, workforce planning, and leadership accountability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in the MEP, specialty contracting, construction, industrial services, or related field.
• Proven track record managing P&L for a business, division, or region exceeding $150M in revenue.
• Demonstrated success driving organic growth, operational improvement, and profitability in a mid-to-large scale business.
• Experience leading through influence across multiple locations, operating companies, business units, or markets.
• Ability to travel regularly and be located near a major airport hub with same-day access to assigned divisions or operating companies when needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or other advanced degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Experience in a private equity-backed, multi-entity, or decentralized operating environment.
• Experience integrating acquisitions, including aligning leadership teams, cultures, systems, processes, and operating standards.
• Strong track record of identifying, mentoring, and developing high-potential leaders.
• Experience scaling businesses through a combination of organic growth, operational discipline, leadership development, and acquisition integration.
• Strong commercial, operational, and financial acumen with the ability to operate at both strategic and executional levels.

 Why Join Kelso Industries? 

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.  

Here you will experience:  

Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.  

Company Culture: You’ll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable. 

Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day. 

Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You’ll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being. 

Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business