Vice President of Construction

About the role

Onvo is seeking a strategic and results-driven Vice President of Construction to lead all construction and capital improvement projects across the organization. This executive leadership role is responsible for overseeing the planning, design, budgeting, execution, and delivery of construction projects for all Onvo entities, including travel plazas, hotels, restaurants, fuel facilities, and future development initiatives.

The Vice President of Construction will establish and execute the company's construction strategy, lead internal project management teams, manage external partners and contractors, and ensure all projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with Onvo's quality standards. This position serves as a key partner to executive leadership in driving growth, operational excellence, and long-term asset value across the organization.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the company's overall construction and development strategy in alignment with organizational growth objectives.
• Lead all construction, renovation, expansion, and capital improvement projects across Onvo's portfolio.
• Serve as the executive leader for construction operations, providing regular updates and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Identify opportunities to improve project delivery, reduce costs, enhance quality, and increase operational efficiency.

Construction & Project Management

• Oversee all phases of construction projects from concept, design, engineering, permitting, and bidding through completion and turnover.
• Direct multiple large-scale and complex construction projects simultaneously while maintaining budget, schedule, quality, and safety standards.
• Establish project budgets, schedules, and performance benchmarks while ensuring accountability throughout project execution.
• Lead contract negotiations and oversee bidding processes for general contractors, subcontractors, vendors, architects, engineers, and consultants.
• Review and approve project scopes, construction agreements, change orders, payment applications, and contractor performance.
• Ensure construction activities comply with all local, state, and federal regulations, building codes, permitting requirements, and company standards.
• Develop and maintain construction standards and specifications across all Onvo brands and entities.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage annual capital expenditure budgets and long-range development forecasts.
• Monitor project costs, financial reporting, forecasting, and return-on-investment metrics.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through strategic sourcing, contractor negotiations, procurement practices, and project planning.
• Provide executive-level reporting on project performance, budget status, risks, and timelines.
• Manage relationships with lenders and capital partners to secure development and construction financing.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of project managers, administrators, and construction professionals.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, urgency, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Operations, Facilities, Procurement, Real Estate, Finance, and Executive Leadership teams to ensure successful project execution.

Contractor & Vendor Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, municipalities, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
• Negotiate favorable pricing, contract terms, and service agreements that support company objectives.
• Evaluate contractor performance and maintain a network of qualified construction partners throughout the company's operating territories.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a culture of safety across all construction projects.
• Ensures OSHA standards, environmental requirements, and company safety policies are implemented and enforced.
• Respond to significant project issues, incidents, delays, or emergencies as needed.
• Maintain compliance with all permitting, licensing, inspection, and regulatory requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Executive-level understanding of commercial construction, development, and project management.
• Extensive knowledge of construction methods, building systems, fuel facility construction, hospitality development, restaurant construction, and retail development.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing multi-million-dollar capital budgets.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects across diverse business segments.
• Strong negotiation and contract management expertise.
• Advanced understanding of building codes, zoning requirements, permitting processes, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Procore, project scheduling software, CAD platforms, and construction management systems.

Credentials and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive construction experience, including oversight of multi-site commercial development projects.
• Minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role managing construction teams and large capital programs.
• Experience in retail, convenience stores, travel plaza, hospitality, restaurant, fuel, or commercial development projects
• Demonstrated success managing large-scale construction budgets and development portfolios.
• PMP certification is preferred.
• Working knowledge of OSHA standards and safety program oversight expected
• LEED accreditation or sustainable building experience a plus.
• Proven experience reading and interpreting contracts, construction drawings, blueprints, specifications, schedules, and scopes of work.
• Physical Requirements
• Must be able to travel regularly to construction sites throughout the company's operating regions.
• Ability to traverse active construction sites in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to walk, climb, reach, bend, crawl, and inspect all project areas.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• Ability to respond to project emergencies, critical issues, and construction-related incidents as necessary.