Vice President Operations Jobs in Springfield, MO

Reports to: President of Erlen Group

FLSA Status: Exempt

The Erlen Group of companies exists to maximize long-term shareholder value by providing goods and services with honesty, integrity and fairness to our team, our communities and our clients.

Springfield Underground Vice President Job Summary:

This position is responsible for the strategic oversight and day-to-day performance of the Springfield Underground, an operating industrial warehouse complex encompassing both dry/ambient and refrigerated/frozen storage. This role is accountable for all operational, financial, safety, tenant/customer, and personnel outcomes. This position serves as the senior on-site authority and is the primary interface between ownership, tenants, contractors, and regulatory agencies. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic acumen and operational depth.

Springfield Underground Vice President Duties/Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations of the industrial park
• Develop and maintain relationships with key tenants and customers, including major strategic accounts, to support retention, expansion, and long-term partnership opportunities.
• Negotiate lease agreements, service agreements, and major commercial arrangements in coordination with executive leadership and legal counsel.
• Develop and execute strategies to maximize occupancy, utilization, rental revenue, and long-term value of Springfield Underground assets.
• Evaluate opportunities for facility expansion, redevelopment, infrastructure improvements, and new tenant recruitment.
• Serve as primary escalation point for tenant and customer operational issues; ensure rapid resolution and relationship continuity.
• Establish and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all operational functions; drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee alarm response protocols and after-hours on-call coverage for refrigeration and critical mechanical systems.
• Serve as the primary coordinator among Springfield Underground tenants, Erlen Group operating companies, and service providers to ensure operational alignment, efficient use of shared resources, and consistent customer service.
• Facilitate collaboration between Springfield Underground, Cold Zone, Umlaut Transloading, and other Erlen Group businesses to maximize operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
• Manage capital improvement projects and deferred maintenance backlog; develop and present annual capital plan toexecutive leadership.
• Administer vendor and service contracts; conduct bid processes and evaluate contractor performance.
• Maintain up-to-date asset registers, maintenance logs, and warranty documentation.
• Champion a safety-first culture; lead safety committee, conduct regular inspections, and enforce OSHA compliance across all work areas.
• Maintain all required federal, state, and local operating permits; manage inspection readiness and regulatory agency relationships (including but not limited to: OSHA, EPA, fire marshal, health department, sanitary sewer and other agencies).
• Oversee emergency response planning, ammonia emergency action plan (EAP), and emergency drills.
• Lead enterprise risk management activities including regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, emergency preparedness, business continuity planning, and insurance programs. Responsible for the financial performance of Springfield Underground, including budgeting, forecasting, revenue growth, expense management, capital planning, and achievement of profitability objectives. Approve invoices, manage purchase orders, and enforce expense authorization policies.
• Manage lease and storage agreement compliance; coordinate with executive leadership and legal council on renewals, amendments, and default situations.
• Develop and manage the annual equipment budget, including maintenance costs, capital expenditures, and rental/lease expenses
• Oversee utility planning and infrastructure management including electrical systems, refrigeration systems, compressed air, water systems, life safety systems, and other critical shared servicesby coordinating with the Group maintenance teams
• Represent Springfield Underground and Erlen Group in interactions with key customers, government agencies, community organizations, utilities, and industry stakeholders.

Springfield Underground Vice President Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Direct and oversee Springfield Underground leadership team
• Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular reviews, and provide ongoing coaching and mentorship
• Coordinate technician scheduling, dispatching, and workload management across multiple projects and locations
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within the equipment team

Springfield Underground Vice President Skills/Abilities:

• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, act independently, and use discretionary judgement
• Excellent communication skills
• Proven leadership experience

Springfield Underground Vice President Education and Experience:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or related field
• Required: Valid Driver’s License
• Required: Five years experience in industrial facility operations or related field
• Required: 3+ years in senior management role with P&L responsibility
• Preferred: MSHA & OSHA Training

Springfield Underground Vice President Physical and/or Travel Requirements:

• Some overnight and day travel expected
• Lifting of up to15 pounds

Springfield Underground Vice President Benefits:

• Paid time off and Holidays
• Simplified Employee Pension Plan
• Health Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Gallup Leadership Development training

Erlen Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment and aspects of employment are decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Erlen Group values a diverse workplace and encourages anyone to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This position is safety sensitive.