Chief Operating Officer

Kal Krishnan Consulting Services, Inc. (KKCS), a California Corporation, is a full-service construction management and program management organization. The firm has grown steadily in size and capability since its founding in 1987, and today employs more than 85 professionals in our regional offices. KKCS has attracted to its staff a full complement of highly experienced, talented, and dedicated professionals who bring a collaborative, integrated team approach to our clients’ projects.

KKCS experience includes work on rail, airports, ports, freeways, schools, universities, facilities, water, wastewater, bridges, and roadways. Our client list includes federal agencies, state agencies, regional agencies, and private clients. KKCS has broad experience and expertise in engineering design, project management and project controls services.

The KKCS culture is rooted in the ideals of integrity, safety, diversity, and ethical business practices, which is a commitment shared by all KKCS employees throughout our offices and project sites around the country. We have a positive impact on the communities we serve by not only improving infrastructure, but also providing service at a relatively low cost to the taxpayer. This allows for more money to be available to the agencies we serve, that inevitably will be reinvested in the community. At KKCS, we value the individual employee and the importance of their contributions toward quality improvement.

• $250,000-$275,000 Annually
• Performance-based bonuses
• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees
• 401k retirement plan with company matching contribution
• Hybrid flexibility
• Paid Time Off
• Collaborative and innovative work environment

POSITION DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

KKCS has an exciting opportunity for an experienced operations executive as a full-time Chief Operating Officer in our corporate office in El Segundo, CA. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key leadership role at KKCS, responsible for working with the CEO to drive the vision of the company, contributing to the creation of a strategic plan, and effectively executing strategies to ensure the organization's success. The COO oversees day-to-day operations, focusing on continuous process improvement, operational excellence, and fostering a culture of innovation and advancement.

This role requires establishing strong relationships with clients and potential clients, as well as providing mentorship and guidance to the team. The COO is expected to set goals, anticipate needs, make informed decisions, and demonstrate proficiency across various domains while excelling in specific areas. Exceptional communication skills, people management abilities, and the ability to inspire trust are essential traits for this role. KKCS is looking for the right leader to help us grow the firm while maintaining and promoting our core values of Quality, Integrity, Balance, Teamwork and Loyalty.

The Chief Operating Officer will travel 10-15% of the time and work a hybrid schedule with the corporate office in El Segundo, CA.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Vision and Strategy:

• Drives and champions the company's vision, mission, and values.

• Contributes to the development of the organization's strategic plan.

• Executes strategies and initiatives to achieve business objective of growth.

• Partners with sector leaders and pursuit champions to assist with business development.

2. Operational Excellence:

• Oversees day-to-day operations to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and continuous improvement.

• Works with the CEO to identify and implement process improvements to streamline workflows and enhance operational performance.

• Fosters a culture of excellence, integrity, and teamwork.

• Oversees/responsible for staffing needs, including, but not limited to recruitment, development, retention, and succession of project staff.

• Leads by encouraging and developing successors to work with clients.

• Supports performance reviews and their best practices.

• Leads and oversees Sector and Practice Leaders.

• Collaborates with others in review of financial performance of projects and ensures adherence to project goals and completion to the client's satisfaction.

3. Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Collaborates with other executives to develop and execute business strategies.

• Fosters strong inter-departmental collaboration to ensure seamless operations across the organization.

4. Client Relationships:

• Builds and nurtures relationships with existing clients and potential clients.

• Understands client needs and aligns company offerings to meet those needs.

• Collaborates with the sales and marketing team to drive business growth.

• Works as PIC on contracts, including ensuring contract compliance.

5. Leadership and Mentorship:

• Provides leadership, mentorship, and guidance to cross-functional teams.

• Fosters professional development and growth among team members.

• Helps to grow the team by hiring and developing--both the next COO--and also successors to other key roles.

• Oversees home office operations staff and sector leads, as well as supports and leads the field consulting staff working on projects.

6. Risk Management:

• Develops and implements risk management strategies to safeguard the organization against potential threats.

• Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

7. Technology Integration:

• Evaluates and implements technology solutions to enhance operational processes.

• Keeps informed about industry trends and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

8. Goal Setting and Decision Making:

• In collaboration with the CEO, sets clear measurable goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) for individuals and services.

• Makes informed and strategic decisions based on data and industry insights.

• Monitors progress toward goals and adjusts strategies as needed.

9. Versatility and Expertise:

• Demonstrates proficiency across multiple sectors and services while excelling in specific areas.

• Applies extensive experience in Consulting Engineering and infrastructure consulting.

• Stays up to date with industry trends and best practices.

10. Communication and Relationship Building:

• Communicates effectively with internal teams, clients, stakeholders, and partners.

• Builds strong relationships based on trust, credibility, and professionalism.

• Acts as a liaison between different departments to ensure cohesive operations.

When duties and responsibilities change and develop, the job description will be reviewed and subject to changes of business necessity.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required Experience & Education

• Minimum 20 years of experience, including at least 5 years in management
• Proven experience in a leadership role in a consulting practice, preferably as a division/business line lead or similar position with P&L experience and responsibility
• Strong background in consulting engineering and infrastructure consulting
• Have led and successfully landed major pursuits with agencies including rail transit
• Have negotiated, managed, and overseen large contracts with multiple subconsultants
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinker with the ability to drive the company's vision and mission
• Demonstrated ability to inspire trust, lead teams, and manage complex projects
• Analytical mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions
• Driven and results-oriented; ability to deliver on business objectives
• Adaptable and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Preferred Experience & Education

• Civil Engineering PE is strongly preferred.
• MBA degree is a plus.

KKCS is an equal opportunity employer encouraging individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.