VP of Operations

This position blends enterprise-level strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight. The VP of Operations drives financial results, ensures safe and compliant service delivery, develops high-performing leaders, and strengthens key refinery client relationships. The role requires a strong business operator who is financially savvy, operationally disciplined, and deeply engaged in day-to-day execution.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Financial Leadership

• Own full P&L responsibility, including revenue growth, cost management, margin expansion, EBITDA performance, and overall profitability.
• Develop annual operating plans, budgets, forecasts, and long-range growth strategies.
• Demonstrate strong financial acumen, including building, interpreting, and managing P&L statements, forecasting models, capital planning, and variance analysis.
• Translate corporate strategy into clear, actionable business unit priorities and measurable KPIs.
• Identify expansion opportunities, specialty service growth, and new market penetration within refinery operations.

Operational Leadership

• Provide end-to-end oversight of refinery service operations, ensuring safety, quality, compliance, and client satisfaction.
• Maintain a visible, hands-on leadership presence across field operations and client sites.
• Ensure adherence to company SOPs, environmental regulations, and safety standards.
• Drive process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, scalability, and service reliability.
• Oversee preventative and predictive maintenance strategies to maximize operational performance.
• Resolve escalated operational or client issues with urgency and accountability.

People & Culture Leadership

• Lead and develop senior leaders including Regional Directors, Operations Managers, and functional heads.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability standards.
• Drive performance management, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Make strategic hiring and organizational design decisions aligned with business growth.
• Foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.

Client & Commercial Oversight

• Serve as executive sponsor for key refinery client relationships.
• Partner with Sales and Account Management to drive retention, growth, and contract renewals.
• Participate in pricing strategy, contract review, and new account pursuit.
• Translate client feedback into operational enhancements and revenue opportunities.

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Own operational risk management including safety performance, regulatory exposure, and service delivery risks.
• Ensure compliance with industry, environmental, and contractual requirements.
• Maintain audit-ready operational and financial practices.
• Escalate material risks to executive leadership with mitigation strategies.

Must-Have Skills, Experience, and Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or related field (MBA preferred).
• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, industrial services, refinery services, or multi-site environments.
• Proven track record of full P&L ownership with measurable revenue and EBITDA growth.
• Strong financial acumen, including expertise in P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation.
• Demonstrated ability to build, interpret, and manage financial statements and performance metrics.
• Experience leading complex, geographically dispersed teams.
• Background partnering with Sales and executive stakeholders to drive revenue growth and customer outcomes.
• Deep understanding of refinery environments, industrial safety standards, and regulatory compliance preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40% based on business needs.