President, Kelso Southwest - Kelso Industries

Job Description

Kelso Southwest is a new operating company within Kelso Industries, created to meet growing demand for high-quality industrial mechanical construction across the region. Based in Phoenix, AZ and built with Kelso’s commitment to partnership, innovation, excellence, and safety, this new organization delivers complex mechanical solutions for clients in manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and other industrial environments.

As the senior-most executive, the President is responsible for establishing and leading Kelso Southwest from the ground up. This includes full P&L ownership, day-to-day operational leadership, and shaping the long-term vision for the business. This leader operates with significant autonomy to build a high-performing team, strengthen client partnerships, and drive operational and financial success.

The President will oversee all major functions of Operations, Construction, Preconstruction/Estimating, Fabrication, Business Development, Safety, Quality, and Finance and is accountable for delivering predictable project execution, exceptional client experiences, and a strong culture rooted in Kelso’s values.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Execution

• Define and execute Kelso Southwest’s strategic direction, growth plan, and operating model in alignment with Kelso Industries’ broader industrial strategy.
• Establish organizational structure, processes, and systems that enable scalable, efficient, and safe mechanical project delivery.
• Build annual business plans, performance targets, and initiatives to drive sustainable growth.
• Identify emerging opportunities in industrial markets and expand service offerings, client relationships, and geographic reach.

Operational Oversight

• Provide hands-on leadership across all operational areas, including field operations, mechanical construction, fabrication, preconstruction, and project management.
• Implement operational discipline through KPIs, project reviews, reporting rhythms, and continuous improvement practices.
• Set standards for mechanical excellence from planning and fabrication through installation, commissioning, and closeout.
• Foster strong cross-functional alignment to ensure seamless project execution and high-quality outcomes.

Financial Performance & Management

• Lead all financial aspects of the business, including revenue, margin performance, forecasting, and cost control.
• Oversee estimating, budgeting, financial reporting, and regular project performance reviews.
• Strengthen profitability through improved estimating accuracy, efficient resource management, and disciplined project controls.
• Proactively identify risks and opportunities while ensuring the financial health of the organization.

Client & Stakeholder Relations

• Build deep, trusted relationships with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and industry partners.
• Lead major contract negotiations in collaboration with Kelso leadership and legal teams.
• Represent Kelso Southwest with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to delivering exceptional value.
• Strengthen the company’s presence in the industrial market through thoughtful client engagement and community involvement.

Talent Development & Organizational Culture

• Shape a culture rooted in partnership, safety, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor talented mechanical professionals from project managers and estimators to welders, pipefitters, and field supervisors.
• Build systems for training, skill development, leadership growth, and workforce readiness.
• Ensure effective succession planning and leadership depth as the company grows.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience in mechanical contracting, industrial construction, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated success building or scaling operations and leading large mechanical teams.
• Strong understanding of mechanical scopes: process piping, utility piping, industrial HVAC, equipment setting, welding/fabrication, and rigging.
• Proven financial management skills including P&L ownership, forecasting, budgeting, and project financials.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills across field teams, clients, and executive leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

Success in the First 12 Months

• Foundational systems, processes, and organizational structure in place to support a scalable mechanical contracting operation.
• Consistent and predictable mechanical project delivery backed by strong planning, fabrication, and field execution.
• Improving financial performance with healthy backlog, stable margins, and disciplined cost controls.
• Key leadership roles filled with high-performing talent and succession plans in motion.
• Clearly defined KPIs and operational reporting cadence with visible progress quarter over quarter.
• Strong integration and partnership with Kelso Industries’ corporate teams and peer operating companies.
• Growing presence in the industrial market supported by early client wins and a reliable reputation for safety and quality.

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