Chief Operating Officer

Centennial, Inc. is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) Construction to lead a Cincinnati based company in operations, drive performance, and support long-term growth. The COO will provide strategic direction and oversee daily operations.This role leads General Managers, Project Management, and Engineering, and works closely with all department heads to strengthen processes, improve profitability, and build a high-performance culture.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational LeadershipLead day-to-day operations across multiple business units, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety.Develop and implement scalable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).Use data, KPIs, and dashboards to drive decisions and improve performance.Strengthen relationships with contractors, engineers/architects, and industry partners.Financial & Strategic ManagementOversee project financials, forecasting, and margin performance.Review and negotiate contracts with internal teams and legal counsel.Ensure timely billing, collections, and documentation of change orders and claims.Monitor industry and economic trends to guide strategic planning.Partner with executive leadership to align operational and financial strategies.Project OversightSupport project teams with Means & Methods, constructability, and safety planning.Participate in project kickoff meetings and ensure clear communication of scope and expectations.Monitor schedules, staffing, logistics, and jobsite readiness.Lead structured project reviews to ensure budget, timeline, and quality compliance.Risk & ComplianceIdentify and mitigate operational, financial, and project-level risks.Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulations, and contractual obligations.People & CultureLead, mentor, and develop managers to build capability and engagement.Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.Foster strong cross-department collaboration and communication.QualificationsRequired10+ years of operational leadership in a project-driven environment.10+ years of business leadership, including 5+ years at Director level or above.Background in constructionStrong relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills.Experience with HR practices, personnel management, and organizational development.Proven ability to lead under pressure and manage competing priorities.Experience with corporate governance and executive-level decision-making.Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.