President, Kelso Southwest

Together We Build - Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety

At Kelso Industries, 3,500+ employees across 30 companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

Recruiter Notice:
We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications.

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, pipe fitters, 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…