Help Build the Next Chapter of Gulf States Automation
Gulf States Automation, Inc. is an established building automation systems contractor serving customers across the Gulf South. As a growing contractor from a $10 million business toward $20 million in annual revenue, we are creating a new Director of Operations position to lead our Construction Operations Department across our Southeastern territory of Alabama, Florida Panhandle, Mississippi (Central and Southern portions) and Louisiana to help build the operating model for future branch expansion.

This is an opportunity for an experienced BAS or specialty-contracting leader to shape the organization, not simply inherit it. You will lead the people and systems that turn sold projects into safe, profitable, on-time results and lasting customer relationships. You will work directly with the President and senior leadership team and will have meaningful authority to improve how GSA plans, staffs, executes, measures, and scales its construction work.

 

What You Will Lead

• Company-wide construction operations, including project management, engineering and programming coordination, installation, commissioning, subcontractors, project administration, closeout, and warranty turnover.

• Construction revenue and gross-margin performance, cost-to-complete forecasting, WIP reviews, resource planning, monthly billing projections, change-order discipline, and project recovery.

• One consistent project delivery system across Birmingham and Pensacola, with a repeatable branch model for future markets.

• The development of project managers, technical leaders, field leaders, and the next generation of GSA operations management.

• Partnership with Sales before major commitments and a disciplined handoff to the Director of Service after construction completion.

• Quality, safety, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement across the full construction lifecycle.

 

What Success Looks Like

• GSA converts backlog into predictable revenue, gross profit, and cash without sacrificing quality or customer trust.

• Project risks, labor needs, schedule issues, and margin exposure are visible early and managed decisively.

• Leaders at each branch can run the business with clear standards, useful scorecards, and appropriate authority.

• Construction and Service operate as distinct, accountable departments while customers experience a seamless transition and long-term support.

• GSA has the management depth and operating discipline to reach $20 million and enter new markets responsibly.

 

What You Bring

• Ten or more years of progressive experience in building automation, HVAC controls, mechanical or electrical contracting, systems integration, or a closely related construction business.

• Five or more years leading managers or multi-disciplinary delivery teams and a record of improving project and financial performance.

• Strong command of project financials, WIP, forecasting, job cost, gross margin, change orders, billing, cash flow, contracts, and risk.

• Working knowledge of BAS design, installation, programming, integration, commissioning, turnover, and service transition.

• A builder’s mindset: you create leaders, simplify processes, establish accountability, and use data without losing touch with people or the field.

• The credibility and communication skills to work with employees, customers, general and mechanical contractors, engineers, vendors, and executives.

• Willingness to travel regularly between GSA offices and project locations.

 

Preferred Background
A bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, business, or a related field is preferred, but equivalent industry leadership experience will be considered. Experience with Automated Logic WebCTRL, Tridium Niagara, another major BAS platform, multi-location operations, branch expansion, or a construction portfolio of $15 million or more is especially valuable.

 

Why GSA
GSA offers the chance to join a proven company at an important point in its growth. The successful candidate will have direct access to company leadership, the ability to make a visible impact, and the opportunity to help scale a respected regional organization while protecting the relationships and values that have driven its success.

Gulf States Automation, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.

 

Benefits Explanation
Gulf States Automation provides health, dental and vision insurance and is paid for the employee and family coverage is available for purchase on a pre-tax priced plan. 401k profit sharing plan is offered and available for employee contributions after 12 months of continuous employment with the company provided the employee is 21 years of age. Paid holidays are observed for 8 days, and a PTO plan is available and regular full-time employees receive paid time off based upon length of service as follows:

 

• Hire date through 2nd anniversary shall accrue 1.538 hours per week or 10 days annually.

• 2nd anniversary through 5th anniversary shall accrue 2.307 hours per week or 15 days annually.

• 5th anniversary onward shall accrue 3.076 hours per week or 20 days annually.

A Company vehicle is included with this position but is predicated on you having a clean driving record and our ability to obtain insurance coverage for your operation of a Company owned vehicle.

Join Our Family and Help Us Grow and Service Our Customers

Interested candidates should submit a resume, references and a brief note describing a building automation or specialty-contracting operation they helped improve or scale.