PRESIDENT bei Knife River

As the California President, you will lead one of our most critical markets with vision and purpose, driving strategic initiatives that ensure safety, promote growth, strengthen returns, and align with our competitive EDGE objectives. You will oversee a broad portfolio of operations spanning ready-mix concrete, aggregate quarrying, asphalt, building materials stores, grading, heavy civil contracting, HMA paving, and marine construction customers from Northern California to the Southern coastline.  Most importantly, you will inspire team members, build trusted relationships across customers and communities while increasing shareholder value, and position California as a cornerstone of our company’s long-term success.  This role requires a visionary, results-oriented leader with a strong mindset, exceptional strategic abilities, and the ability to navigate a fast-paced and evolving business environment.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, construction management, civil engineering, related field, or equivalent executive experience.
• Ten or more years of proven progressive construction or related industry experience, including at least three years in a senior leadership role with proven success managing complex operations, capital projects, and full P&L accountability.
• Proven executive leadership skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and develop senior leaders and high-performing teams.
• Strong financial and strategic acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, ROI analysis, and long-term business planning.
• In-depth knowledge of construction operations, safety management, regulatory compliance, and risk management practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage at all levels.
• High ethical standards and integrity, with sound business judgement and a demonstrated commitment to corporate governance.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with team members, customers, communities, and government stakeholders.
• Ability to travel as needed.  A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Requirements: 

• Master's degree in business, finance, construction management, civil engineering, related field, or equivalent executive experience.
• Fifteen years of progressive leadership in construction or related industries, with proven P&L accountability and success, driving growth across multi-site and multi-business lines.
• Expertise in operations and capital planning, including safety, regulatory compliance, risk management, and execution of major investments with disciplined governance.
• Proven ability to lead in complex labor environments, including union and non-union workforces, with experience in workforce development, labor relations, and cultural integration during M&A.
• Exceptional executive presence with strong financial acumen, stakeholder engagement skills, and board-level communication abilities.

Duties and/or Responsibilities: 

• Champion Knife River’s mission, values, and strategic goals by promoting them internally and externally to team members, customers, communities, and industry stakeholders.
• Lead implementation of corporate strategy and policies in alignment with company directives, ensuring consistent execution across California operations.
• Oversee financial performance and discipline, focusing on EBITDA management, strategic planning, budgeting, reporting, and P&L accountability, to maximize earnings, cash flow, and shareholder value.
• Drive a strong safety culture and People-First workplace, ensuring compliance, team member engagement, and development of a high-performance workforce.
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities, including market expansion, partnerships, and capital projects that deliver competitive returns on invested capital.
• Build and sustain an effective executive leadership team, including succession planning, talent development, and performance management at the senior level.
• Ensure continuous leadership development and mentoring, providing pathways for team members to advance into future management and leadership roles.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence, supporting innovation, risk management, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary executive interfaced with key stakeholders, including customers, industry groups, community partners, and federal/state/local agencies.
• Direct and oversee capital investments, ensuring disciplined resource allocation and successful project execution.
• Represents the company and the industry with integrity, maintaining the highest ethical and moral standards, and reinforcing a culture of trust and compliance.
• Travel as required to engage operations, team members, customers, and stakeholders.
• Perform additional duties as assigned. Take on special projects and leadership initiatives that enhance the company’s people strategy and organizational effectiveness.