Residential Operations Leader

Residential Operations Leader - Portage, MI

DISHER is partnering with a well-established, local construction company to identify a Residential Operations Leader to join their team in Portage, MI. This individual will own the full lifecycle of residential production – from land development and infrastructure through home construction and customer care – ensuring seamless delivery across multiple communities while driving operational excellence, team development, and profitable growth.  

What it's like to work here: 

This company has a history of high retention, promoting from within, and a high level of transparency throughout the whole organization. They live, day by day, by 5 core values: Do the right thing, be client focused, have a positive attitude, be a team player, and be proud of what we do. As an important member of this team, you will have a direct impact on developing processes and making suggestions to continuously improve what has already worked in the past. The residential group is growth‑minded and always open to new ideas, welcoming those with ambition, vision, and a servant‑leader mindset.

What you will get to do:

• Lead the full lifecycle of residential delivery from land development and infrastructure through home construction, closeout, and warranty.
• Oversee operations across multiple communities, ensuring predictable starts, cycle times, and completions.
• Align and coordinate land, construction, procurement, and customer care as one integrated production system.
• Build and manage a team of leaders across several product segments and communities.
• Implement and refine operating systems, standards, and KPIs for safety, quality, schedule, and cost.
• Drive continuous improvement and lean practices to eliminate waste, reduce variability, and improve homeowner experience.
• Partner closely with Sales, Design, Development, Finance, and HR to balance volume, capacity, and gross margin.
• Use data and dashboards to monitor performance, anticipate risks, and guide operational decisions.
• Shape trade partner and procurement strategies in support of scale, reliability, and profitability.
• Champion a culture of accountability, collaboration, and servant leadership within the residential team.

What will make you successful:

• 15+ years of residential construction/operations experience, with significant time in senior leadership across multiple functions.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Proven success leading multi‑community homebuilding operations with large, multi‑level teams.
• Deep understanding of both horizontal (land/infrastructure) and vertical (homebuilding) delivery.
• Strong financial acumen in estimating, scheduling, cost control, and margin management.
• Track record of building disciplined operating systems and using KPIs to drive performance.
• Experience applying lean and continuous improvement in a production homebuilding environment.
• Ability to lead leaders: coaching, developing, and holding them accountable to clear standards.
• Servant‑leader style that is empowering, authentic, and effective with both field and office teams.
• Excellent cross‑functional communication and influence skills with executives and peers.
• Comfort operating in both office and field settings, with regular presence in active communities.