Vice President of Quality

Position Summary

The Vice President, Enterprise Quality is the executive leader responsible for the company’s enterprise Quality Assurance & Audit Program and quality risk posture across all regions and operational environments. This role ensures consistent quality governance, code compliance, and client specification adherence through scalable quality programs, measurable performance standards, and disciplined corrective action.

The VP partners with division and operational leaders to design and implement industry- and product-specific quality programs that meet enterprise standards while also aligning with client quality programs and contract requirements. This role also provides executive oversight of the corporate welding program.

• Own and continuously improve the enterprise Quality Management System (QMS), integrating Quality Assurance (prevention), Quality Control (verification), and Document Control into a single scalable framework.

• Establish enterprise quality governance, decision rights, audit standards, escalation thresholds, and performance expectations across regions.

• Lead enterprise risk mitigation through standardized quality programs, NCR/CAPA systems, systemic root cause analysis, and corrective action effectiveness.

• Ensure enterprise quality programs meet applicable codes, industry standards, and client-specific quality program/specification requirements.

• Partner with division QA/QC leaders to implement trade-, industry-, and product-specific quality programs that are executed locally with consistent enterprise outcomes.

• Provide executive oversight of the corporate welding program (WPS/PQR governance, welder qualification standards, inspection protocols, compliance).

• Define enterprise quality metrics, dashboards, and operating cadence; report quality performance and risk trends to executive leadership.

• Champion continuous improvement through Lean Construction, Lean, and structured problem-solving to reduce rework and cost of poor quality (COPQ).

• Build quality capability across the organization through training standards, competency expectations, and development of quality leaders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred (equivalent experience considered).

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in mechanical construction, industrial construction, or related environments.

• 7+ years leading enterprise quality programs, QMS governance, audits, and multi-site quality performance.

• Strong technical fluency in mechanical construction quality requirements and trade codes/standards (e.g., ASME, AWS, API, UPC, IPC, IMC, SMACNA).

• Demonstrated experience overseeing corporate welding program governance strongly preferred.

• Proven ability to lead in a matrixed organization and influence across operations, engineering, supply chain, and field teams.

• Certifications (Required / Strongly Preferred)

• CQM and/or ASQ CQE / CQA
• OSHA 30 (or ability to obtain within 6–12 months)
• Lean Construction and/or Lean certification strongly preferred
• Six Sigma Black Belt strongly preferred

• Travel

• National travel required (approximately 30–50%).

As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

• 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)

• Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability

• Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance

• Disability income protection insurance

• Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)

• Paid parental leave

• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time

• Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses

• Wellness benefits

As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued, apply now to join our…