Director of Operations – Automotive Logistics
Road & Rail Services
Compensation: $90,000–$95,000 annually
Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site
Drive Operational Excellence in Automotive Logistics
Road & Rail Services is seeking an accomplished Director of Operations to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for our automotive logistics and vehicle processing operations in Jacksonville, Florida.
We are looking for a leader who brings more than traditional operations management experience. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of finished vehicle logistics (FVL), vehicle processing, automotive accessory installation, and continuous improvement practices, including Kaizen and Lean methodologies.
This position is well-suited for an experienced automotive logistics professional who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment and has a demonstrated ability to improve productivity, develop leadership teams, strengthen operational processes, and deliver measurable business results.
The Opportunity
As Director of Operations, you will be responsible for driving operational performance, ensuring customer satisfaction, and developing strategies that support efficiency, quality, safety, and profitability.
You will work closely with operational leadership, customers, and corporate partners to ensure our facilities consistently meet performance expectations while identifying opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Strategic Operations Leadership
- Provide leadership and direction for automotive logistics, vehicle processing, and related operational functions.
- Oversee operational performance, resource allocation, staffing strategies, and financial objectives.
- Develop and execute operational plans aligned with company goals and customer expectations.
- Monitor KPIs related to productivity, throughput, quality, labor utilization, safety, and profitability.
- Build and develop high-performing management teams through coaching, accountability, and professional development.
Finished Vehicle Logistics & Automotive Processing
- Direct operations involving finished vehicle handling, processing, inspection, and distribution preparation.
- Oversee automotive accessory installation and vehicle processing workflows to ensure efficiency and quality.
- Maintain compliance with automotive OEM requirements, customer specifications, and established operational standards.
- Identify opportunities to improve vehicle movement, reduce damage, minimize delays, and optimize production flow.
- Strengthen relationships with automotive manufacturers, customers, and logistics partners.
Continuous Improvement & Operational Efficiency
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives using Kaizen, Lean principles, and data-driven problem-solving.
- Evaluate existing workflows and implement process improvements that increase efficiency and reduce operational waste.
- Develop standardized processes that improve consistency, quality, and operational performance.
- Lead initiatives focused on cost reduction, productivity improvements, and customer satisfaction.
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across operational teams.
Leadership, Safety & Customer Relationships
- Establish clear performance expectations and promote a results-oriented leadership culture.
- Ensure compliance with company safety standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulations.
- Partner with corporate departments to support workforce planning, employee engagement, and organizational development.
- Serve as a key operational contact for customers, ensuring service expectations and contractual commitments are achieved.
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of progressive operations management experience, including significant leadership responsibilities.
- Proven success managing large operational teams, complex workflows, and performance-driven environments.
- Experience with operational budgeting, labor management, financial performance, and KPI development.
- Demonstrated ability to lead process improvements and deliver measurable operational results.
- Strong business acumen, analytical skills, and strategic decision-making abilities.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and customer relationship management skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and operational reporting tools.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel as business needs require.
Preferred Industry Experience
- Finished Vehicle Logistics (FVL): Automotive distribution, vehicle handling, transportation coordination, or finished vehicle operations.
- Vehicle Processing Centers (VPC): Vehicle inspection, preparation, processing, and distribution workflows.
- Automotive Accessory Installation: Management of vehicle customization, accessory installation, or automotive production support operations.
- Kaizen & Lean Operations: Experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives, process optimization, or Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Automotive OEM Operations: Experience working directly with automotive manufacturers, OEM suppliers, or third-party automotive logistics providers.
- Port & Rail Automotive Logistics: Familiarity with port operations, rail-served automotive facilities, or multimodal vehicle transportation.
Road & Rail Services offers a competitive compensation package and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within an established organization.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Professional development and career advancement opportunities
- Opportunity to lead and influence operational performance within a growing organization
About Road & Rail Services
Since 1987, Road & Rail Services has delivered specialized automotive logistics, railcar services, and transportation solutions throughout North America.
Our operations support major manufacturers and transportation partners through a commitment to safety, quality, operational excellence, and customer service.
We believe strong leadership, continuous improvement, and employee development are essential to delivering exceptional results.
Advance Your Leadership Career
If you are an experienced operations leader with a background in finished vehicle logistics, automotive processing, accessory installation, or continuous improvement, we invite you to explore this opportunity.
Join Road & Rail Services and help shape the future of our automotive logistics operations in Jacksonville, Florida.
Road & Rail Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.