Director of Operations

Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc.; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Logistics Insight Corporation (LINC), a subsidiary of Universal Logistics Holdings, seeks a Director of Launch Operations to lead startup, implementation, and stabilization of new initiatives across its network. The role is based in Warren, MI with travel as needed.

The ideal candidate has a strong operational background, exceptional leadership, and the ability to manage multiple large-scale initiatives simultaneously.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in operations, logistics, supply chain, manufacturing, project management, implementation, or startup leadership.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams, projects, or operational functions.
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives from planning through execution.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and management of operational startups, implementations, and expansions.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for launch teams to meet milestones and timelines.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Safety, HR, Finance, IT, and Executives to ensure successful execution of new opportunities.
• Establish governance, communication plans, and executive-level reporting for initiatives.
• Identify operational risks and drive mitigation strategies throughout implementation.
• Oversee staffing, training, readiness assessments, and startup execution.
• Ensure consistent launch processes and documentation across projects.
• Support post-launch stabilization and drive continuous improvement.
• Develop and mentor Project Managers and launch team members.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional

Project management

Communication

Organization

Prioritization

Strategic thinking

Multi-location coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Office

Excel

PowerPoint

MS Project

Job description

Logistics Insight Corporation (LINC), a subsidiary of Universal Logistics Holdings, is seeking a Director of Launch Operations to lead the successful startup, implementation, and stabilization of new operational initiatives across our network.

This individual will provide strategic leadership for launch activities, oversee cross-functional project execution, and ensure new operations are implemented efficiently and effectively. The ideal candidate will possess a strong operational background, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple large-scale initiatives simultaneously.

This position will be based in Warren, MI. Travel will be required as needed to support operational startups, site implementations, customer requirements, and business initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and management of operational startups, implementations, and business expansion initiatives.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for launch teams, ensuring project milestones, timelines, and deliverables are achieved.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Safety, HR, Finance, IT, and Executive Leadership to ensure successful execution of new business opportunities.
• Establish and maintain project governance, communication plans, and executive-level reporting.
• Identify operational risks, develop mitigation strategies, and drive issue resolution throughout the implementation process.
• Oversee staffing plans, training initiatives, operational readiness assessments, and startup execution.
• Ensure consistency in launch processes, documentation, and best practices across multiple projects.
• Support post-launch stabilization efforts and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and mentor Project Managers and launch team members while fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence.
• Serve as a key liaison between field operations and corporate leadership throughout implementation efforts.
• Partner with the Robotics team to design and implement Automation plans for Customer sites along with the traditional warehousing operations
• Prepare Launch Slide deck presentations for customer bids and present that information to customers during technical reviews

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Project Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in operations, logistics, supply chain, manufacturing, project management, implementation, or startup leadership.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams, projects, or operational functions.
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives from planning through execution.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Project Management tools.

Preferred

• Experience supporting logistics, warehousing, transportation, automotive, manufacturing, or distribution operations.
• Previous experience leading startup, implementation, launch, or business integration activities.
• Experience managing large-scale operational projects across multiple locations.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Lean Logistics, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience working in customer-facing operational environments.