Director of Operations - Heavy Haul

Barnhart Crane & Rigging; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with company match up to 10%

Medical, dental, vision, and life ins.

Paid time off and holidays

Training and career development

Job summary

Barnhart Crane & Rigging seeks a Director of Operations - Heavy Haul to lead company-wide Heavy Haul and RORO activities, ensuring safety, efficiency, and adherence to standards. This role collaborates with regional teams to plan, prepare, and execute complex projects across markets.

You will drive risk management, equipment readiness, and talent development, while coordinating with regulatory agencies and operations leadership to deliver successful outcomes across multiple projects and regions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent combination of industry experience and leadership accomplishments will be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years in heavy haul transportation, heavy lift, or related operations leadership roles.
• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-disciplinary projects with equipment, permitting, and risk management.
• Strong working knowledge of DOT regulations and transportation compliance in heavy haul operations.
• Proven ability to mentor personnel, provide technical guidance, and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with regional travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for Heavy Haul and Roll-On/Roll-Off projects.
• Lead readiness reviews to ensure personnel, equipment, procedures, and schedules are prepared.
• Identify challenges and develop practical solutions with project leaders.
• Serve in on-site leadership roles when project needs demand it.
• Provide subject matter expertise in risk identification, evaluation, and mitigation.
• Promote standard Heavy Haul practices across the organization.
• Plan equipment readiness and maintenance to support current and future projects.
• Develop and deliver Heavy Haul training for operators and supervisors.
• Coordinate with DOT and regulatory bodies on permits and compliance.
• Capture lessons learned to improve future project planning.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Equivalent experience in operations leadership

Job description

Director of Operations - Heavy Haul

The Director of Operations - Heavy Haul provides company-wide operational leadership, technical support, and oversight for Barnhart's Heavy Haul and Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) operations and projects.

This position serves as a key resource to regional and project teams, providing support throughout project planning, preparation, execution, and closeout. The Director will help ensure that Heavy Haul and RORO activities are performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

The role will also be responsible for strengthening Barnhart's Heavy Haul capabilities through risk management, equipment readiness, training and development, operational coaching, and long-term equipment planning.

Project Oversight & Readiness

• Provide operational oversight and technical support for Heavy Haul and RORO projects as needed.
• Participate in project planning and readiness reviews to ensure personnel, equipment, procedures, schedules, and contingency plans are appropriately developed prior to execution.
• Assist project and regional leadership in identifying operational challenges and developing practical solutions.
• Serve in an on-site leadership or superintendent capacity when project complexity, risk, or operational requirements warrant additional support.

Risk Management

• Provide Heavy Haul subject matter expertise in the identification, evaluation, and mitigation of operational risks.
• Participate in project risk reviews and help ensure appropriate controls are established prior to execution.
• Support field teams in managing changes in conditions, equipment requirements, or execution plans that could affect project safety or performance.
• Promote consistent Heavy Haul operating standards and best practices across the company.

Equipment Management & Maintenance Planning

• Coordinate with operations, maintenance, and regional leadership to develop and maintain appropriate inspection, preventive maintenance, and repair schedules for Heavy Haul equipment.
• Assist in planning equipment availability to support current and anticipated project requirements.
• Evaluate equipment condition, utilization, capabilities, and future needs.
• Provide input and recommendations regarding the purchase, replacement, standardization, and deployment of Heavy Haul equipment.

Training & Coaching

• Develop and support Heavy Haul training initiatives for operators, field supervisors, project managers, and other appropriate personnel.
• Provide hands-on coaching and technical guidance to field teams.
• Assist in identifying and developing Heavy Haul talent throughout the organization.
• Promote the consistent application of company procedures, operational standards, and lessons learned across regions and projects.

Regulatory & DOT Coordination

• Serve as a company resource regarding Department of Transportation requirements affecting Heavy Haul operations.
• Support regional and project teams in addressing permitting, transportation, compliance, and other DOT-related matters.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with appropriate regulatory agencies and transportation authorities.
• Assist in identifying regulatory changes or requirements that could affect Heavy Haul operations.

Operational Leadership

• Serve as a primary company-wide resource for Heavy Haul and RORO operational matters.
• Work collaboratively with regional leadership, project management, engineering, equipment, safety, and field operations personnel.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of Heavy Haul procedures, standards, and operating practices.
• Capture and communicate lessons learned from significant Heavy Haul projects to improve future project planning and execution.
• Provide direct project support when specialized Heavy Haul expertise or leadership is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent combination of industry experience, technical expertise, and leadership accomplishments will be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in heavy haul transportation, specialized rigging, heavy lift, construction, logistics, or related operations leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary projects involving specialized transportation equipment, permitting requirements, and operational risk management.
• Strong working knowledge of DOT regulations, transportation compliance requirements, and industry best practices related to heavy haul operations.
• Proven ability to develop and mentor personnel, provide technical guidance, and collaborate effectively with operations, engineering, safety, and project management teams.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to support projects across multiple regions and travel as business needs require.

Barnhart Offers

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with company match up to 10%
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Training and career development opportunities

PURPOSE

Barnhart is built on a strong foundation of serving others. The fruit of our labor is used to grow the company, care for our employees, and serve those in our communities and around the world.

MINDS OVER MATTER

Barnhart has built a nationwide reputation for solving problems. We specialize in the lifting, heavy-rigging, and heavy transport of major components used in American industry.

NETWORK

Barnhart has built teams that form one of our industry’s strongest networks of talent and resources with over 60 branch locations across the U.S. working together to serve our customers. This growing network offers our team members constant opportunity for career growth and professional development.

CULTURE

Barnhart has a strong team culture -- the "One TEAM." We are looking for smart, hard-working people who strive for excellence in their work and appreciate collaboration. Join a team that values Safety, Servant Leadership, Quality Service, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, Fairness, and Profit with a Purpose.

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran