Position Overview: The Operations Manager is a highly visible, field-focused leadership role responsible for driving daily execution, safety, and performance across our branch operations. Reporting to the Branch Manager, this position plays a critical role in developing field personnel, optimizing job execution, and reinforcing a culture of accountability and professionalism.
This is not a desk-based role - success is driven by consistent presence in the yard and on job sites, providing hands-on leadership and real-time decision-making.
Key Responsibilities- Field Leadership & People Development
- Lead, coach, and develop field employees including Crane Operators, Riggers, and Mechanics
- Provide hands-on mentorship in the yard and on job sites to elevate performance and accountability
- Establish clear expectations for roles, training, and professional standards
- Address performance and workplace challenges directly and promptly
- Support recruiting, hiring, and onboarding of field personnel
- Daily Operations Execution
- Oversee day-to-day field operations, including job scheduling, crew assignments, and equipment utilization
- Balance changing priorities across people, equipment, and customer needs in real time
- Maintain a strong presence in the yard and in the field to ensure safe, efficient job execution
- Partner with the sales team to support successful project delivery
- Safety & Compliance Leadership
- Lead engaging, high-impact safety meetings that go beyond standard check-the-box approaches
- Conduct thorough Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and reinforce safety expectations on-site
- Ensure compliance with DOT, SOPs, qualification requirements, and company safety standards
- Drive accountability around incident prevention, equipment care, and post-job reviews
- Operational Excellence
- Identify and implement best practices to improve efficiency, productivity, and job profitability
- Monitor and manage labor and equipment performance in alignment with company goals
- Contribute to branch success metrics, including performance against monthly operational benchmarks
- Systems & Coordination
- Utilize tools such as IFS ERP and Boom Up for scheduling, job tracking, and resource planning
- Coordinate training assignments and maintain visibility into field personnel development
- Support operational reporting and documentation as needed
Qualifications- Required
- 5-10+ years of industrial, construction, rigging, or related field operations experience
- Proven ability to lead from the front line in a hands-on, field-based environment
- Experience managing or leading crews, with a strong focus on coaching and development
- Ability to multi-task and adapt in a fast-paced, changing operational environment
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and mentor experienced field teams
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including after-hours support as needed
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (primarily Outlook, Word, Excel)
- Preferred
- Crane & rigging (C&R) or power generation experience
- Prior experience improving field team performance, accountability, or culture
- College degree or equivalent experience
Work Environment & Schedule- Schedule: Monday-Friday, typically 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- On-call: Required; flexibility to respond to after-hours and occasional weekend needs
- Travel: Primarily local (within ~2 hours / 150 miles of the branch)
- Environment:Combination of yard, field/job sites, and limited office time
What Success Looks Like- Performance in this role is measured by:
- Strong field presence and leadership credibility
- Improved crew performance, accountability, and engagement
- Safe, compliant, and efficient job execution
- Effective management of labor, equipment, and project expenses
- Tangible improvements in operational discipline and professionalism
Barnhart Offers- Competitive salary
- Bonus program that pays for performance
- $1 for $1 match on 401(k), capped at 10% of Pay
- Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
- Medical, Paid Time Off and Holiday, Disability, Life Insurance, and other additional personal and professional benefits are available
- Barnhart CARES family care and community service opportunities
