The Southeast Regional Operations Manager directs, promotes, and coordinates the operations of three to six crane rental branches within an assigned region in a manner that will promote teamwork, optimize sales, increase market share, realize cost savings, improve cooperative efficiency, and help achieve the mission and goals of the company, while maintaining a strong safety culture and outstanding customer service. Branch Managers within the region report directly to the Regional Operations Manager, who is accountable for the region's financial performance, including fleet utilization, EBITDA, and return on assets (ROA), and for growing the region through branch growth strategies and the opening of new branches. The individual typically works under self-direction and is expected to work as long as necessary to perform his/her job responsibilities.
Responsibilities: Leadership & General Management - Direct all operations, operational functions, and compliance for the three to six crane rental branches within the region.
- Monitor the day-to-day business activities and overall sales revenue for all branches within the region working with the Regional Sales Manager and their Regional Sales Teams to find, develop and retain customers
- Develop and ensure successful execution of annual objectives, goals, and strategies for the region.
- Develop and implement business improvements that align with W.O. Grubb's core values.
- Provide guidance and assistance on complex issues affecting regional operations.
- Visit each branch on a regular basis to communicate the direction of the business, build employee connections, review operations, safety, equipment condition, facilities, and customer service.
- Ensure consistent operating standards and core processes, including dispatch, job scheduling, billing, and equipment tracking, are followed across all branches in the region.
Financial Performance - Monitor and report branch and regional performance against key metrics, including fleet utilization, revenue, EBITDA, and return on assets (ROA).
- Report and monitor the P&L for all branches within the region, and develop corrective action plans with Branch Managers when results fall short of plan.
- Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process for the region in partnership with Branch Managers and Finance.
- Hold Branch Managers accountable for branch financial results, including rental rates, labor efficiency, and expense control.
- Review pricing and rate structures to protect margins while remaining competitive in each market.
- Oversee billing accuracy and accounts receivable collections for the region, working with Finance to manage customer credit risk.
- Negotiate contracts and blanket orders.
Branch Growth & Development - Develop and execute branch growth strategies to increase revenue, market share, and profitability in each market served.
- Identify and evaluate opportunities for new branch locations, including market analysis, customer demand, competition, and financial projections, and present business cases to senior leadership.
- Lead the opening of new branches, including site selection, facility setup, fleet allocation, staffing, and launch.
- Work with Branch Managers and Salesmen to secure and grow key customers in each trade area, and personally visit key strategic accounts.
- Review market analysis to determine customer needs, volume potential, and pricing opportunities.
- Assist with advertising and promotion at branches within the region.
People Leadership - Recruit, interview, and hire Branch Managers in partnership with Human Resources and the Senior VP of Operations.
- Coach and mentor Branch Managers within the region to achieve their fullest potential.
- Conduct performance reviews for Branch Managers and ensure performance reviews are completed for all branch personnel.
- Assist in the hiring and firing of branch personnel.
- Audit and ensure that all Branch Managers and branch personnel have received proper training.
- Develop bench strength and succession plans for Branch Manager and other key positions within the region.
- Administer the reward/disciplinary action program.
- Make wage and bonus recommendations.
Fleet, Asset and Facility Management - Maximize fleet utilization across the region by coordinating the sharing and transfer of cranes, equipment, and operators between branches.
- Recommend fleet additions, transfers, and disposals based on utilization, ROA, and market demand, and participate in the capital expenditure planning process.
- Partner with maintenance leadership to control repair and maintenance costs and ensure equipment is inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturer, OSHA, and company requirements.
- Manage the use of re-rents (sub-rentals) to meet customer demand while protecting margins.
- Ensure branch and yard locations are functional and set up in a safe and efficient manner with the tools that the branch team needs to do their jobs
Safety & Compliance - Champion the company's safety program and promote a culture where safety is the first priority at every branch.
- Ensure all branches comply with OSHA, DOT, and other federal, state, and local regulations applicable to crane operations and transportation.
- Ensure crane operators hold current certifications and have required competencies and that lift planning and rigging procedures are followed.
- Review incidents, accidents, and near misses with Branch Managers and ensure corrective actions are identified and completed.
- Ensure operational integrity and operational compliance.
- Ensure compliance with corporate policies and SOPs.
Teamwork & Communication - Serve as the primary link between the branches and corporate leadership, communicating company direction to the branches and branch needs to the Senior VP of Operations.
- Promote teamwork and best-practice sharing among branches and with other regions.
- Work cross-functionally with dispatch, maintenance, safety, finance, and human resources to support branch operations.
- Perform any other duties as assigned by the Senior VP of Operations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Essential: - Good communication skills
- Proven ability to lead, develop, motivate and hold accountable managers and employees across multiple locations.
- Demonstrated ability to read and analyze financial statements and operating reports, including P&L, EBITDA, fleet utilization, and ROA.
- Strong negotiation skills.
- Problem solver - exercise discretion and judgment to best manage available resources.
- Knowledge of the geography and markets within the region.
- Must be proficient with computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and comfortable using rental management and financial reporting systems.
- Time management skills.
- Punctual.
- Assumes responsibility.
- Can work under stress.
- Service orientated.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Valid driver's license with a safe driving record.
- Possess a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Must be able to pass a drug test, background check, and fit for duty test.
Desired: - Prefer candidates with at 5+ years of operations management experience, including multi-site or branch management with P&L responsibility.
- Previous experience with transportation, heavy equipment, equipment rental, or the crane and hoisting industry is an asset.
- Prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field; an associate's degree with equivalent experience will be considered.
- Experience opening new locations or leading business expansion is an asset.
- Working knowledge of OSHA 1926 crane and derrick standards, NCCCO operator certification, and DOT requirements is an asset.
