Operations Manager

Join a driven, high-performing team where you’ll shape field culture, develop talent, and set the standard for operational excellence.

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 b