Field Operations Manager

Hoj Innovations•South Salt Lake, UT

1d•$100,000 - $140,000

About The Position

The Field Operations Manager for Hesco Services will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for all field installation, maintenance, and repair operations, while managing the fabrication shop. This role focuses on team leadership, technical expertise, quality assurance, safety management, and operational excellence. Working closely with the Installation Coordinator who handles project scheduling and logistics, the Field Operations Manager ensures field crews and shop personnel are properly trained, equipped, and supported to execute installations of conveyors, racking systems, overhead bridge cranes, automated systems, and other material handling equipment. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader with deep technical knowledge and proven ability to develop high-performing teams.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field (or equivalent work experience)
Minimum 7-10 years of experience in material handling equipment, warehouse systems, or industrial equipment installation/service
At least 5 years in a leadership or management role overseeing technical field operations and teams
Proven experience managing fabrication shop operations including personnel and production
Demonstrated track record of building and developing high-performing technical teams
Extensive hands-on experience with conveyors, racking systems, overhead bridge cranes, and automated material handling equipment
Experience managing complex, multi-phase installation projects
Deep technical knowledge of material handling equipment including conveyors, sortation systems, racking, overhead bridge cranes, mezzanines, and automated systems
Expert ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, shop drawings, and engineering specifications
Strong understanding of fabrication processes including welding, cutting, forming, and steel structure assembly
Extensive knowledge of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems related to material handling equipment
Expertise in rigging, crane operations, and heavy equipment installation methods
Comprehensive knowledge of OSHA regulations, building codes, and industry safety standards (including crane safety 1910.179)
Understanding of preventive maintenance programs, reliability engineering, and equipment lifecycle management
Experience with load testing and commissioning procedures for overhead cranes and automated systems
Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire technical teams in field and shop environments
Strong strategic thinking and decision-making abilities
Excellent problem-solving skills with ability to resolve complex technical challenges
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills for all organizational levels
Ability to influence and drive change across the organization
Financial acumen including P&L management, budgeting, and job costing
Strong organizational skills with ability to manage competing priorities
Conflict resolution and personnel management experience
Valid driver's license with clean driving record
Significant travel to job sites and customer locations (up to 50-60% travel)
Availability for occasional evenings, weekends, and emergency response
Ability to work in diverse environments including job sites, warehouses, and fabrication shops
Physical ability to conduct site inspections (climbing ladders, accessing elevated areas, walking job sites)
Must pass background check and drug screening

Nice To Haves

OSHA 30-Hour Construction or General Industry certification
OSHA 500 or 501 Trainer certification
Crane operator certification or extensive rigging experience
Experience with automated warehouse systems (WMS/WCS integration, AS/RS, AGVs, AMRs, robotics)
Deep knowledge of major material handling equipment brands and systems integrators (Dematic, Kardex, Remstar, REM Cranes, etc.)
Experience with service contract management, warranty administration, and preventive maintenance programs
Prior senior leadership experience in material handling distribution or systems integration
Technical background in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering
Experience implementing lean manufacturing, 5S, or other operational excellence methodologies
Track record of successful P&L management

Responsibilities

Field Operations Leadership Provide strategic leadership and direction for all field installation, maintenance, and repair operations
Oversee installation of conveyors, racking systems, overhead bridge cranes, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), and other warehouse equipment
Lead field crews in executing complex and technically challenging installations
Provide hands-on technical expertise and problem-solving support in the field
Ensure all work meets manufacturer specifications, building codes, and safety regulations
Make critical decisions on installation methods, equipment requirements, and technical approaches
Collaborate with Installation Coordinator on resource allocation and crew deployment
Monitor field performance, productivity, and quality standards
Respond to and resolve escalated technical issues and field emergencies
Conduct site visits to assess project progress and provide technical guidance
Fabrication Shop Management Oversee all fabrication shop operations and provide leadership to shop personnel
Manage shop team including welders, fabricators, and shop technicians
Ensure fabrication quality for custom racking components, conveyor structures, platforms, crane components, and mezzanines
Establish and enforce quality control standards for all fabricated materials
Lead continuous improvement initiatives in shop productivity and efficiency
Maintain shop equipment, tools, and machinery in proper working condition
Implement and enforce comprehensive shop safety protocols and housekeeping standards
Collaborate with Installation Coordinator on production schedules and material flow
Review shop drawings and fabrication specifications for technical accuracy
Provide technical guidance on welding procedures, material selection, and fabrication methods
Optimize shop workflows and minimize material waste
Team Leadership & Development Lead, mentor, and develop field service technicians, installers, project supervisors, and shop personnel
Recruit and onboard skilled technicians, installers, and fabricators with material handling equipment expertise
Create and deliver technical training programs on equipment installation, maintenance, and repair
Develop apprenticeship and skills development programs
Conduct performance evaluations and create individual development plans
Foster a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement
Build high-performing teams capable of handling complex installations, including overhead bridge cranes and automated systems
Provide coaching and mentoring to develop future leaders
Address performance issues and implement corrective actions
Recognize and reward excellent performance and innovation
Technical Execution & Quality Management Ensure proper execution of material handling equipment installations from site preparation through final commissioning
Provide technical expertise on installation methods, rigging procedures, and equipment requirements
Review and approve installation plans, methods statements, and rigging plans (especially for overhead bridge cranes)
Troubleshoot complex technical challenges and field issues
Ensure compliance with manufacturer specifications and engineering requirements
Oversee testing, calibration, and commissioning of automated systems and overhead cranes
Manage relationships with subcontractors and ensure work quality
Conduct final inspections and ensure proper documentation and closeout procedures
Ensure as-built drawings accurately reflect installed conditions
Customer Relations & Technical Support Serve as escalation point for complex technical issues and customer concerns
Conduct site visits to assess customer needs and provide technical consultation
Build long-term relationships with key accounts and facility managers
Lead response teams for emergency service calls and critical equipment failures
Ensure customer satisfaction through technical excellence and quality workmanship
Identify opportunities for additional services, upgrades, or preventive maintenance programs
Collaborate with Installation Coordinator on customer communications and project updates
Represent Hesco Services at customer meetings and technical discussions
Safety & Compliance Leadership Lead comprehensive safety program for field operations and fabrication shop
Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, particularly crane safety (1910.179), fall protection, and confined space requirements
Develop and deliver safety training programs including job hazard analyses and toolbox talks
Investigate incidents, near-misses, and implement root cause corrective actions
Conduct regular safety audits of job sites and shop operations
Ensure all personnel maintain proper licensing, certifications, and permits
Maintain compliance with RMI (Rack Manufacturers Institute) standards and CMAA crane specifications
Champion a zero-incident safety culture throughout all operations
Stay current on industry safety standards and regulatory changes
Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement Develop and maintain quality standards for installations, repairs, and fabricated components
Conduct comprehensive site inspections, shop inspections, and quality audits
Ensure proper testing, load testing, and commissioning of systems (especially overhead bridge cranes and automated equipment)
Implement continuous improvement initiatives based on lessons learned
Review warranty claims and determine root causes to prevent recurrence
Track quality metrics and KPIs
Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions
Benchmark best practices and drive operational excellence
Strategic Business Operations Collaborate with senior leadership to develop operational strategies and goals
Monitor and analyze operational metrics including productivity, quality, safety, and profitability
Develop and manage field operations and fabrication shop budgets
Review job costs and labor efficiency to identify improvement opportunities
Work with Installation Coordinator to optimize resource utilization
Participate in estimating and bid reviews providing technical input
Track and report KPIs including customer satisfaction, project margins, safety incidents, and quality metrics
Identify and implement operational improvements and cost-saving initiatives
Develop standard operating procedures and best practices
Stay current on industry trends, new technologies, and competitive landscape

Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience ($100,000 - $140,000+ depending on qualifications)
Performance-based bonus structure tied to operational metrics
Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Company vehicle, fuel card, and mobile device
Tool and equipment allowances
Professional development and technical training opportunities
Leadership development programs
Paid time off and holidays
Continuing education support and certification reimbursement
Opportunity to work with cutting-edge warehouse automation and crane technology
Collaborative leadership team environment with advancement potential
Opportunity to build and shape a high-performing operations team