Operations Manager

Barnhart Crane & Rigging•Columbia, SC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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)

Nice To Haves

Crane & rigging (C&R) or power generation experience
Prior experience improving field team performance, accountability, or culture
College degree or equivalent experience

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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
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