Director of Operations - Heavy Haul #0209

Our client, a respected and long-established player in specialized and heavy haul transport, is growing its footprint in the U.S. and is seeking a senior operations leader to help drive that expansion. This is a unique opportunity to build and shape the function rather than inherit a fully established structure.

Reporting to the President, this individual will lead the full U.S. operational portfolio, including execution, strategy, compliance, team development, and financial results. The role is suited to a hands-on, credible leader with strong experience in complex, high-stakes operating environments who is motivated by ownership and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

The business is experiencing strong momentum, supported by robust demand in the U.S. market. Our client offers a family-oriented environment, values work/life balance, and can offer broader multi-site leadership opportunities over time for the right person.

Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, operational efficiency, and profitability
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including scheduling, route planning, load planning, and resource deployment
• Create and implement a U.S. operational strategy aligned with broader company growth plans

Heavy Haul & Specialized Transport

• Lead engineering and design oversight for multi-axle setups, axle loading, and abnormal load stability
• Ensure compliance with federal and multi-state transport requirements, including permits, bridge laws, DOT rules, and escorts
• Direct complex, high-risk moves involving transformers, E-Houses, pressure vessels, and other oversized loads

Team Building & Leadership

• Develop KPIs, reporting structures, and accountability measures
• Build, recruit, and lead a high-performing team across drivers, project managers, dispatchers, and safety personnel
• Coach field leaders and managers while promoting a culture rooted in safety, excellence, and integrity

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Provide senior leadership with regular operational updates and reporting
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, sales, and project teams to scope and deliver specialized transport work
• Serve as the key operational contact for clients, brokers, and vendors

Safety & Compliance

• Monitor and uphold compliance with permits, legal requirements, and internal policies
• Ensure all drivers and crews remain compliant with OSHA, DOT, and internal safety expectations
• Promote a zero-incident safety culture throughout U.S. operations

Financial Accountability

• Improve cost efficiency while maintaining service levels and safety standards
• Monitor margins, cost per move, and operating performance metrics
• Develop and manage operating budgets across labor, equipment, permits, and subcontractor spend

Essential

• Strong engineering knowledge related to multi-axle trailers, bridge law compliance, axle load distribution, and abnormal load behavior
• Demonstrated success leading and building teams from the ground up
• Proven experience managing multi-state U.S. operations, including routing, permitting, and DOT/FMCSA compliance
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check
• Exceptional leadership capability and sound decision-making in high-pressure environments
• Established credibility with drivers, rigging crews, and field operations personnel
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in heavy haul, specialized transport, or complex logistics environments
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting, cost modeling, and margin analysis
• Experience with transport frame design, center-of-gravity modelling, and load securement engineering
• Valid passport and willingness to travel approximately 25-50% across the U.S.
• Deep knowledge of oversize/overweight permitting requirements across U.S. states, including superload thresholds

Preferred

• Familiarity with Safety Management System (SMS) design in a heavy haul environment
• Experience working with TMS platforms such as McLeod or TransPlus, along with maintenance systems such as Cetaris or Samsara
• Proficiency with financial analytics tools, including advanced Excel and QuickBooks
• Experience supporting EPC contractor partnerships and project cargo logistics
• Familiarity with heavy haul routing and simulation tools such as AutoTURN, CAD, and swept path analysis
• Experience arranging insurance programs for U.S. transport operations
• Knowledge of cross-border compliance, including CBP, ACI/ACE, and customs broker coordination

Base Salary: $150,000–$250,000

Variable Incentive: Performance-based bonus

Paid Time Off: 10–15 days to start

Full benefits package (details provided to shortlisted candidates)

Career Growth: Clear pathway to expanded multi-location leadership as the U.S. operation scales

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