Keller Executive Search International

Director of Operations – Specialized Transport

Keller Executive Search International

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Remote

Location: United States

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Salary

💰 $150,000 - $250,000 per year

Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • Develop and execute a U.S. operational strategy aligned with company-wide growth objectives
  • Oversee daily operations including scheduling, load planning, routing, and resource allocation
  • Drive continuous improvement across efficiency, safety, and profitability
  • Ensure full compliance with multi-state and federal transport regulations — permits, escorts, bridge laws, DOT rules
  • Oversee engineering and design for multi-axle configurations, load distribution, and abnormal load stability
  • Manage complex, high-risk moves including transformers, pressure vessels, E-Houses, and other oversized cargo
  • Recruit, build, and lead a high-performing team: drivers, project managers, dispatchers, and safety personnel
  • Establish KPIs, performance metrics, and accountability systems
  • Mentor field supervisors and managers; build a culture of safety, excellence, and integrity
  • Act as the primary operational liaison with clients, brokers, and vendors
  • Collaborate across engineering, sales, and project teams to scope and execute specialized transport projects
  • Provide regular operational reporting to senior leadership
  • Champion a zero-incident safety culture across all U.S. operations
  • Ensure driver and crew compliance with OSHA, DOT, and internal safety standards
  • Monitor and enforce adherence to permits, policies, and legal requirements
  • Build and manage operational budgets covering labor, equipment, permits, and subcontractors
  • Track cost-per-move, margins, and performance metrics
  • Implement cost efficiencies without compromising safety or service quality

Requirements

  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in heavy haul, specialized transport, or complex logistics operations
  • Proven track record managing multi-state U.S. operations including permitting, routing, and DOT/FMCSA compliance
  • Deep knowledge of oversize/overweight permitting across U.S. states, including superload thresholds
  • Strong engineering understanding of multi-axle trailers, abnormal load dynamics, axle load distribution, and bridge law compliance
  • Experience with load securement engineering, center-of-gravity modeling, and transport frame design
  • Established credibility with drivers, rigging crews, and field operations teams
  • Demonstrated ability to build and lead teams from the ground up
  • Strong financial acumen — budget management, cost modeling, margin analysis
  • Exceptional leadership and decision-making capability under high-pressure conditions
  • Valid passport and willingness to travel 25–50% across the U.S.
  • Ability to pass a comprehensive background check
  • Familiarity with heavy haul routing and simulation tools (AutoTURN, CAD, swept path analysis)
  • Experience with TMS platforms (McLeod, TransPlus) and maintenance systems (Cetaris, Samsara)
  • Knowledge of cross-border compliance (CBP, ACI/ACE, customs broker coordination)
  • Experience with EPC contractor partnerships and project cargo logistics
  • Familiarity with Safety Management System (SMS) design in a heavy haul context
  • Experience structuring insurance for U.S. transport operations
  • Proficiency in financial analytics tools (advanced Excel, QuickBooks)
Benefits
  • 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
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
heavy haul operationsspecialized transportlogistics operationsmulti-state operationsoversize/overweight permittingload securement engineeringfinancial analyticscost modelingmargin analysisengineering design
Soft Skills
leadershipdecision-makingteam buildingmentoringcommunicationcollaborationproblem-solvingaccountabilitysafety cultureperformance management
Certifications
valid passportDOT complianceOSHA compliance