Director of Operations – Heavy Industrial & Field Services

About the Role

Henke Industrial is seeking a highly experienced, field-oriented Director of Operations to lead our specialized heavy industrial service teams. Unlike traditional manufacturing or stationary plant management roles, this position is strictly focused on field-deployed operations, including turnkey equipment relocation, millwright and rigging services, heavy-haul logistics, and facility lifecycle services. We need a "boots-on-the-ground" leader who thrives in high-stakes project environments.

Responsibilities

• Field Operations & Project Execution:
  • Oversee all field-deployed projects, including heavy equipment relocation, millwright services, and turnkey facility installations
  • Develop accurate project estimates, Statements of Work (SOWs), and operational execution plans for complex machinery moves
  • Lead, mentor, and allocate technical resources, including riggers, operators, millwrights, and field supervisors
  • Act as the primary operational point of contact for clients during active field projects, handling change orders and resolving on-site logistical challenges
• Heavy Haul & Specialized Logistics:
  • Manage and optimize specialized fleet logistics, including routing and permitting for Over-Size/Over-Weight (OS/OW) freight
  • Demonstrate deep technical fluency in specialized transport equipment (e.g., RGNs, Step Decks, multi-axle configurations) and heavy-lift rigging operations
  • Coordinate complex project scheduling to ensure specialized equipment and crews arrive on-site in sequence
• Safety, Culture & Compliance:
  • Champion a zero-incident safety culture across all active job sites
  • Develop and enforce Site-Specific Safety Plans (SSSP) tailored to heavy industrial and construction environments
  • Ensure strict compliance with all relevant OSHA, DOT, and specialized industry regulations

Requirements

• 7+ years of senior operations or project management experience specifically within industrial contracting, specialized rigging, millwright services, or heavy-haul logistics. (Note: Traditional stationary plant, warehousing, or retail logistics experience will not be considered a fit for this role)
• Proven track record of estimating and executing field-based construction or heavy industrial projects
• Deep technical knowledge of rigging principles, heavy machinery, cranes, and specialized transport equipment
• Strong financial acumen related to project-based P&L, bidding, and resource allocation
• Expertise in OSHA and DOT compliance
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to manage both craft labor and client stakeholders

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Active Job Sites: Frequent travel to active, often unconditioned heavy industrial job sites, manufacturing facilities, and construction environments
• Site Navigation: Must be able to walk active industrial sites, stand for extended periods, and safely navigate uneven terrain and tight spaces around heavy machinery
• Physical Activity: Ability to climb stairs and ladders, and occasionally lift/move up to 25-50 lbs as needed while on site
• Safety Gear: Strict adherence to safety protocols, including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility clothing, and steel-toe boots as required by site-specific safety plans
• Travel: This role requires significant "boots-on-the-ground" travel to oversee project execution and client sites