Field Operations Manager
1 day ago
South Salt Lake
Job Description Field Operations Manager Hesco Services - HOJ Innovations About HOJ Innovations & Hesco Services HOJ Innovations is a leading material handling equipment distributor specializing in warehouse optimization solutions. Hesco Services is our dedicated service division providing comprehensive installation, maintenance, and repair services for conveyors, racking systems, automated material handling equipment, and other warehouse solutions. We're seeking an experienced Field Operations Manager to lead our Hesco Services field teams, fabrication shop, and ensure exceptional project execution and customer satisfaction. Position Overview 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. Key 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, • 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, • 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, • 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, • 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, • 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, • 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, • 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 Education & Experience • 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, • 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, • 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, • 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), • 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, • 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 HOJ Innovations is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.