Director of Operations

Director of Operations – Vehicle Processing & Rail Operations

Company: Road & Rail Services

Location: Huntsville, AL

Job Type: Full-Time | On-Site

Schedule: Flexible Based on Operational Needs

Lead Operations. Drive Results. Develop Strong Teams.

Road & Rail Services is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead our Vehicle Processing and Railcar Preparation operations in Huntsville, Alabama.

This senior-level leadership position is responsible for overseeing daily operations, developing high-performing management teams, maintaining strong customer relationships, and ensuring operational excellence across both automotive logistics and railroad support services.

We are looking for a leader who understands the demands of fast-paced industrial environments and can balance safety, productivity, quality, employee accountability, and financial performance.

The successful candidate will be comfortable making operational decisions, addressing challenges directly, and working closely with site leadership to achieve business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Performance

• Provide overall leadership and direction for vehicle processing and railcar preparation operations.
• Oversee daily production activities, staffing, workflow, and operational performance.
• Establish measurable performance goals focused on productivity, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement process improvements that reduce costs and increase productivity.
• Ensure equipment, facilities, and labor resources are effectively utilized.
• Respond to operational challenges, production interruptions, and changing customer requirements.

Management & Employee Development

• Lead, coach, and develop Operations Managers, Supervisors, and other site leadership personnel.
• Establish clear expectations for performance, attendance, safety, and accountability.
• Partner with Human Resources on staffing, employee relations, performance management, and workforce planning.
• Build a positive, results-oriented workplace culture focused on teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Develop succession plans and identify future leaders within the organization.

Customer Relations & Quality

• Serve as a primary operational contact for customer leadership.
• Maintain strong working relationships with automotive manufacturers, railroad partners, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure operations consistently meet customer production schedules, quality standards, and service expectations.
• Address customer concerns promptly and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Participate in operational reviews, customer meetings, and performance evaluations.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Promote a strong safety culture across vehicle processing and railroad operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA, FRA, customer-specific, and company safety requirements.
• Oversee safety initiatives, incident investigations, corrective actions, and risk-reduction strategies.
• Hold management teams accountable for maintaining safe working conditions and following established procedures.
• Ensure employees receive appropriate safety training and understand operational requirements.

Financial & Business Management

• Manage operational budgets, labor expenses, overtime, and controllable costs.
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Analyze operational reports, productivity metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Support business planning, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Develop strategies that improve efficiency while maintaining service quality and safety standards.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive operations management experience in automotive manufacturing, vehicle processing, railroad operations, logistics, or a related industrial environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple departments, large teams, or complex operational functions.
• Proven ability to lead and develop management personnel.
• Experience with budgeting, labor management, cost control, and operational performance metrics.
• Strong understanding of workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional nights, weekends, or holidays based on operational needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Operations Management, Logistics, or a related field.
• Experience in automotive vehicle processing, vehicle distribution, or railcar preparation operations.
• Previous leadership experience supporting automotive manufacturing facilities or railroad customers.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing profit and loss (P&L) responsibilities.
• Experience overseeing operations with multiple shifts and large workforces.

What We Offer

At Road & Rail Services, we recognize that strong leadership is essential to our success. We offer a competitive benefits package and opportunities for long-term professional growth.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits
• Company-Provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Annual Steel-Toe Boot Allowance
• Career Advancement and Leadership Development Opportunities
• Veteran-Friendly Workplace
• A Company Culture That Promotes from Within

Why Join Road & Rail Services?

Road & Rail Services has supported the railroad and automotive logistics industries since 1987. Our success is built on delivering reliable services, developing strong customer partnerships, and maintaining a commitment to safety and operational excellence.

As Director of Operations in Huntsville, AL, you will have the opportunity to make a direct impact on two critical areas of our business. You will lead teams, influence operational strategy, develop future leaders, and help drive continued success.

If you are an experienced operations leader who thrives in a demanding environment, values accountability, and knows how to build successful teams, we encourage you to apply today.

Road & Rail Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.