Director of Operations - Heavy Haul

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 Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. 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