Director of Operations - Specialized Transport in Birmingham

A well-established, industry-respected leader in specialized and heavy haul transport is expanding into the U.S. market and is looking for an exceptional Director of Operations to lead that charge. This is a rare ground-floor opportunity; you won’t be stepping into an existing structure, you’ll be building one. Reporting directly to the President, you will own the full operational mandate: strategy, team building, compliance, execution, and financial performance. If you are a field-credible, results-driven leader who thrives in technically complex, high-stakes environments and wants the autonomy to leave a real mark, this role was designed for you. The organization is in an aggressive growth phase, backed by strong client demand in the U.S. market. The culture is family-oriented with a genuine emphasis on work/life balance, and the long-term trajectory includes multi-location leadership for the right person.

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
  • 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
• Heavy Haul & Specialized Transport
  • 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
• Team Building & Leadership
  • 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
• Customer & Stakeholder Management
  • 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
• Safety & Compliance
  • 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
• Financial Accountability
  • 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

Essential

• 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

Preferred

• 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)

Compensation Information

• 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