GENERAL SUMMARY
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Operations Manager to lead daily operations for a growing industrial business serving customers in the crane, rigging, heavy lift, and industrial equipment markets. This role is responsible for overseeing operational performance, driving process improvements, supporting commercial growth initiatives, and ensuring exceptional customer service across the organization.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong operational leadership background combined with commercial sales experience within the crane, rigging, lifting, or heavy industrial equipment industry. This individual must be comfortable working in a fast-paced small business environment where collaboration, accountability, and adaptability are critical to success.
PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS)
Operations & Leadership
- Oversee daily business operations including production coordination, inventory management, scheduling, logistics, and customer support activities.
- Lead and develop operational staff while promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Establish and monitor operational KPIs to improve efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
- Coordinate cross-functional activities between sales, operations, engineering, purchasing, and service teams.
- Identify process improvement opportunities and implement operational best practices.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and applicable industry regulations.
Commercial & Customer Support
- Support business development initiatives and maintain strong relationships with key customers and strategic accounts.
- Assist in preparing quotations, reviewing contracts, and supporting project execution from order entry through delivery.
- Collaborate with the sales team to identify growth opportunities within existing and new markets.
- Serve as a technical and commercial resource for customers involving lifting, rigging, crane, or heavy equipment applications.
- Participate in customer visits, trade shows, and industry networking opportunities as needed.
Financial & Business Management
- Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and operational cost management.
- Monitor inventory levels, vendor relationships, and purchasing activities to ensure cost-effective operations.
- Support company leadership with strategic planning and operational decision-making.
- Drive operational efficiencies that improve margins and overall business performance.
The above listed responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities or duties required. Employee will be expected to perform other duties as assigned.
SKILLS
- Operational leadership and team management
- Project coordination and execution
- Inventory control and supply chain coordination
- Budgeting and cost management
- Process improvement and problem-solving
- Vendor and supplier management
- Contract and quotation review
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Ability to read technical drawings and specifications preferred
- Time management and organizational skills
- Safety and compliance awareness in industrial environments
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- 5-10 years of operational leadership experience in an industrial, crane, rigging, lifting, heavy equipment, or related environment
- Strong commercial sales or customer-facing experience within industrial markets
- Working knowledge of crane operations, rigging equipment, lifting systems, hydraulic equipment, or heavy industrial applications preferred
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a small business environment
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and operational reporting preferred
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent industry experience will also be considered
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The working conditions described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the principal duties and responsibilities of the job. The performance of this position normally requires exposure to a typical manufacturing area which, under certain conditions, requires the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection. The temperature of the primary work area may be affected by outside temperatures and machining. Industrial lighting provided. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
QUALITY
Quality encompasses all aspects of HT’s business, and every employee shares the responsibility to prevent the occurrence of any nonconformity relating to product, process and the quality system. All employees have an obligation to identify and record any such nonconformity, and through designed channels, initiate and recommend solutions.
HT USA is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other reason prohibited by law.
