Vehicle Operations Manager Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Join a driven, high-performing team where you'll shape field culture, develop talent, and set the standard for operational excellence.

Position Overview: The Operations Manager is a highly visible, field-focused leadership role responsible for driving daily execution, safety, and performance across our branch operations. Reporting to the Branch Manager, this position plays a critical role in developing field personnel, optimizing job execution, and reinforcing a culture of accountability and professionalism.

This is not a desk-based role - success is driven by consistent presence in the yard and on job sites, providing hands-on leadership and real-time decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Field Leadership & People Development
  • Lead, coach, and develop field employees including Crane Operators, Riggers, and Mechanics
  • Provide hands-on mentorship in the yard and on job sites to elevate performance and accountability
  • Establish clear expectations for roles, training, and professional standards
  • Address performance and workplace challenges directly and promptly
  • Support recruiting, hiring, and onboarding of field personnel
• Daily Operations Execution
  • Oversee day-to-day field operations, including job scheduling, crew assignments, and equipment utilization
  • Balance changing priorities across people, equipment, and customer needs in real time
  • Maintain a strong presence in the yard and in the field to ensure safe, efficient job execution
  • Partner with the sales team to support successful project delivery
• Safety & Compliance Leadership
  • Lead engaging, high-impact safety meetings that go beyond standard check-the-box approaches
  • Conduct thorough Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and reinforce safety expectations on-site
  • Ensure compliance with DOT, SOPs, qualification requirements, and company safety standards
  • Drive accountability around incident prevention, equipment care, and post-job reviews
• Operational Excellence
  • Identify and implement best practices to improve efficiency, productivity, and job profitability
  • Monitor and manage labor and equipment performance in alignment with company goals
  • Contribute to branch success metrics, including performance against monthly operational benchmarks
• Systems & Coordination
  • Utilize tools such as IFS ERP and Boom Up for scheduling, job tracking, and resource planning
  • Coordinate training assignments and maintain visibility into field personnel development
  • Support operational reporting and documentation as needed

Qualifications

• Required
  • 5-10+ years of industrial, construction, rigging, or related field operations experience
  • Proven ability to lead from the front line in a hands-on, field-based environment
  • Experience managing or leading crews, with a strong focus on coaching and development
  • Ability to multi-task and adapt in a fast-paced, changing operational environment
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and mentor experienced field teams
  • Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including after-hours support as needed
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (primarily Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Preferred
  • Crane & rigging (C&R) or power generation experience
  • Prior experience improving field team performance, accountability, or culture
  • College degree or equivalent experience

Work Environment & Schedule

• Schedule: Monday-Friday, typically 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• On-call: Required; flexibility to respond to after-hours and occasional weekend needs
• Travel: Primarily local (within ~2 hours / 150 miles of the branch)
• Environment:Combination of yard, field/job sites, and limited office time

What Success Looks Like

• Performance in this role is measured by:
  • Strong field presence and leadership credibility
  • Improved crew performance, accountability, and engagement
  • Safe, compliant, and efficient job execution
  • Effective management of labor, equipment, and project expenses
  • Tangible improvements in operational discipline and professionalism

Barnhart Offers

• Competitive salary
• Bonus program that pays for performance
• $1 for $1 match on 401(k), capped at 10% of Pay
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
• Medical, Paid Time Off and Holiday, Disability, Life Insurance, and other additional personal and professional benefits are available
• Barnhart CARES family care and community service opportunities

PURPOSE - Barnhart is built on a strong foundation of serving others. The fruit of our labor is used to grow the company, care for our employees, and serve those in our communities and around the world.

MINDS OVER MATTER - Barnhart has built a nationwide reputation for solving problems. We specialize in the lifting, heavy-rigging, and heavy transport of major components used in American industry.

NETWORK - Barnhart has built teams that form one of our industry's strongest network of talent and resources with over 60 branch locations across the U.S. working together to serve our customers. This growing network offers our team members constant opportunity for career growth and professional development.

CULTURE - Barnhart has a strong team culture -- the "One TEAM." We are looking for smart, hard-working people who strive for excellence in their work and appreciate collaboration. Join a team that values Safety, Servant Leadership, Quality Service, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, Fairness, and Profit with a Purpose.

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran

#LI-HS1