Director of Operations (Houston/Baytown, TX)

Sterling Crane LLC

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.

Sterling Crane LLC
Founded in 1954, Sterling Crane has been one of North America’s premier leaders in the heavy lift industry offering operated and bare rentals, sales, parts, and unparalleled service to all our customers. We boast one of the largest inventories of modern lifting equipment in North America, in excess of 1000 units.
We're winning a better way.
At Sterling Crane USA, you truly get the best of both worlds --the dynamic opportunities that come with being part of a growing, U.S. -based company, combined with the strength, stability, and long-term vision of being part of Marmon and Berkshire Hathaway.

The Director of Operations is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and serves as a strategic operational leader for Sterling Crane USA. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, consistency, and performance across all branch locations, ensuring alignment with company standards, safety requirements, and customer expectations.

Acting as a direct operational extension of the Vice President, the Director of Operations ensures company initiatives, performance expectations, and operational priorities are effectively executed across the organization.

In support of the Vice President’s leadership of pricing and strategic direction, this role partners with branch and functional leaders to drive operational execution, enhance consistency across locations, and build high-performing teams that advance overall business objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Execution 

• Drive consistent execution of company operating standards, policies, and best practices across all branches 

• Lead field operations through Branch Managers, ensuring alignment with company objectives and performance expectations 

• Translate strategic direction from the Vice President into clear operational actions and measurable outcomes 

• Oversee operational performance including safety, productivity, customer service, and asset utilization 

• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement practical solutions 

Performance Management & Accountability 

• Establish and monitor KPIs across locations 

• Hold Branch Managers accountable for performance and improvements 

• Conduct branch reviews and audits 

• Provide clear reporting to the Vice President 

Leadership Development & Culture 

• Coach and develop Branch Managers and leaders 

• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork 

• Support workforce and succession planning 

Operational Coordination & Support 

• Partner with Safety, HR, Fleet, Compliance, Accounting, and Sales 

• Ensure compliance with policies and regulations 

• Oversee scheduling, dispatch, and fleet utilization 

• Act as escalation point for major issues 

Continuous Improvement & Strategic Support 

• Lead operational improvement initiatives 

• Support acquisitions and branch start-ups 

• Ensure operational readiness to support growth

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive operational leadership experience, preferably within crane services, construction, transportation, industrial services, or related sectors

• Demonstrated success leading multi-location or regional operations environments

• Strong business acumen with deep understanding of branch operations, workforce management, safety compliance, and financial performance drivers

• Proven ability to influence, coach, and develop leaders while driving accountability across the organization

• Highly effective communicator with strong organizational discipline and follow-through

• Ability to prioritize and lead multiple initiatives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

• Sound judgment with demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making capabilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combination of experience and leadership track record considered

• Willingness and ability to travel extensively (up to 75%) in support of operational alignment and performance

Key Success Factors

• Effective execution of Vice President–led initiatives across all locations, ensuring alignment and consistency in delivery

• Sustained adherence to company operating standards, policies, and safety expectations across the organization

• Timely and disciplined completion of branch-level priorities and action plans

• Measurable improvement in operational consistency, accountability, and performance across all locations

• Strong alignment and communication between field operations and executive leadership

• Ongoing development and strengthening of Branch Managers and Operations leaders to build a high-performing leadership bench

• Proactive identification and resolution of operational risks and challenges to protect performance and drive continuous improvement

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401K with Company match
• Company-paid employee and dependent life insurance
• Annual reimbursement for safety shoe and prescription safety eyewear
• Holiday Pay
• Vacation Pay
• Marmon Employee Discount Program

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to [email protected], and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.