Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Reports To:

President / CEO

Location:

Joliet, IL

Nichols Crane Rental is a family-owned leader in crane rental and lifting solutions throughout the Chicagoland area. With a commitment to safety, service, and reliability, we provide crane rental, rigging, and lift planning services to contractors, industrial facilities, utilities, and infrastructure projects. Our mission is to deliver the highest level of customer service while maintaining an unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence.

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Nichols Crane Rental, ensuring the safe, efficient, and profitable deployment of personnel and equipment. This position will lead dispatch, field operations, equipment utilization, maintenance coordination, and operational planning while working closely with sales, project management, and customers to ensure successful project execution.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with experience in crane rental, heavy equipment, construction operations, or transportation logistics who thrives in a fast-paced environment and understands the importance of safety, customer service, and teamwork.

• Oversee daily crane rental operations, including scheduling, dispatch, equipment allocation, and operator assignments.
• Coordinate crane and personnel resources to maximize fleet utilization and operational efficiency.
• Work closely with sales and project management teams to ensure customer requirements are met.
• Manage operational priorities to ensure timely and successful project execution.
• Monitor job performance and provide operational support to field personnel as needed.

• Coordinate preventative maintenance programs with the shop and maintenance personnel.
• Monitor equipment availability and utilization to minimize downtime.
• Assist in planning fleet growth, equipment acquisitions, and equipment replacement strategies.
• Ensure cranes, trucks, trailers, and support equipment remain compliant with company and regulatory standards.

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture throughout the organization.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, NCCCO, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Participate in safety meetings, incident investigations, and corrective action implementation.
• Verify operator certifications, training records, and required documentation remain current.

• Lead, coach, and support dispatchers, operators, drivers, and yard personnel.
• Assist in recruiting, onboarding, training, and retaining high-performing employees.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback and development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professionalism.

• 5+ years of experience in crane rental, heavy equipment, transportation, construction operations, or related industries.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of dispatch, logistics, fleet management, and field operations.
• Knowledge of OSHA, DOT, and crane industry regulations.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience with in the crane rental industry.
• Familiarity with NCCCO certification requirements.
• Experience with crane scheduling, dispatch, and fleet management software.
• Knowledge of lift planning and rigging operations.

• Fleet utilization and revenue-producing hours.
• Equipment availability and downtime reduction.
• Safety performance and incident prevention.
• Customer satisfaction and repeat business.
• Employee retention and engagement.
• On-time project execution.

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.