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 industry in the USA and Canada.

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. and Western Canada, 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.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the strategic and tactical leadership of the company’s operational functions, ensuring the efficient execution of operations and services, while optimizing resource utilization, profitability, and performance across all projects and business units. This role holds full P&L responsibility for field execution, logistics, safety, and equipment operations, and plays a critical role in positioning the company as a leader in complex lifting, heavy-rigging and major hauling solutions.

The COO reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who provides counsel, access to corporate support functions, and accountability for enterprise-level performance. Working in close collaboration with the President and executive team, the COO will help shape and execute long-term strategy, scale operational capabilities, and build a high-performance culture grounded in safety, operational excellence, and client service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Enterprise Strategy & Growth

• Partner with the CEO to develop and implement long-range business strategies and market expansion initiatives.
• Translate strategic vision into operational capabilities, scalable systems, and cross-functional alignment.
• Drive business transformation efforts, including digitization, operational innovation, and process optimization.

Operational Leadership

• Oversee all day-to-day operations with full accountability for safety, quality, productivity, and profitability.
• Ensure best-in-class execution across all projects.
• Lead organizational capacity planning to ensure equipment, crews, and logistics are aligned with market demand.

P&L and Performance Management

• Develop and manage annual operating plans and budgets across multiple divisions and geographies.
• Monitor and report on key operational and financial metrics, identifying levers to improve EBITDA, cash flow, and asset utilization.
• Build accountability frameworks and performance scorecards for senior operational leaders.

Organizational Leadership

• Cultivate a strong leadership bench by developing high-potential talent across operations, safety, engineering, and project management.
• Champion a safety-first culture that is embedded in every level of the organization.
• Lead change management efforts to support company growth and cultural alignment.

Client, Market & Industry Engagement

• Serve as a senior ambassador with key clients, partners, unions, and industry groups.
• Maintain a pulse on industry trends, competitive intelligence, and regulatory developments that affect operations and strategic positioning.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• MBA or relevant graduate degree preferred.
• Certifications in safety management (e.g., OSHA 30, NCCCO, or equivalent) are an asset.
• Project management or lean operations certifications (e.g., PMP, Six Sigma) a plus.

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in heavy lift, crane and rigging, industrial construction, or related sectors.
• At least 5–7 years in a senior executive or general management role with full P&L responsibility.
• Proven experience overseeing field operations, fleet/equipment logistics, and multi-site or multi-regional operations.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing operational strategies that drive growth, efficiency, and margin expansion.
• Experience working with union and non-union labor environments (if applicable).

Operational & Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of crane operations, engineered lifts, rigging plans, and heavy equipment deployment.
• Deep knowledge of regulatory compliance including OSHA, DOT, ANSI, and relevant industry standards.
• Expertise in managing complex projects with critical safety, logistics, and time constraints.
• Familiarity with ERP, dispatch, and fleet management systems used in industrial services.

Leadership & Strategic Capability

• Track record of building and leading high-performing teams across operations, safety, logistics, and project execution.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting, forecasting, and operational KPIs.
• Ability to lead through change and scale operations in a growth-focused or private equity-backed environment.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Other Key Attributes

• Unwavering commitment to safety, operational integrity, and customer service.
• High degree of emotional intelligence, executive presence, and decision-making under pressure.
• Willingness to travel regionally or nationally as needed.
• 401k: $1 for $1 match, up to 10% of Pay
• Company Vehicle with Fuel Card
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Short and long-term disability coverage
• Life Insurance

BARNHART OFFERS:

Compensation

• Competitive salary
• Bonus program that pays for performance
• Deferred Compensation program for long-term team members

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health and well-being of our team members, including but not limited to:

• $1 for $1 match on 401(k), capped at 10% of Pay
• Company Vehicle
• Medical, Vacation and Holiday, Disability, Life Insurance, etc.

Barnhart CARES

• The CARES program is the means by which we seek to care for our employees and for the communities in which we work. To support our employees, we offer free resources, both online and in-person, including some resources available to members of their families. These resources support and guide our team members as they pursue emotionally, financially, and spiritually healthy lives.

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran