Senior Director - Dedicated Fleet Maintenance

Job DescriptionJob Description

WHO WE ARE
Headquarters: Cedar Rapids, IA
Position Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (full relocation benefits provided)

CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc.
As a member of Team CRST, you’ll be part of one of the nation’s largest privately held transportation and logistics companies – this year celebrating its 70th anniversary. We offer services including truckload capacity, flatbed, transportation management, dedicated services, white-glove handling, team expedited and final mile delivery.

We drive over 158 million miles annually, thanks to the hard work of 4,000 drivers, a network of contractors and agents and support from 1,800 team members. Every mile reflects our tenacious commitment to over-deliver, exceed customer expectations and uphold the highest standards of safety and service.

CRST Dedicated Solutions and Equipment Solutions
CRST Dedicated Solutions provides high-quality transportation services through an outsourced private fleet to retailers, producers, distributors, and other shippers who need captive capacity to achieve flexible and reliable delivery solutions. By offering the benefits of a private fleet without the associated risks, infrastructure, and upfront capital, the Company attracts customers from across North America in nearly all major verticals. Key customers include Caterpillar, Ryerson Steel, International Paper, Smurfit Westrock, McKesson 3PL, and Home Depot. With a willingness, ability, and expertise to operate all types of trailing and support equipment and implement most types of delivery service including driver load/unload and unattended delivery, CRST Dedicated Solutions is an attractive option for a wide range of transportation scenarios.

CRST Equipment Solutions is the equipment sourcing and life-cycle management solution supporting the operational needs of Dedicated Solutions and other CRST business units. The CRST Dedicated team relies on Equipment Solutions to manage equipment specifications and OEM relationships, buy and sell tractor, trailer, and support equipment, manage warranty programs, and operate CRST maintenance shops. The Dedicated Solutions maintenance leader will work collaboratively with the Equipment Solutions team to deliver the fleet maintenance solutions required to maintain the Dedicated fleet.

THE POSITION
Leadership & Collaboration: The Senior Director - Dedicated Fleet Maintenance works closely with the Chief Financial Officer, President - Dedicated Solutions, VP - Equipment Solutions, VPs - Dedicated Solutions Operations, and the Director - Safety supporting Dedicated Solutions.

This leader has overall responsibility for the health of the Dedicated fleet of tractors, trailers, and support equipment. This will be accomplished through prudent equipment strategies, preventative and repair maintenance activities, and management of safety and other equipment regulatory compliance requirements. Primary performance measures include equipment uptime, PM and inspection compliance, and maintenance costs. This leadership role requires a strategic thinker with deep knowledge of fleet maintenance, field maintenance, cost control, P&L responsibility, vendor management, and team leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of maintenance personnel across multiple locations to include fleet maintenance managers, field maintenance managers, vendor relationship managers, field technicians, maintenance coordinators, etc.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within the maintenance department
• Ensure proper training and certifications for mechanics and other maintenance staff
• Oversee talent development activities, including performance management, succession planning, and assessments

Fleet Maintenance & Operational Efficiency

• Develop and implement proactive (preventative) maintenance programs to reduce breakdowns and increase fleet efficiency
• Oversee field and vendor maintenance and repair activities, ensuring timely service and compliance with company policies
• Ensure maintenance procedures are followed, monitoring quality and adherence to policies, procedures, and manufacturer guidance
• Implement strategies to extend the lifespan of fleet assets while controlling maintenance costs

Regulatory Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, and other regulatory requirements
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, inspections, and repairs in fleet management software
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to identify and address potential safety concerns
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety protocols and regulatory compliance standards

Vendor & Budget Management

• Develop maintenance budgets to support the Dedicated Solutions P&L plans and objectives
• Manage maintenance budgets, negotiate vendor contracts, and control costs related to parts, labor, and repairs
• Evaluate and negotiate service agreements with external repair shops and suppliers
• Develop and manage field inventory strategies for parts and equipment
• Manage vendors and oversee the vendor process to ensure cost efficiency and quality service

Process Improvement & Strategy

• Analyze maintenance trends and data to identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reductions
• Collaborate with operations and dispatch teams to minimize downtime and maximize vehicle availability
• Evaluate emerging technologies and best practices to enhance fleet performance and efficiency

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS
Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree highly
• Proven leadership experience in fleet maintenance, vendor management, and cost control
• 7+ years of experience in fleet maintenance management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Strong understanding of Class 8 maintenance operations, equipment lifecycle management, and maintenance analytics
• Financial acumen with experience managing large-scale maintenance operations and cost reduction initiatives
• Expertise in negotiating vendor contracts, managing external repair networks, and optimizing maintenance budgets
• Strong knowledge of DOT regulations, FMCSA compliance, and industry best practices
• Familiarity with fleet maintenance software and data-driven decision-making tools

Skills and Expertise:

• Experience overseeing corporate-level maintenance strategy and execution
• Background in managing Dedicated fleet operations across multiple locations with both internal and external maintenance models
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams and fostering a culture of safety and accountability
• Experience with preventive maintenance scheduling, predictive analytics, and warranty management
• Proficiency in cost-benefit analysis, life cycle costing, and ROI calculations for fleet upgrades and repairs
• Strong vendor negotiation and contract management skills
• Extensive knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, EPA, OSHA, and state-specific transportation laws
• Ability to conduct and pass FMCSA/DOT audits

COMPENSATION
CRST offers a competitive executive compensation package, including base salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits program.

The CRST Core Values: Safety at the Core of All We Do – Integrity in Every Decision and Action – Commitment to the Success of Employees, Customers, Agents, Contractors, and Communities.

EEO Statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to , , , , , , , or status as a protected veteran.