Asset Disposal, Asset Management, Budgeting, Business Growth, Business Support, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Contract Negotiation, Cost Control, Cross-Functional, Embedded Systems, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Financial Analysis, Financial Strategy, Forecasting, High School Diploma, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Maintenance Services, Operational Support, Organizational Skills, Performance Management, Performance Metrics, Preventative Maintenance, Process Improvement, Productivity Management, Profit & Loss, Property Maintenance, Quality Metrics, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Risk Management, Safety Compliance, Scalable System Development, Service Delivery, Service Level Agreement (SLA), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Strategic Planning, Succession Planning, Talent Management, Total Cost of Ownership, Vehicle Fleets, Vendor/Supplier Management
VP - Equipment Solutions
CRST The Transportation Solution is seeking a Vice President – Equipment Solutions to provide executive leadership over fleet maintenance and equipment strategy across a large, distributed operation. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective equipment operations that directly support business performance, customer commitments, and long-term growth.
This is a high-impact executive opportunity for a leader who brings operational discipline, financial rigor, and a passion for building scalable maintenance organizations.
As VP – Equipment Solutions, you will lead CRST's enterprise-wide maintenance and equipment strategy, partnering closely with executive leadership and operational teams to drive performance, reliability, and long-term asset value. The Equipment Solutions organization delivers approximately $90M in services annually to CRST fleets comprising nearly 3,000 tractors, 4,500 trailers, and 400 pieces of support equipment across a network of internal shops, service trucks, and third-party maintenance vendors.
What You'll Do
- Set and execute the strategic direction for Equipment Solutions, aligning maintenance, asset management, and service delivery with CRST's business objectives and growth plans
- Lead and develop a large, multi-location maintenance organization of several hundred professionals, including senior leaders, fostering accountability, collaboration, and strong bench strength
- Oversee all fleet maintenance operations, including preventive maintenance programs, equipment reliability, compliance, and service standards across internal and external environments
- Own and manage a $90M operating budget and P&L, driving cost control, productivity, and financial performance through disciplined execution
- Establish and manage strategic vendor and service partner relationships, negotiating contracts and service levels to optimize cost, quality, and equipment uptime
- Drive operational excellence through standardized processes, continuous improvement initiatives, and performance measurement
- Lead asset lifecycle strategies, including equipment acquisition, lifecycle planning, and disposition to maximize asset value
- Ensure compliance with all safety, maintenance, and regulatory requirements, reinforcing a culture of accountability and risk mitigation
- Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to align equipment and maintenance strategies with customer needs and enterprise priorities
What Great Looks Like
- Enterprise reliability: Maintenance performance improves measurably through disciplined preventive maintenance, consistent service standards, and a focus on uptime
- Financial discipline: Cost structures are managed tightly with clear forecasting, strong budget ownership, and improved productivity across the network
- Standardization at scale: SOPs and operating routines become consistent across locations while still supporting business unit needs
- Safety and compliance leadership: Safety and regulatory compliance are embedded into operating rhythm, audits, and leader expectations
- Stronger leadership bench: Senior maintenance leaders are developed, succession plans are clear, and performance expectations are consistent
- Vendor leverage: Vendor partnerships deliver measurable gains in quality, turnaround time, and cost through clear SLAs and governance
- Asset strategy execution: Equipment lifecycle decisions are proactive, data-driven, and aligned to long-term operational needs and total cost of ownership
- Cross-functional alignment: Equipment strategy supports enterprise priorities and customer commitments through strong executive partnerships
What You Bring
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 15+ years of leadership experience in multi-location maintenance or equipment organizations
- 10+ years in Class-8 maintenance management, including experience with dedicated and over-the-road fleets
- Proven success managing large-scale P&L responsibilities, including experience overseeing $90M+ operating budgets
- Experience managing large asset counts (5,000+ assets, including 2,000+ tractors)
- Deep understanding of fleet maintenance operations, asset lifecycle management, parts and inventory, and warranty programs
- Strong strategic, financial, and analytical capabilities with a data-driven approach to decision-making
- Vendor negotiation and contract management experience in both internal and external maintenance environments
- Demonstrated ability to lead large, distributed teams across multiple sites
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Familiarity with maintenance management systems (Cetaris preferred)
- Proven ability to lead organizational change, build scalable processes, and develop high-performing leadership teams
- Master's degree
Why CRST? CRST is celebrating 70 years of grit, growth, and forward momentum—a legacy built on safety, integrity, and delivering on our commitments. Our operations leaders play a critical role in shaping how we serve customers, develop talent, and scale responsibly.
At CRST, you'll lead with influence and impact, backed by a company committed to operational excellence, strong partnerships, and long-term success.
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
Equal Opportunity Employer CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.