Director, Equipment Application & Fleet Solutions

About TFS

TFS is recognized as the largest nationwide provider specializing in brand-neutral facilities, fleet, and asset management services, catering to diverse sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, hospitality, and more. With expertise in mission-critical capital assets tailored to warehousing and distribution, TFS serves as an essential supply chain collaborator for its customers. Headquartered in Perrysburg, OH, TFS delivers comprehensive, life-cycle fleet management solutions for the material handling industry through end-to-end, brand-independent services designed to optimize warehouse and materials management operations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary along with performance-based incentive programs
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision coverage, 401(k) with matching, company-paid life insurance and disability benefits beginning on the first day of employment
• Eight paid holidays annually
• Generous paid time off policy that increases with tenure
• Opportunities for training and mentorship from industry experts

Note: Benefits are subject to change; official plan documents govern in case of discrepancies. For details, consult the HR department.

Position Summary

The Director of Equipment Application & Fleet Solutions serves as an in-house subject matter expert on material handling equipment specification and application analysis. This role, predominantly field-based, involves extensive traveling (60%+) throughout North America to directly observe customer operations and assist account management teams in recommending appropriate equipment solutions that match customer needs. The director acts as the primary reference point for equipment knowledge company-wide, facilitating accurate, unbiased fleet solutions for multi-site clients. Reporting to the EVP of Fleet Management, this is a full-time, exempt role.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed on-site application assessments at customer locations, which encompass evaluation of material handling equipment, docks, staging zones, production areas, warehouse layouts, traffic flows, load requirements, and shift activities.
• Collect comprehensive facility data via observation, measurements, photography, videography, telematics, and operational metrics to underpin sound fleet recommendations.
• Effectively communicate findings and present equipment suggestions to customer warehouse leaders, operations personnel, and executive stakeholders.
• Determine suitable equipment types for various applications, including forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, order pickers, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), among others.
• Maintain extensive, brand-agnostic expertise of all major equipment manufacturers and material handling equipment categories I through VII.
• Develop and keep updated a standardized specification database and decision support tools to aid account managers in delivering consistent recommendations swiftly.
• Accompany account management teams during customer engagement meetings, prospect facility walkthroughs, and strategic business reviews to lend technical credibility and facilitate consultative selling.
• Provide ongoing equipment-related support to account managers, assisting in solution crafting, meetings, and technical issue resolution both remotely and on-site.
• Conduct training sessions for account teams regarding equipment basics, application strategies, and effective positioning of fleet solutions to meet customer requirements.
• Collaborate with Supplier Management to oversee vendor programs, pricing strategies, manufacturer price comparisons, and stay informed about market developments.
• Partner with Operations and Service units to evaluate actual equipment performance against the initial specifications.
• Share insights and trends about equipment, OEM performance, automation technologies, telematics, alternative power sources, and new innovations with company leadership.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum of seven years working experience with material handling equipment in dealerships, OEM environments, or substantial end-user fleets.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related disciplines; or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in application engineering, fleet consulting, or sales engineering roles focused on material handling equipment, with a solid field-based success record.
• Comprehensive understanding of material handling equipment classes I through VII, warehouse operations, facility design, and specific equipment applications.
• Proficient in interpreting facility blueprints and rack configurations along with operational data such as throughput statistics, utilization, hour meters, and telematics information.
• Strong analytical capabilities, being comfortable using Excel, fleet management software, and customer operational data to make insightful recommendations.
• Capable of translating complex technical data into clear, business-relevant communications for clients and internal teams.
• Prepared for significant travel requirements—frequent overnight trips constituting 60% or more travel.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and be eligible for domestic air travel without restrictions.
• Awareness of automated guided vehicles (AGV/AMR), lithium-ion battery technologies, warehouse management systems, and other cutting-edge fleet technologies.
• Experience or knowledge of Six Sigma, Lean methodologies, industrial engineering principles, equipment leasing, or equipment financing is advantageous.

Physical and Work Environment Demands

The role involves diverse physical activities including prolonged standing, walking through customer facilities, climbing stairs, and occasionally lifting up to 70 pounds. Hand dexterity for typing and handling equipment, along with good hearing and close vision, are necessary. The work setting is varied, encompassing home office, customer sites, warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants with variable noise levels. Use of personal protective equipment might be required at customer locations. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill essential job duties.

Additional Information

TFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and highly values diversity. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any protected status.