Director, Equipment Application & Fleet Solutions

About TFS

TFS stands as the foremost national provider of brand-independent facilities, fleet, and asset management services catering to diverse industries including manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, and hospitality. As experts in managing critical capital assets related to warehousing and distribution, TFS partners closely with customers to enhance their supply chain capabilities. Operating from Perrysburg, OH, TFS delivers comprehensive fleet management solutions specifically tailored to material handling sectors, offering single-source, brand-independent services that optimize warehouse and material handling efficiency.

Job Summary

The Director of Equipment Application & Fleet Solutions functions as the in-house authority on material handling equipment specification, application evaluation, and equipment selection. This predominantly field-oriented role engages extensively with customer sites across North America to observe operations directly, guiding account management teams in recommending fitting equipment solutions. Serving as the central expert resource on equipment knowledge, the Director supports the creation of accurate, practical fleet solutions for multi-location clients. Reporting to the EVP of Fleet Management, this exempt, full-time role requires travel exceeding 60% of the time.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed on-site application analyses including evaluation of material handling equipment, docks, aisles, staging areas, production zones, rack arrangements, traffic flow, load distribution, and shift schedules.
• Collect facility-related data via direct observation, measurements, multimedia documentation, telematics, and operational metrics to underpin effective fleet recommendations.
• Communicate findings clearly to customer stakeholders such as warehouse leaders, operational teams, and executives.
• Select appropriate equipment types—forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, order pickers, AGVs, etc.—to fit specific applications.
• Maintain comprehensive, impartial knowledge of major OEM brands and equipment classes I through VII.
• Develop and update standardized specification libraries and decision-making tools that enhance the speed and consistency of account management solutions.
• Support account management by accompanying them on strategic client visits, prospect evaluations, and business reviews to provide technical insight and aid consultative sales efforts.
• Serve as the principal equipment expert for account teams, assisting with solution creation, client meetings, and resolving technical questions both on-site and remotely.
• Provide training to account management teams on equipment fundamentals, application concepts, and effective positioning of fleet solutions.
• Collaborate with Supplier Management regarding vendor programs, pricing strategies, OEM benchmarking, and market developments.
• Coordinate with Operations and Service teams to verify real-world equipment performance against specification assumptions.
• Keep leadership informed about equipment trends including OEM performance, automation technologies, telematics, alternative power sources, and emerging advancements.
• Execute additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience with material handling equipment within dealership, OEM, or sizable end-user fleet environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven track record in application engineering, fleet consulting, or equipment sales engineering with significant field involvement.
• Extensive knowledge of material handling equipment classes I-VII, warehouse operations, facility layout design, and equipment applications.
• Proficiency in reading facility drawings, rack layouts, and interpreting operational data sets such as throughput, utilization, hour meters, and telematics.
• Strong analytical capabilities with competence in Excel, fleet management software, and handling customer data.
• Ability to convert technical details into understandable, business-centric conversations for clients and internal teams.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel 60% or more, including overnight trips.
• Valid driver’s license and unrestricted ability to travel domestically by air.
• Keen familiarity with AGV/AMR automation, lithium-ion power technologies, warehouse management systems, and innovative fleet technologies.
• Experience or knowledge in Six Sigma, Lean methodologies, industrial engineering, equipment leasing, or equipment financing.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The position involves a mix of home office and extensive work at customer locations such as warehouses and manufacturing sites, each with varying noise and activity levels. Use of personal protective equipment may be necessary at customer facilities. Physical activities include frequent walking, reaching, stair climbing, standing for prolonged periods, and occasional lifting or moving of objects up to 70 pounds. Visual acuity for close work and focus adjustment is required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with opportunities for additional incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package effective from the first day, covering medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Eight paid holidays annually.
• Generous paid time off policy with increased accrual based on tenure.
• Opportunities for professional growth through training and mentorship from industry experts.

Diversity and Inclusion

The company provides equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected category.