Fractional COO / Founding Operations Director

Oelze Equipment Co. is an Illinois-based company operating in the oil and gas sector, with business activities associated with oil-field services, equipment, oil production, exploration, and related energy operations. The company supports operational activities that require dependable execution, effective resource coordination, regulatory awareness, and disciplined business management. Oelze Equipment Co. is seeking an experienced operations leader to help strengthen its organizational structure and support sustainable business performance.

Position Summary

Oelze Equipment Co. is seeking a part-time, remote Fractional COO / Founding Operations Director to establish and lead core operational functions across the business. This executive-level role will focus on improving workflows, coordinating resources, strengthening operational controls, supporting strategic planning, and creating scalable processes that improve efficiency and accountability. The ideal candidate will bring strong operations leadership, practical business judgment, and experience managing complex activities in the oil and gas, equipment, industrial, or related sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company objectives and business priorities.

Establish practical systems, processes, and performance standards for day-to-day operations.

Review existing workflows and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and cost control.

Coordinate operational activities involving equipment, vendors, contractors, customers, and internal stakeholders.

Support business planning, resource allocation, budgeting, and financial performance monitoring.

Develop and track operational KPIs, management reports, and performance dashboards.

Strengthen internal procedures, documentation, accountability, and operational controls.

Identify operational risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.

Support vendor management, procurement, contract discussions, and supplier negotiations.

Collaborate with leadership on growth initiatives, business development, and long-term planning.

Help establish clear roles, responsibilities, communication practices, and decision-making processes.

Coach and support employees or contractors as the operational structure develops.

Promote continuous improvement, safety awareness, regulatory compliance, and professional standards.

Provide regular updates to company leadership regarding operational performance, challenges, and recommendations.

Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in operations leadership, general management, business administration, or a comparable executive role.

Experience developing and improving operational processes in a small, growing, or entrepreneurial organization.

Strong understanding of budgeting, resource planning, cost management, and business performance.

Experience managing vendors, contractors, customers, or cross-functional business relationships.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to translate business objectives into practical operating plans and measurable results.

Experience leading process improvement, organizational change, or operational transformation initiatives.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work independently in a remote, part-time executive capacity.

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Experience in oil and gas, oil-field services, equipment, manufacturing, construction, industrial services, or another operationally complex industry.

Familiarity with equipment operations, field-service workflows, vendor coordination, or asset management.

Experience with contract negotiation, supplier management, and commercial decision-making.

Knowledge of regulatory, safety, environmental, or compliance considerations relevant to energy or industrial operations.

Experience implementing CRM, ERP, accounting, project-management, or operational reporting systems.

Experience working with executive leadership, owners, or founders.

Familiarity with remote collaboration and business management tools.