Director of Operations(FORD RestoMod shop)

Job Title: Director of Operations(Ford RestoMod shop)Location: Atlanta, GARelocation: NegotiableIndustry: Automotive (Classic, Custom, RestoMods)Market: US market mostly but not limited.Reporting to: OwnersDirect Reports: Team of 4-5 techniciansVisa: No sponsorship possible. Must have valid work authorizationJob ID: ZR_9569_JOBRemote work policy: On-siteJob Seniority: Executive Level, Middle Management LevelCompany size: Small (1-50 ppl)Company Ownership: Privately OwnedIndustry(ies): Automotive,Function(s): General Management (of company or division), Production,Region(s): Atlanta, NORTH AMERICA, USA, GeorgiaCompany DescriptionOur client is a specialized automotive restoration and restomod company based in Atlanta, Georgia. The company focuses on high-end classic FORD trucks and SUVs, combining vintage character with modern drivability, updated engineering, contemporary powertrain solutions, and refined craftsmanship.The business is family-owned, entrepreneurial, and entering an important expansion phase. It operates from a large workshop environment and is building a stronger operational structure to support increasing demand, improve production flow, and continue elevating the quality, reliability, and consistency of its builds.Objective of the RoleOur client is seeking a hands-on Director of Operations to lead day-to-day shop operations, supervise and develop the technical team, and bring greater structure, accountability, and execution discipline to the business.This is primarily an operational and technical leadership role, not a sales or business development position. The successful candidate will work closely with ownership and the shop team to improve workflow, project planning, technical standards, employee development, quality control, and on-time completion of customer vehicles.A key objective will be to bridge modern automotive systems with classic vehicle platforms, particularly older Ford trucks and SUVs being upgraded with modern Ford powertrains, electronics, chassis systems, drivetrains, and related technologies.Ideal ProfileThe ideal candidate will come from a high-end automotive restoration, restomod, custom fabrication, performance vehicle, specialty vehicle, motorsports, or advanced automotive service environment.Relevant backgrounds may include restomod shops, custom truck or SUV builders, performance and engine-swap shops, classic Ford specialists, Ford dealership service departments, race teams, NASCAR-related shops, fabrication shops, or high-level motorsports environments where precision, problem-solving, technical discipline, and attention to detail are essential.The right candidate may be an experienced shop leader, operations manager, master technician, fabrication leader, technical director, race team mechanic, crew chief, lead builder, or senior technician ready to step into broader management responsibility.Strong Ford knowledge is highly preferred. The ideal candidate should understand both classic Ford vehicle platforms and modern Ford engines, drivetrains, electronics, diagnostics, wiring, and integration challenges. Experience with modern powertrain swaps such as Coyote, Godzilla, LS, Cummins diesel, or similar platforms would be highly relevant.ResponsibilitiesLead daily operations across restoration, fabrication, mechanical, electrical, assembly, finishing, and quality control activities.Manage, coach, and develop a small team of technicians and craftsmen, setting clear expectations for quality, productivity, work ethic, documentation, and collaboration.Improve project planning, scheduling, workflow, parts coordination, vendor coordination, and production accountability.Oversee complex builds involving classic vehicle restoration, modern drivetrain integration, chassis upgrades, suspension, braking systems, electrical systems, electronics, dashboards, wiring, diagnostics, and final assembly.Serve as a technical problem solver for the integration of modern Ford powertrains and electronics into older vehicles with space, packaging, structural, and design constraints.Ensure that builds meet high standards of craftsmanship, reliability, drivability, safety, and customer expectations.Work closely with ownership to professionalize the shop as the company scales, while preserving the hands-on culture and craftsmanship standards of the business.RequirementsStrong hands-on technical background in classic vehicle restoration, restomod builds, custom truck/SUV builds, motorsports, performance vehicles, race teams, NASCAR-related shops, or advanced automotive service.Demonstrated understanding of both modern automotive technology and classic vehicle platforms, ideally including Ford vehicles from the 1960s through current production.Experience with modern engine swaps, drivetrain integration, electronics, diagnostics, wiring, chassis systems, suspension, braking, fabrication, and build execution.Prior team leadership experience is preferred, but a highly capable senior technician, lead builder, race mechanic, or shop lead with clear leadership potential may also be considered.Strong attention to detail, high personal standards, practical judgment, and a willingness to teach and develop others.Comfortable in a small-company environment where the role is both strategic and hands-on.Based in, or willing to relocate to, the Atlanta, Georgia area. This is an on-site role.