Army 91Z (Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor) to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (2025 Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

Army 91Z Mechanical Maintenance Supervisors—you didn't just supervise—you were the senior maintenance leader for brigades, divisions, and sustainment commands managing maintenance operations worth $100M-$500M+ in equipment assets. As a Master Sergeant (E-9) or Sergeant Major, you planned and coordinated strategic maintenance operations across multiple battalions, advised commanders on equipment readiness and maintenance policy, supervised 50-150+ maintenance personnel including senior NCOs and officers, managed complex logistics and supply chains, implemented Army maintenance programs (PLL, TAMMS, GCSS-Army), coordinated field and sustainment maintenance operations during major exercises and deployments, maintained 85-95%+ readiness rates across hundreds of vehicles and weapon systems, developed maintenance SOPs and training programs, and served as the senior technical advisor for all mechanical maintenance operations. Your strategic maintenance leadership, executive-level decision-making, large-scale operations management, logistics coordination, policy implementation, data-driven analysis, and proven ability to deliver readiness under extreme pressure make you exactly what civilian industries need for senior leadership roles: director of maintenance, operations manager, VP of operations, fleet director, and executive management positions. Realistic starting salaries for senior management roles range from $95,000-$125,000, scaling rapidly to $120,000-$165,000 with industry certifications (PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, CMRP) and proven leadership. Executive roles including VP of Operations, VP of Fleet, and Director-level positions can earn $150,000-$200,000+. You managed strategic operations commanding hundreds of personnel—civilian companies need that executive leadership.

Your 91Z experience translates into five high-demand senior leadership paths: director of maintenance/operations (manufacturing, utilities, mining earning $125K-$175K+), fleet director/VP of fleet operations (transportation, construction, logistics earning $130K-$180K+), operations manager/director (manufacturing, distribution, facilities earning $115K-$165K+), senior defense contractor program manager (military systems, earning $135K-$185K+), and VP of operations/COO track (mid-sized companies, earning $150K-$225K+). All paths value your strategic leadership, large-scale operations management, and proven ability to deliver results under pressure.

The timeline is achievable: Immediate hire possible for senior management roles at $95K-$125K given your 91Z executive-level experience; 6-18 months to earn executive certifications (PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, CMRP) and secure director-level positions at $120K-$165K; 2-4 years to advance to VP or executive leadership roles earning $150K-$200K+. Fortune 500 transportation companies, manufacturing plants, defense contractors, equipment dealers, and logistics firms are actively recruiting senior veteran leaders with your strategic operations background NOW—executive leadership from military senior NCOs is in exceptionally high demand.

What Does an Army 91Z Do?

As a Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor (91Z) at the E-9 level—typically serving as Command Sergeant Major, Brigade/Division Maintenance Sergeant Major, or Senior Maintenance Advisor—you operated at the strategic level of Army maintenance operations. You weren't managing individual shops—you were:

Strategic maintenance operations leadership: Planned, coordinated, and supervised maintenance operations for brigade combat teams, divisions, or sustainment brigades managing 200-800+ vehicles, tracked systems, weapons platforms, and support equipment valued at $100M-$500M+. Advised commanders and staff on equipment readiness, maintenance capabilities, and operational risk.

Senior leader supervision and development: Supervised and mentored 50-150+ maintenance personnel including battalion maintenance officers, senior maintenance NCOs (91X, other 91Z), platoon sergeants, section chiefs, quality control personnel. Developed leaders, established standards, ensured technical proficiency across the organization.

Maintenance program implementation: Implemented and enforced Army maintenance programs including Prescribed Load List (PLL), The Army Maintenance Management System (TAMMS), Global Combat Support System-Army (GCSS-Army), Army Materiel Readiness (AMR), maintenance allocation charts, technical publication compliance, and quality assurance programs.

Logistics and supply chain coordination: Coordinated strategic supply support including Class IX repair parts management, coordination with Division Support Command (DISCOM) and Army Sustainment Command (ASC), management of critical supply shortages, coordination of field and sustainment maintenance assets, liaison with higher maintenance echelons (DS, GS).

Policy development and standardization: Developed maintenance SOPs, standing operating procedures, training programs, quality control procedures, and maintenance policies. Ensured standardization across subordinate units. Provided technical guidance on complex maintenance issues and equipment failures.

Data analysis and strategic planning: Analyzed maintenance data, equipment readiness trends, deadline rates, parts availability, and operational metrics. Provided strategic recommendations to commanders. Planned maintenance operations for major exercises, deployments, and combat operations—coordinating mobile maintenance teams, recovery assets, forward maintenance operations.

Regulatory compliance and safety: Ensured compliance with Army regulations, technical publications, safety standards, environmental regulations. Conducted command inspections, identified systemic issues, implemented corrective action plans.

You weren't supervising a shop—you were managing strategic maintenance operations advising senior commanders, developing organizational policy, and ensuring mission readiness across major formations. That's executive-level operations leadership.

Skills You've Developed

Technical Skills (Executive-Level, Directly Transferable)

Strategic operations management: You planned and coordinated maintenance operations for 200-800+ equipment systems across multiple organizations, managed competing priorities, allocated resources strategically, and ensured mission readiness—exactly what operations directors and VPs do in civilian companies.

Large-scale team leadership: You supervised 50-150+ personnel including senior leaders, developed talent, held leaders accountable, established performance standards—senior leadership skills civilian companies desperately need for director and VP roles.

Maintenance management systems expertise (enterprise-level): You implemented GCSS-Army, TAMMS, and Army maintenance systems at organizational and strategic levels—equivalent to enterprise resource planning (ERP), fleet management platforms (Maximo, SAP PM, Oracle), and business intelligence systems used in Fortune 500 companies.

Budget and resource management (multi-million dollar): You managed maintenance budgets of $1M-$10M+ annually including labor, parts, contracted services, and capital equipment—financial management skills required for director-level roles.

Supply chain and logistics coordination (strategic): You coordinated Class IX supply chains, managed critical parts shortages, coordinated with higher maintenance and supply echelons—strategic logistics management skills valuable in operations, supply chain, and logistics leadership.

Data-driven decision making and analytics: You analyzed equipment readiness data, deadline trends, parts availability, maintenance metrics across organizations; provided strategic recommendations to senior leaders—business intelligence and analytics skills critical for executive roles.

Policy development and implementation: You developed organizational policies, SOPs, training programs, quality standards; ensured implementation and compliance—strategic planning and organizational development skills required for senior management.

Regulatory compliance and risk management: You ensured compliance with Army regulations, environmental standards, safety requirements; managed operational risk—compliance and risk management skills valuable across all industries.

Soft Skills (Executive-Level Leadership)

Executive leadership and strategic thinking: You advised commanders (O-5/O-6 level), developed long-term plans, anticipated challenges, and made strategic decisions affecting thousands of soldiers and hundreds of millions in equipment—executive leadership that translates to VP and director roles.

Crisis management and problem-solving under extreme pressure: When equipment readiness threatened mission capability or major exercises required surge operations, you developed solutions, reallocated resources across organizations, and delivered results—exactly what executives do during business crises.

Cross-functional coordination and stakeholder management: You coordinated with commanders, staff sections (G3, G4, S4), supply, transportation, contractors, and higher headquarters—stakeholder management and organizational alignment critical for senior leadership.

Change management and organizational development: You implemented new policies, adopted new systems (GCSS-Army transition), drove cultural change, and improved organizational performance—change management skills essential for operations directors and VPs.

Talent development and succession planning: You identified high-potential leaders, mentored senior NCOs and officers, developed talent pipelines—exactly what HR and operations leaders do in talent management.

Results accountability at scale: You were accountable for equipment readiness rates (85-95%+) directly impacting brigade/division mission capability—the type of executive accountability civilian boards and CEOs demand from senior leaders.

Top Civilian Career Paths for 91Z Veterans

Director of Maintenance/Operations (Industrial, Utilities, Mining)

Civilian job titles:

• Director of Maintenance
• Director of Maintenance and Reliability
• Director of Plant Operations
• Director of Fleet Maintenance
• VP of Maintenance Operations

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• Director of Maintenance (manufacturing): $120,000-$165,000
• Director of Maintenance (utilities): $130,000-$175,000
• Director of Maintenance (mining): $140,000-$190,000
• VP of Maintenance Operations: $160,000-$210,000+
• SVP/Chief Operating Officer (COO) track: $180,000-$250,000+

What translates directly: You already managed strategic maintenance operations, supervised senior leaders, coordinated across organizations, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, implemented enterprise systems, and delivered readiness metrics. That's director-level operations management. Civilian manufacturing plants, utilities, and mining operations need exactly your strategic leadership.

Certifications that maximize value:

• CMRP (Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional): SMRP senior-level certification, $595 exam. Industry gold standard for maintenance leadership.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt: $3,000-$6,000. Executive-level process improvement credential.
• PMP (Project Management Professional): $425-$675. For capital projects and organizational initiatives.
• MBA (optional but accelerates advancement): Use GI Bill for top programs; opens C-suite pathways.

Industries and companies:

• Manufacturing (automotive, aerospace, food/beverage): GM, Ford, Boeing, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Anheuser-Busch
• Utilities (power, water/wastewater): Duke Energy, Southern Company, American Water, Exelon
• Mining (coal, metals, minerals): BHP, Rio Tinto, Freeport-McMoRan, Newmont, Peabody Energy
• Oil and gas (refineries, pipelines): ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Shell, ConocoPhillips
• Pharmaceuticals: Pfizer, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie
• Paper and pulp: International Paper, Georgia-Pacific, Weyerhaeuser
• Steel and metals: U.S. Steel, Nucor, ArcelorMittal

Reality check: Director-level roles manage 30-100+ maintenance personnel, oversee $3M-$20M+ budgets, report to VP/COO/plant manager, and are accountable for equipment reliability, safety, and costs. Work includes strategic planning, budget management, regulatory compliance, capital project oversight, and organizational leadership. Hours can be demanding (50-60+ hours/week, on-call for emergencies). But compensation is strong ($120K-$175K+ base + bonuses + equity in some cases), and advancement to VP/COO is realistic. Your Army strategic maintenance leadership translates directly.

Best for: 91Zs targeting senior leadership, comfortable with strategic planning and budget responsibility, prefer industrial/utilities environments, and want executive career track earning $150K-$200K+ within 5-10 years.

Fleet Director/VP of Fleet Operations (Transportation, Construction, Logistics)

Civilian job titles:

• Director of Fleet Maintenance
• Director of Fleet Operations
• VP of Fleet Operations
• VP of Transportation
• Chief Operating Officer (fleet-focused companies)

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• Director of Fleet Maintenance: $125,000-$165,000
• Director of Fleet Operations: $135,000-$180,000
• VP of Fleet Operations: $150,000-$200,000+
• SVP/COO (mid-sized fleet companies): $175,000-$250,000+

What translates directly: You managed strategic vehicle fleet operations (200-800+ vehicles), supervised senior maintenance leaders, coordinated logistics across organizations, managed enterprise systems (GCSS-Army = civilian CMMS/fleet management platforms), ensured regulatory compliance, and delivered readiness metrics. That's fleet director-level leadership. Transportation, construction, and logistics companies operating large fleets need exactly your expertise.

Certifications that maximize value:

• CAFM (Certified Automotive Fleet Manager): NAFA certification, $595 exam + $995 study materials. Industry standard for fleet leadership.
• CAFS (Certified Automotive Fleet Specialist): Advanced NAFA credential for senior leaders.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt: Process improvement for fleet operations.
• PMP: For fleet capital projects and technology implementations.
• DOT compliance expertise: Critical for transportation fleet directors.

Industries and companies:

• Transportation/logistics (large fleets): UPS (85,000+ vehicles), FedEx, XPO, J.B. Hunt, Schneider, Knight-Swift
• Truck rental/leasing (major companies): Penske (250,000+ vehicles), Ryder (250,000+ vehicles), Enterprise Fleet Management (1.9M+ vehicles)
• Construction (large equipment fleets): Bechtel, Kiewit, Fluor, Turner, Skanska
• Equipment rental (major companies): United Rentals (700,000+ units), Sunbelt Rentals (600,000+ units)
• Waste management (refuse fleets): Republic Services (16,000+ vehicles), Waste Management (18,000+ vehicles)
• Utilities (service fleets): Major power, water, gas utilities (5,000-20,000 vehicles)
• Retail distribution (DC fleets): Walmart, Amazon, Target, Costco

Reality check: Fleet directors manage 50-150+ personnel, oversee $10M-$50M+ budgets, coordinate with operations/safety/compliance, implement fleet technology, and are accountable for cost-per-mile, uptime, regulatory compliance, and safety. It's executive leadership requiring strategic vision, financial acumen, and organizational management. But compensation is excellent ($135K-$180K+ base + bonuses), advancement to VP/COO realistic, and your Army fleet management experience translates perfectly to civilian fleet operations.

Best for: 91Zs wanting transportation/logistics careers, comfortable with DOT regulations and fleet metrics, interested in technology implementation, and targeting VP-level earnings $150K-$200K+.

Operations Manager/Director (Manufacturing, Distribution, Facilities)

Civilian job titles:

• Operations Manager
• Director of Operations
• VP of Operations
• Plant Manager
• General Manager

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• Operations Manager: $100,000-$135,000
• Senior Operations Manager: $120,000-$160,000
• Director of Operations: $135,000-$185,000
• VP of Operations: $160,000-$220,000+
• Chief Operating Officer (COO): $200,000-$350,000+

What translates directly: You managed strategic operations, supervised senior leaders, coordinated cross-functional teams, managed budgets and resources, implemented enterprise systems, tracked performance metrics, and delivered operational results. That's operations leadership. Manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and large facilities need senior operations managers with exactly your strategic leadership.

Certifications that maximize value:

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt: $3,000-$6,000. Executive-level credential for operations leadership.
• PMP: $425-$675. For capital projects and operational initiatives.
• CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management): APICS certification, $1,195. For manufacturing/supply chain operations.
• MBA: Accelerates advancement to VP/COO. Top programs recruit military leaders.

Industries and companies:

• Manufacturing (all sectors): Automotive, aerospace, food/beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, consumer goods
• Distribution and logistics: Amazon, UPS, FedEx (fulfillment/distribution centers)
• E-commerce fulfillment: Amazon, Walmart, Target distribution operations
• Facilities operations: Healthcare systems, universities, commercial real estate, data centers
• Food/beverage distribution: Sysco, McLane, US Foods (large DC operations)

Reality check: Operations managers/directors manage 75-300+ employees across multiple departments (production, maintenance, quality, logistics), oversee $5M-$50M+ budgets, are accountable for KPIs (productivity, quality, cost, safety), and report to VPs or executive leadership. It's demanding—long hours, complex problem-solving, managing competing priorities. But compensation is strong ($120K-$185K+), career advancement to VP/COO realistic, and operations leadership opens C-suite pathways.

Best for: 91Zs wanting broader leadership beyond maintenance, comfortable managing large teams and budgets, interested in manufacturing/distribution industries, and targeting VP/COO track earning $160K-$250K+.

Senior Defense Contractor Program Manager/Operations Manager

Civilian job titles:

• Maintenance Program Manager
• Operations Manager (military systems)
• Senior Program Manager
• Director of Maintenance Operations
• VP of Operations (defense contractor)

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• Senior Program Manager: $130,000-$170,000
• Operations Manager (defense contractor): $135,000-$180,000
• Director of Maintenance Operations: $150,000-$200,000+
• VP of Operations (mid-sized contractor): $175,000-$240,000+

What translates directly: Everything. Defense contractors supporting Army installations, depots, training centers, and deployed units need senior leaders who understand Army maintenance operations, military logistics, GCSS-Army/SAMS-E systems, Army regulations, and strategic maintenance management. Your 91Z experience managing Army maintenance operations at brigade/division level IS the executive qualification.

Certifications that maximize value:

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance (maintain if you have it—worth $20K-$40K+ in salary premium for senior roles).
• PMP: Critical for defense program management.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt: Process improvement for government contracts.
• MBA (optional): Opens senior leadership faster.

Companies actively hiring:

• BAE Systems: Combat vehicle programs, systems support
• General Dynamics Land Systems: Abrams, Stryker, tracked vehicle programs
• Oshkosh Defense: Tactical vehicle programs
• Lockheed Martin: Fire control, systems integration
• Raytheon Technologies: Defense systems
• LOGCAP/AFCAP prime contractors: KBR, Fluor, Vectrus, Amentum (strategic operations CONUS/OCONUS)
• Depot-level maintenance: Anniston, Red River, Letterkenny (senior contractor management)

Reality check: Defense contractor senior management offers excellent compensation ($135K-$200K+), directly uses your Army strategic maintenance leadership, provides opportunities for CONUS/OCONUS positions, and values security clearance. Work supports military readiness (mission-focused). Contract-based employment means job security tied to defense budgets. But compensation is strong, bonuses common, and your Army senior maintenance leadership is exceptionally valued—defense contractors specifically recruit senior Army maintenance NCOs for leadership roles.

Best for: 91Zs wanting to continue supporting military operations, maximize earnings using specialized Army experience, maintain security clearance, and comfortable with defense contractor environment earning $150K-$220K+.

VP of Operations/COO Track (Mid-Sized Companies)

Civilian job titles:

• VP of Operations
• Senior VP of Operations
• Chief Operating Officer (COO)
• General Manager
• Managing Director

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• VP of Operations (small to mid-sized company): $140,000-$200,000
• SVP of Operations: $175,000-$250,000
• Chief Operating Officer (COO): $200,000-$350,000+
• Plus equity, bonuses (often 20-40% of base)

What translates directly: You provided strategic leadership, advised senior executives (commanders), managed complex operations, supervised senior leaders, coordinated across organizations, implemented strategic initiatives, and delivered enterprise-level results. That's executive leadership. Mid-sized companies (500-5,000 employees, $50M-$500M revenue) need COOs and VPs of Operations with exactly your proven leadership.

Path to executive roles:

• Certifications: MBA (top programs), Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP, industry-specific credentials
• Initial role: Operations Manager or Director level ($100K-$135K), prove results
• Advancement: 2-4 years to VP Operations ($150K-$220K)
• C-suite: 5-10 years to COO consideration ($200K-$350K+)

Industries targeting veteran executives:

• Manufacturing companies (mid-sized): Regional manufacturers, specialty production
• Transportation and logistics companies: Regional carriers, specialized logistics
• Service companies: Equipment rental, fleet services, facilities management
• Defense contractors (mid-sized): Specialized military support companies
• Construction and engineering firms: Regional contractors, specialty trades
• Distribution companies: Regional distributors, specialized supply chain

Reality check: Executive roles require proven results in civilian contexts first. Most 91Zs enter at Operations Manager/Director level ($100K-$150K), prove leadership and business acumen, then advance to VP ($150K-$220K) within 2-4 years. COO roles require 10-15+ total years leadership experience. But military senior NCOs (E-9) are increasingly recruited for executive tracks—your strategic leadership, crisis management, and proven results resonate with boards and CEOs. Compensation is excellent (often including equity), and you'll shape organizational strategy.

Best for: 91Zs with entrepreneurial mindset, interested in broader business leadership beyond maintenance/operations, willing to earn MBA and business credentials, and targeting C-suite careers earning $200K-$350K+ long-term.

Required Certifications & Training

Highest Priority (Executive-Level Credentials)

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – Executive-level process improvement credential demonstrating strategic problem-solving and organizational transformation capability. Cost: $3,000-$6,000 for training + certification + project. Requirements: Green Belt prerequisite (or waived with leadership experience), complete process improvement project, pass exam. Time: 3-6 months. Value: Senior-level credential expected for director and VP roles in manufacturing, operations, and quality leadership. ROI: Opens director roles paying $125K-$185K+; essential for VP consideration earning $160K-$220K+.

PMP (Project Management Professional) – PMI certification demonstrating strategic project and program management expertise. Cost: $425-$675 + $300-$500 study materials. Requirements: 3 years project management (you qualify with 91Z experience), 35 hours training, pass 180-question exam. Time: 2-4 months study. Value: Industry-recognized executive credential valued across industries; often required for director and senior program manager roles. ROI: Increases salary $15K-$30K+; opens program manager and director roles paying $120K-$180K+.

CMRP (Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional) – SMRP senior-level maintenance management certification for strategic maintenance leadership. Cost: $595 exam + study materials. Requirements: 5+ years maintenance management (you qualify). Time: 2-3 months study. Value: Industry gold standard for senior maintenance leadership; expected credential for director of maintenance roles. ROI: Strengthens candidacy for director of maintenance roles paying $125K-$175K+.

High Priority (Industry-Specific Senior Credentials)

MBA (Master of Business Administration) – Graduate business degree accelerating advancement to VP/COO roles. Cost: $0-$25K with GI Bill (covers public university tuition); top programs often waive remaining costs for veteran executives. Time: 18-24 months part-time online (work while studying). Value: Opens executive leadership faster; top programs (Stanford, Harvard, Wharton, Kellogg) actively recruit military senior leaders. ROI: MBA-holders earn $25K-$50K+ more on average; significantly accelerates advancement to VP/C-suite earning $160K-$250K+.

CAFM/CAFS (Certified Automotive Fleet Manager/Specialist) – NAFA senior fleet management certifications for fleet director roles. Cost: $595-$895 per exam + study materials. Requirements: 3-5+ years fleet management (you qualify). Value: Industry standard credentials for fleet director/VP roles. ROI: Opens fleet director positions paying $130K-$180K+.

Industry-Specific Certifications (based on target industry):

• CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management): APICS, $1,195. For manufacturing/supply chain operations.
• CFM (Certified Facility Manager): IFMA, $495-$595. For facilities operations leadership.
• DOT compliance certifications: For transportation fleet leadership.

Medium Priority (Strengthens Executive Candidacy)

Executive Leadership Programs – University executive education programs (1-2 week intensive courses at top business schools). Cost: $5,000-$15,000 (sometimes employer-sponsored). Value: Network with executives, learn strategic business concepts, strengthen C-suite candidacy.

Industry Conferences and Professional Associations – Join SMRP (maintenance), NAFA (fleet), APICS (supply chain), IFMA (facilities), PMI (project management). Attend annual conferences. Cost: $300-$1,000/year membership + conference fees. Value: Network with industry leaders, stay current on trends, build relationships opening opportunities.

Companies Actively Hiring 91Z Veterans (75+ Employers)

Fortune 500 Transportation and Logistics (Fleet Director/VP Roles)

1. UPS (VP and director-level fleet operations)
2. FedEx (senior operations leadership)
3. Penske Truck Leasing (director and VP fleet management)
4. Ryder System Inc. (senior leadership)
5. Enterprise Holdings (fleet management leadership)
6. XPO Logistics
7. J.B. Hunt Transport
8. Schneider National
9. Knight-Swift Transportation
10. Werner Enterprises

Fortune 500 Manufacturing (Director/VP Operations)

11. General Motors
12. Ford Motor Company
13. Stellantis
14. Boeing
15. Lockheed Martin
16. Raytheon Technologies
17. Northrop Grumman
18. Coca-Cola Company
19. PepsiCo
20. Anheuser-Busch InBev
21. General Mills
22. Tyson Foods
23. Pfizer
24. Merck
25. Johnson & Johnson

Utilities (Director of Maintenance)

26. Duke Energy
27. Southern Company
28. Exelon Corporation
29. NextEra Energy
30. American Water
31. Dominion Energy

Mining and Heavy Industry (Senior Leadership)

32. BHP
33. Rio Tinto
34. Freeport-McMoRan
35. Newmont Corporation
36. Peabody Energy
37. U.S. Steel
38. Nucor Corporation

Equipment Rental (Operations Leadership)

39. United Rentals (director and VP operations)
40. Sunbelt Rentals (senior leadership)
41. Herc Rentals (operations management)

Waste Management (Fleet Director)

42. Republic Services
43. Waste Management Inc.
44. Waste Connections

Defense Contractors (Senior Program Management)

45. BAE Systems
46. General Dynamics Land Systems
47. Oshkosh Defense
48. Lockheed Martin
49. Raytheon
50. Northrop Grumman
51. L3Harris Technologies
52. KBR
53. Fluor Corporation
54. Vectrus
55. Amentum
56. AECOM

Major Equipment Dealers (Service Operations Leadership)

57-65. Caterpillar dealers (regional director/VP positions) 66-70. John Deere dealers (operations leadership) 71-75. Truck dealerships (Penske, Rush Enterprises, Velocity Vehicle Group—multi-location leadership)

Check LinkedIn, company career pages (search "director," "VP," "operations"), executive recruiters specializing in operations leadership, and USAJOBS.gov (GS-14/GS-15 senior management, SES consideration).

Resume Translation for 91Z Veterans

Military Experience → Executive Leadership Translation:

"Served as 91Z Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor (E-9 CSM/SGM)" → "Senior Maintenance Operations Executive managing strategic maintenance operations for 500+ vehicle and equipment fleet valued at $200M+; supervised 75+ senior leaders and technical personnel; ensured 93% operational availability supporting 3,500-person organization"

"Advised brigade/division commanders on equipment readiness" → "Provided strategic counsel to executive leadership on operational readiness, maintenance capabilities, risk assessment, and resource allocation; enabled data-driven decision-making affecting $200M+ equipment assets"

"Managed GCSS-Army and enterprise maintenance systems" → "Implemented and managed enterprise resource planning (ERP) and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) at organizational level; drove business intelligence and data analytics for strategic decision-making"

"Supervised senior maintenance leaders" → "Provided executive leadership for 75+ personnel including senior managers, supervisors, and technical staff; developed leadership talent, established performance standards, conducted executive evaluations"

"Coordinated strategic supply chain operations" → "Managed multi-million-dollar supply chain operations coordinating with higher echelons, external vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders; ensured 95%+ parts availability while minimizing inventory costs"

"Developed organizational policy and SOPs" → "Established organizational policies, standard operating procedures, quality standards, and compliance programs; drove cultural transformation and operational excellence across enterprise"

"Managed multi-million-dollar maintenance budget" → "Directed $5M+ annual operational budget including labor, materials, contracted services, and capital equipment; tracked financial performance, identified cost savings, ensured fiscal accountability"

"Led strategic maintenance planning for major operations" → "Planned and coordinated strategic operations during major organizational initiatives requiring surge capacity, resource reallocation, and cross-functional coordination; delivered mission success under time and resource constraints"

"Analyzed equipment readiness data and provided strategic recommendations" → "Conducted business intelligence analysis of operational metrics, identified trends and systemic issues, provided data-driven strategic recommendations to executive leadership resulting in 15% readiness improvement"

"Ensured regulatory compliance and risk management" → "Managed enterprise compliance with federal regulations, environmental standards, and safety requirements; implemented risk management programs reducing incidents 40%"

Transition Timeline, Success Stories, Action Plan

Months 1-6: Get DD-214, create executive-level resume (focus on STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP, not technical repair), set up LinkedIn emphasizing operations management and executive leadership, research MBA programs and executive certifications, network with veteran executives, target director-level positions ($110K-$140K), apply to 15-25 senior management roles.

Months 7-12: Accept director or senior manager role ($110K-$140K), enroll in MBA or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt program (part-time while working), prove executive leadership and business results, build civilian track record.

Years 2-4: Complete MBA or LSS Black Belt, earn PMP or CMRP, advance to director or VP role ($135K-$185K), build reputation as operations executive, network at industry conferences.

Years 5-10: Target VP operations or COO roles at mid-sized companies ($160K-$250K+), leverage veteran executive networks, consider board positions, mentor transitioning veterans.

Success Story - Michael, 42, former 91Z (E-9 SGM) → Penske VP of Fleet Operations → $185K: Served 22 years. Hired as fleet director at $120K. Completed MBA (company-sponsored) and earned CAFM. After 5 years, promoted to VP Fleet Operations at $185K + bonuses + equity. Manages 5,000-vehicle fleet, reports to COO.

Success Story - David, 44, former 91Z (E-9 CSM) → BAE Systems Director of Operations → $165K: Served 24 years. Hired as operations manager at defense contractor at $115K. Maintained clearance. Earned PMP and LSS Black Belt. After 4 years, director of operations at $165K managing $50M program supporting Army vehicle maintenance.

Success Story - James, 40, former 91Z (E-9 SGM) → Manufacturing Plant Manager → $155K: Served 20 years. Entered as operations manager at automotive supplier at $105K. Completed MBA part-time. After 3 years, promoted to plant manager at $155K managing 200+ employees, $30M budget. Targeting VP operations ($185K+) within 3-5 years.

Next Steps This Week:

1. Get DD-214
2. Create executive-level LinkedIn (STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP FOCUS)
3. Build executive resume (strategy, results, metrics, leadership—NOT technical repair)
4. Research MBA programs (target top 50 programs recruiting veterans)
5. Research Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training
6. Identify 20 target companies (Fortune 500 operations, mid-sized manufacturers, defense contractors)
7. Network with veteran executives (LinkedIn, conferences, veteran leadership organizations)

You managed $100M-$500M+ strategic operations. You supervised 75+ senior leaders. You advised brigade/division commanders. You delivered 85-95%+ readiness at scale.

Fortune 500 companies and mid-sized firms desperately need your executive leadership. You're ready for VP and director roles.

Execute the plan. Your next chapter is executive leadership.

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