Manager, Fleet Maintenance

Responsible for quality and cost effective maintenance of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) member owned milk hauling equipment and support vehicles. Responsible for supervising multiple maintenance shops providing leadership and support to Northeast Logistics (NEL) management and the team. Responsible for directing hourly maintenance staff on the day-to-day operations including preventative and corrective maintenance for DFA-owned equipment. Provide maintenance employees direction that allows them to carry out all programs and policies of DFA. Responsible for planning, scheduling, and documenting repair work to ensure that all work is done in a safe, compliant, efficient, and cost-effective manner. This position is on-call 24/7.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and monitor preventive maintenance and repair programs for all company vehicles
• Monitor and direct the shop's operational performance and efficiency; take action to redirect activities appropriately to ensure that all repair/maintenance work is performed in a safe, efficient, and timely manner
• Verify all jobs are performed to the highest levels of quality and professionalism, meeting 3A or quality standards, and holding personnel accountable to this standard
• Write up estimates and work orders and oversee the shop's planning/scheduling of work. Report to management on shop performance, fleet performance, and costs; implement procedures for process improvement and efficiencies
• Review and make recommendations on scope of work and specifications for major procurements related to fleet maintenance
• Review DVIR's and communicate service needs to Location Managers or Driver Supervisors. Ensure proper chain of custody is followed by shop staff for daily paperwork, work orders, and parts usage utilizing RTA and other computer programs
• Perform justification and life cycle cost analyses; perform trend analyses for various vehicle performance and maintenance issues and related expenses
• Support and contribute to the development and success of warranty and policy programs for recovery of expenses
• Be a direct contact for internal customers, always responsive to their needs and schedules
• Assist in the development and implementation of standard operating procedures for vehicle maintenance using known best practices
• Monitor and control inventory, supplies, and equipment levels; maintain levels as required to assure completion of all work orders without delay in all terminals
• Assist in the direction of departmental activities in budget cycle requirements
• Assure timely and assertive responses to inspection findings, working closely with company safety and DOT compliance managers
• Assist in the development and leadership of short-and-long-range planning activities covering all aspects of fleet maintenance operations
• Establish or assist in the establishment of programs, policies, and procedures to attract, develop, and retain a competent and motivated workforce, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, training, performance management, annual reviews, counseling, etc.
• Maintain advanced knowledge of brakes, electrical systems, suspensions, and structural components of tank trailers and the direct repair and maintenance
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent and 5 to 8 years of experience in fleet maintenance (diesel engine, heavy equipment repair) coupled with supervisory experience
• Technical degree in the diesel engine, heavy equipment repair industry preferred
• Management experience preferred
• Certification and/or License - Commercial Driver's License
• Certification and/or License - ASE T Master Certified preferred; Certified Automotive Fleet Management (CAFM) Financial Systems, CAFM Risk Management, and CAFM Information Management preferred; commercial driver's license preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of safe working practices, DOT, OSHA and other federal and state regulation
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
• Knowledge and understanding of the financial and budgeting functions of an organization
• Able to perform root-cause problem solving
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to demonstrate strong customer service orientation
• Able to organize time, energy, and resources effectively to achieve goals (i.e., organizational skills)
• Able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Able to collaborate and encourage employee engagement; able to coach, develop, engage, and retain a team of employees
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism (i.e., conflict resolution skills)
• Able to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs; able to lead others through change
• Negotiation skills (vendor agreements)
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Travel: 50% - 75% (up to 2 weeks per month)

Position Scope:

• Be point person for the NEL management team in the coordination of repairs and setup standards across all NEL terminals. This will include working with NEL mechanics at various terminals and outside shops at terminals where NEL does not have onsite mechanical staff.
• Provide insight and recommendations for new equipment, and modifications for existing equipment to the NEL Management team.

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans