Fleet Maintenance & Shop Manager

Position Overview

The Shop Manager is responsible for providing strong leadership, direction, and oversight of shop personnel, fleet maintenance, and repair operations to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient performance across Nexus Cooperative. This role is accountable for building and developing a high-performing team through effective coaching, training, performance management, and fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. The Shop Manager proactively manages preventive maintenance, repair scheduling, technician productivity, and service quality while optimizing resources and minimizing equipment downtime. Working closely with the Regional Operations Manager, this position supports financial performance, operational efficiencies, and strategic workforce development. Additional responsibilities include coordinating outside repair services, ensuring DOT and regulatory compliance, and supporting company-wide asset management, equipment tracking, and disposition.

Key Responsibilities

Shop Leadership and Operational Performance – Lead daily shop operations by assigning work, coaching technicians, monitoring productivity, and maintaining accountability for quality, safety, and timely completion. Coordinate staffing, tools, and resources to support efficient service delivery and seasonal operating demands. Responsible for the continuous development and training for the shop employee team

Fleet Maintenance, Scheduling, and Reliability – Manage preventive maintenance, inspections, diagnostics, and repairs for cooperative vehicles and equipment. Prioritize work with division and location leaders to maximize fleet readiness, reduce downtime, and ensure repairs are properly documented, verified, and completed to established standards.

Financial Management and Continuous Improvement – Partner with the Regional Operations Manager on shop P&L performance, budgets, labor utilization, parts expenses, and outside repair costs. Evaluate performance and implement workflow, cost-control, and process improvements that strengthen productivity and equipment availability.

Safety, DOT Compliance, and Repair Quality – Maintain a safe and compliant shop, perform or oversee applicable DOT inspections within required qualifications, document deficiencies, and coordinate corrective action. Ensure accurate service records, quality workmanship, safe tool practices, and compliance with applicable federal, state, OSHA, and environmental requirements.

Parts, Vendor, and Cross-Functional Coordination – Oversee parts, supplies, tooling, and external repair providers to support timely, cost-effective service. Coordinate specialized repairs, including Feed Division needs, and communicate repair priorities, costs, timelines, and fleet readiness with operational leaders.

Asset Management, Fleet Technology, and Equipment Disposition – Partner with Regional Management and Inventory Asset Specialist to maintain accurate equipment locations, status, and asset records. Support fleet telemetric hardware installation and fleet technology implementation, and coordinate equipment sales, auctions, and disposition with appropriate documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional technical education or certifications in diesel technology, automotive repair, or fleet maintenance preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in diesel, heavy-duty truck, or equipment maintenance and repair; previous shop leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with working knowledge of diagnostic procedures, preventive maintenance programs, repair processes, and shop equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate maintenance activities, prioritize repairs, manage workflow, and maintain equipment reliability while minimizing downtime.
• Working knowledge of DOT, OSHA, and applicable federal and state safety regulations, including the ability to perform DOT vehicle inspections.
• Basic understanding of shop budgeting, repair costs, labor productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a commitment to teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Must provide a personal toolbox with tools appropriate for assigned maintenance and repair responsibilities.

Core Competencies

Operational Planning and Efficiency- Ability to plan, coordinate, and optimize operations to maximize productivity, resource utilization and timeliness.  Ensures affective scheduling, logistics and use of assets to meet seasonal demands and expectations.

Quality Control & Continuous Improvement – Maintains a strong commitment to product quality, inventory accuracy, and operational excellence by establishing and monitoring quality standards. Continuously evaluates processes, identifies opportunities for improvement, and implements solutions that enhance efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Customer Focus- Demonstrates the ability to work effectively across departments and roles while maintaining a strong focus on meeting customer needs. Builds productive relationships, shares information openly, and aligns efforts to deliver timely, accurate, and high-quality service.

Strategic Thinking & Adaptability- Demonstrates the ability to think ahead, understand broader business goals, and make informed decisions that align with long-term objectives while remaining flexible in response to changing conditions. Balances planning and execution with the ability to adjust quickly in dynamic environments.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance Management- Demonstrates strong leadership in maintaining a safe, compliant, and risk-aware work environment by ensuring adherence to all safety standards, environmental regulations, and company policies. Promotes a culture of accountability where safety and compliance are integrated into all operational decisions and daily activities.