Repair Shop Manager

Iron Horse Rail•Beaumont, TX

2d•$80,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Iron Horse is seeking an experienced Repair Shop Manager to lead its railcar repair operation. This hands-on leadership position is accountable for overall shop performance, including production planning, workflow, quality, safety, documentation, employee development, and process improvement. The Manager leads through frontline Leads and other employees responsible for daily repair work, while managing the operation as a whole rather than serving primarily as a working foreman or senior technician. The Manager plans and prioritizes work, allocates people and resources, reviews production and quality information, resolves operational problems, develops employees, and promotes efficient shop operations. Applicants from production, manufacturing, repair, maintenance, or other industrial environments may be a good fit without railcar experience; proven management ability is emphasized over railcar experience. The role is primarily management and production leadership, with regular work throughout the repair shop and occasional hands-on assistance as needed. The work may involve noise, fumes, dust, airborne particles, industrial equipment, tools and machinery, and occasional outdoor work in varying weather. Physical activities include frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching, climbing and reaching; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds and team lifting up to 150 pounds; and entering railcars or working around confined spaces and elevated areas as required. Required PPE and a respirator are used when applicable.

Requirements

Proven experience managing employees in a production, manufacturing, repair, maintenance, or industrial environment.
Experience managing through Leads, Supervisors, Foremen, or other frontline leaders.
Demonstrated ability to plan work, allocate resources, manage workflow, and improve productivity.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Experience reviewing production records, work orders, inspection records, or other operational documentation.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to identify root causes of operational problems.
Ability to establish processes and hold others accountable for following them.
Strong computer skills and comfort with production documentation and business systems.
Ability to communicate effectively with employees, management, customers, and other departments.
Strong commitment to safety, quality, and accountability.
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to work throughout a repair shop and, as needed, assist with hands-on work, use required PPE and a respirator when applicable, and meet the described physical and environmental demands.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing a railcar repair, maintenance, manufacturing, or industrial repair operation.
Railcar maintenance or repair experience.
Knowledge of AAR interchange rules and FRA requirements related to railcar inspection and repair.
Experience with mechanical repair, fabrication, welding, hydraulics, pneumatics, or other industrial maintenance.
Experience reading technical manuals, drawings, specifications, and procedures.
Previous experience developing or improving SOPs and production processes.
Experience in a regulated or quality-sensitive industry.

Responsibilities

Direct the daily operations of the repair shop.
Plan and prioritize work to maintain efficient production and meet customer requirements and deadlines.
Coordinate manpower, materials, equipment, and workflow to maximize productivity.
Monitor work in progress and identify bottlenecks and operational issues.
Develop solutions to improve throughput, efficiency, and use of labor and equipment.
Ensure work is completed safely, correctly, and according to established procedures.
Monitor shop performance and provide regular updates to Plant Management.
Maintain appropriate staffing levels and communicate hiring and training needs.
Direct and develop Leads responsible for daily repair activities; establish expectations and hold them accountable for safety, quality, productivity, and employee performance.
Train and coach Leads to manage their teams effectively and develop consistent shop processes and expectations.
Build a culture focused on accountability, quality, safety, teamwork, and completing work correctly.
Ensure repair work complies with applicable AAR, FRA, DOT, customer, and company requirements.
Oversee inspections, documentation, and repair processes to ensure accurate records and traceability.
Review production records, work orders, inspection documentation, and other operational information.
Address quality issues, implement corrective actions, and work with Quality Assurance and other departments to prevent recurring problems.
Develop, maintain, and improve standard operating procedures and work processes.
Ensure tools, equipment, and related resources are maintained and available for production.
Train, coach, mentor, and evaluate repair shop employees; address performance, attendance, safety, quality, and conduct issues appropriately.
Identify employees with leadership potential and help develop them into effective Leads.
Communicate with employees, other managers, customers, company leadership, Day Shift, and Plant Management, including to support effective handoffs and continuity of work.
Monitor inventory of repair parts, materials, and consumables and ensure needed materials are available.
Monitor shop equipment and tools; identify equipment, tooling, or maintenance needs and make recommendations to Plant Management.
Help ensure the shop is organized and prepared for the next shift.
Regularly work throughout the repair shop and occasionally perform or assist with hands-on work as needed.