Service Manager

Federal Signal Openings•Elmhurst, IL

22d•Onsite

About The Position

The Service Manager is a hands-on, organized leader responsible for guiding the Service team in alignment with branch and company objectives, overseeing the department’s daily operations, and developing customer relationships to support regional Service growth. The role owns the department’s P&L and operational performance, including revenue, profitability, expense management, service quality, productivity, scheduling, and customer satisfaction. It oversees employee development and performance, health and safety, union-related practices, facility needs, work orders, warranty activity, process improvements, and department KPIs. The Service Manager also works closely with customers and internal teams, supports recruiting and onboarding, and provides management with recommendations for operational improvements and business growth. This is a permanent managerial position based at Standard Equipment in Elmhurst, Illinois, with 4–8 direct reports and 5%–10% travel, primarily within the state. The schedule is Monday through Friday; occasional extended hours may be required based on operational needs. The work environment includes shop, yard, warehouse, and office settings, occasional customer-site visits, and possible outdoor work in varying weather conditions. Joe Johnson Equipment (JJE) distributes public works equipment across Canada and the U.S., supporting municipalities and contractors with equipment including vacuum trucks, refuse and recycling vehicles, street sweepers, and sewer inspection systems. JJE is a subsidiary of Federal Signal Corporation and states its core values as Leadership, Customer Excellence, Integrity, Inspiration, Teamwork, Innovation, and Ambition.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience as a Service Manager in heavy, industrial, or agricultural equipment.
Strong mechanical expertise and knowledge of equipment repair processes.
Strong technical knowledge of hydraulic and electrical systems.
Previous responsibility for a Service P&L and demonstrated ability to achieve results.
Experience managing a unionized workforce.
Strong business acumen and demonstrated ability to develop and implement sound business plans and effectively manage resources.
Strong customer service and communication skills.
Ability to develop, coach, and support teams to drive desired results.
Ability to foster teamwork and champion company values.
Highly organized and proactive.
Ability to plan and execute work independently.
Proficiency with repair order programs and Microsoft Office, including Outlook and Excel.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Full understanding of relevant safety and compliance regulations, policies, and generally accepted work practices for truck, trailer, and heavy-equipment shop operations.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record for operational purposes.
Must pass a pre-employment background check in accordance with applicable laws.

Nice To Haves

Technical certification or an associate degree in diesel mechanics or a related field.

Responsibilities

Own Service Department P&L performance, ensuring revenue, profitability, expense management, and operational goals are achieved.
Oversee Service department operations, including scheduling, quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
Promote safety and ensure employees follow safe work practices, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements; conduct safety discussions and inspections, address hazards and unsafe behaviors, and take corrective action when required.
Supervise employees in a union environment in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and memoranda of understanding; partner with HR on employee relations matters as needed.
Monitor employee performance, provide ongoing feedback, identify skill gaps and development opportunities, and coordinate training and development plans.
Review workload and resources, set priorities, delegate work, follow up on assignments, and recommend additional resources when needed.
Monitor open work orders, work in process, and warranty activity to ensure accurate documentation, timely follow-up, and resolution.
Identify and address deficiencies, repair issues, and service delays; make timely recommendations to management when additional support is needed.
Maintain oversight of the Service facility and identify repairs and improvements needed for safe and effective operations.
Develop and implement process improvements to increase department efficiency, quality, and profitability.
Monitor department KPIs, report variances to management, and take action to improve results.
Conduct regular Service team meetings to review results, priorities, improvement opportunities, health and safety, and process updates.
Participate in recruiting and onboarding new Service employees.
Maintain customer relationships through regular contact or visits, clear updates, resolution of service concerns, and support for customer retention and business growth.
Review customer accounts with Accounting to support timely billing and payment.
Communicate proactively with Sales, Parts, and Rentals about service schedules, equipment readiness, parts availability, timeline changes, and customer commitments.
Recommend operational improvements and business growth opportunities to management and support execution of approved strategies.
Stay current on industry changes affecting the Service department and participate in required training and industry events.
Complete other assigned projects and duties.