Shop Foreperson (Supervisor) – Bailey Nurseries
About The Position
The Foreperson - Shop oversees the daily operations of the Illinois shop in support of Bailey Nurseries’ agricultural and nursery production operations. This role helps ensure equipment, vehicles, and shop resources are maintained, repaired, and ready to support the needs of a fast-paced, seasonal growing environment. The Foreperson - Shop supervises shop personnel, coordinates equipment repairs and preventative maintenance, manages shop inventory and supplies, and works closely with the Midwest Shop Manager and Midwest Container Manager to support safe, efficient, and reliable operations. This position plays an important role in maintaining productivity, equipment readiness, and high-quality shop standards for a family-owned company with a long history in the green industry.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a shop, manufacturing, maintenance, equipment repair, or related environment.
- Strong knowledge of equipment diagnostics, repair, maintenance, and modification.
- Experience using shop tools, machines, and diagnostic equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, schematics, or equipment documentation.
- Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and respond to changing operational needs.
- Knowledge of workplace safety regulations, safe work practices, and shop safety expectations.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, managers, and vendors.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company driving requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Additional technical training or certification in equipment repair, maintenance, welding, hydraulics, mechanics, or a related field.
- Supervisory or lead experience in a shop, maintenance, manufacturing, agricultural, or nursery.
- Knowledge of metals and welding techniques.
- Experience managing equipment inventory, repair records, parts, supplies, or vendor relationships.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily shop operations, workflow, and priorities.
- Diagnose, rebuild, modify, and repair equipment.
- Perform equipment inspections and preventative maintenance.
- Repair hydraulic systems and operate shop tools and diagnostic equipment.
- Manage the equipment fleet and recommend equipment removal or replacement.
- Supervise shop staff and provide direction on daily priorities.
- Prioritize work based on urgency, deadlines, and operational needs.
- Maintain records for repairs, maintenance, inventory, and equipment status.
- Assist with purchasing equipment, parts, and shop supplies.
- Conduct quality control checks on completed work.
- Maintain safe work habits and support OSHA and company policy compliance.
- Keep the shop and work areas clean, organized, and safe.
- Build effective working relationships with co-workers, managers, and vendors.
- Communicate equipment needs, repair status, timelines, and concerns.
- Identify and implement process improvements.
- Work extra hours as needed to meet operational demands.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
