Shop Manager
About The Position
First Student is hiring a Shop Manager in New Britain, Connecticut, to oversee maintenance operations supporting the New Britain Consolidated School District. The role leads nine technicians responsible for maintaining a fleet of more than 240 vehicles, including Thomas C2 school buses, GM and Ford 4500s, Dodge minivans, and Ford Transits. This hands-on leadership position sets maintenance priorities, develops technicians, manages shop performance and expenses, and works with location leadership, dispatch, and operations to keep vehicles safe and available for service. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with a nine-hour workday and start and end times that vary according to operational needs. The position combines shop leadership with hands-on maintenance work.
Requirements
- At least five years of hands-on mechanical supervisory experience.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Strong leadership skills and ability to organize work, develop employees, and address performance concerns.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Computer proficiency and ability to maintain accurate maintenance records.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to obtain a CDL while employed.
- Willingness to participate in the ASE certification program.
- English proficiency for job-related training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other communications.
- Ability to perform duties that may require lifting 20–50 pounds, crouching, and working beneath vehicles while lying on a mechanic’s dolly.
Nice To Haves
- Technical training.
- Experience repairing and maintaining diesel engines and school bus equipment.
Responsibilities
- Direct daily work assignments and balance preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs.
- Hire, train, coach, and evaluate shop employees; address performance concerns, discipline, complaints, and grievances.
- Manage compensation decisions within company policies and approval requirements.
- Ensure technicians have the training, equipment, and direction needed to work safely and effectively.
- Perform hands-on maintenance and assist with troubleshooting as needed.
- Schedule and oversee maintenance for a fleet of more than 240 vehicles.
- Communicate vehicle availability and repair priorities with dispatch and operations.
- Review repair orders for accuracy, completeness, and repair quality.
- Coordinate parts purchasing and outside repair services as needed.
- Identify and implement improvements to increase efficiency and reduce operating costs.
- Oversee vehicle fueling and coordinate building and grounds services as needed.
- Ensure maintenance activities comply with company policies and applicable state and federal requirements.
- Maintain safe working conditions throughout the shop.
- Keep the Location Manager and regional maintenance leadership informed about fleet condition, maintenance performance, and budget needs.
- Monitor expenses and review budget variances.
- Review, code, or approve accounts payable documents within assigned authority.
- Complete special projects and other assigned responsibilities.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan.
- Paid holidays and paid time off.
- Company-paid CDL training.
- ASE certification program with training, testing, and bonus opportunities.
- Access to earned wages before payday through Chime® MyPay at Work™.
- Salt® Rewards Program for employee savings and rewards.
- Opportunities to grow within maintenance leadership and operations.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
High school or GED
