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Diesel shop managers play an important role in keeping maintenance shops running efficiently. At Schneider, these leaders are essential in reducing repair costs, improving equipment availability and setting their teams up for success.
For skilled maintenance leaders looking to make a bigger impact, stepping into a shop management role could be the next step in your career. To help you understand what this job entails, we’ve created an overview of what most diesel shop managers do.
Diesel shop manager job description
A diesel shop manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a maintenance department. They cover a wide range of business and administrative duties, including:
- Ensuring safety protocols are followed.
- Tracking maintenance costs and equipment availability.
- Managing technicians and schedules.
- Setting performance goals for the shop.
Specific job duties can vary depending on the size of the shop, number of technicians and many other factors.
7 common job duties of a diesel shop manager
1. Upholding safety standards and regulations.
Diesel shop managers must have a thorough understanding of safety procedures. They are often tasked with auditing for safety compliance, as well as addressing any unsafe situations.
Schneider shop managers play an active role in keeping service bays safe. They organize on-the-job training and lead refresher courses on a regular basis.
2. Monitoring operating expenses.
From replacement parts to specialty tooling, every piece of equipment used in the shop has an invoice attached.
The diesel shop manager approves expenses that run through the shop. This includes reviewing payroll submissions and distributing overtime among associates.
3. Ensuring parts are available.
A steady supply of parts is a critical part of any fleet maintenance strategy.
While many shops have a dedicated parts department, the diesel shop manager supports inventory management efforts by:
- Maintaining an appropriate stock of parts.
- Checking that inventory records are accurate.
4. Driving timely service.
Minimizing downtime is an important part of running a successful fleet, so it makes sense that a successful maintenance department would follow suit.
The diesel shop manager supports this area by ensuring repairs are completed in a timely manner. They also help prioritize work so technicians know which jobs to focus on.
5. Guiding recruiting efforts.
Talented associates are one of the most crucial resources for any diesel department. The shop manager creates a staffing plan to build a leading team and meet the shop's needs.
At Schneider, shop managers work closely with recruiters to bring in qualified talent, interview candidates and extend job offers.
6. Developing shop and team goals.
The diesel shop manager develops long- and short-term goals. They provide team members with the direction they need to meet those objectives.
It’s common for the shop manager to lead team meetings to communicate business updates and performance results.
7. Leading performance assessments.
A diesel shop manager assigns tasks based on each technician’s skills and abilities. They also lead performance reviews where they work with technicians to identify growth opportunities and develop action plans.
