SHOP MANAGER / LEAD MECHANIC

Shop Manager / Lead Mechanic

REPORTS TO

Director of Fleet & Asset Management

PAY RANGE

Hourly Rate: $35 – $45 per hour

POSITION SUMMARY

The Shop Manager / Lead Mechanic is a hands-on leadership role responsible for executing high-performance fleet and equipment operations while performing advanced diagnostics and repairs that directly support field production.

This role operates in a 70–80% hands-on and 20–30% administrative capacity, with the majority of time spent in the bay performing complex mechanical work, training technicians, maintaining organization, and ensuring equipment readiness.

This role owns day-to-day shop execution. All vehicles, equipment, and tools must be repaired, maintained, documented, and returned to service efficiently, safely, and in alignment with Wild Ridge standards. This role is directly accountable for ensuring equipment performance drives crew productivity, job efficiency, and overall branch results.

This is a leadership role within the shop that blends technical expertise with accountability for technician performance, shop organization, inventory control, and workflow execution.

The Director of Fleet & Asset Management provides standards, systems, and coaching, while this role leads execution and performance inside the shop. As the company scales, this role is expected to expand into broader leadership responsibilities, including increased ownership of shop operations, team performance, and workflow management.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Wild Ridge Lawn & Landscape is a premier commercial lawn maintenance, landscape construction, irrigation, and snow management company serving a diverse portfolio of commercial properties across Indiana and surrounding markets. We specialize in delivering high-quality outdoor environments for retail centers, corporate campuses, industrial facilities, and institutional clients.

Our team is built on strong systems, operational discipline, and a culture of accountability. We are committed to delivering exceptional service while developing leaders at every level of the organization.

As we continue to grow, our focus remains on building a high-performance team that values excellence, efficiency, and continuous improvement while creating long-term partnerships with our clients.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Success in this role is defined by technical excellence, shop organization, and the ability to lead from the front while maintaining consistent equipment uptime and performance.

Within the first 6–12 months, this role will have:

· Fleet Uptime: Achieved and maintained 95%+ fleet uptime across the branch

· Preventative Maintenance Discipline: Maintained 100% PM completion with minimal reactive repairs

· Repair Efficiency: Maintained average repair turnaround times under 48 hours

· Technician Leadership: Developed technicians through hands-on training, coaching, and accountability

· Shop Organization: Maintained a clean, safe, and highly organized shop environment

· Inventory Control: Maintained accurate inventory levels and reduced delays due to parts availability

· Execution Trust: Earned trust as the go-to leader in the shop for both technical execution and team performance

OBJECTIVES

· Perform advanced diagnostics, repairs, and troubleshooting across fleet and equipment

· Lead by example in the shop, setting the standard for workmanship, urgency, and accountability

· Train and develop technicians through hands-on coaching and real-time problem solving

· Own shop workflow, ensuring efficient movement of assets from intake through return to service

· Assign and manage work orders, ensuring timely completion and accurate documentation

· Maintain 95%+ fleet uptime by proactively addressing issues and eliminating downtime

· Execute preventative maintenance to achieve 100% compliance

· Ensure no asset remains idle in the shop for more than 48 hours without documented cause

· Serve as final quality control checkpoint before any asset is returned to service

· Maintain accurate inventory of parts, tools, and consumables while preventing shortages

· Source parts, manage vendors, and submit purchase order requests in alignment with company standards

· Maintain a clean, safe, and highly organized shop environment

· Take ownership of the internal customer (field crews and operations team), ensuring equipment is ready to perform at all times

· Provide proactive and consistent communication on equipment status, repair timelines, and risks

· Operate with urgency and decisiveness to minimize downtime and accelerate repair turnaround

· Perform DOT inspections as required, ensuring full compliance across the fleet

· Provide daily visibility to leadership on equipment status, downtime risks, and shop performance

· Hold technicians accountable to productivity, repair quality, and documentation standards

· Support seasonal readiness execution for both lawn and snow operations

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

· 95%+ fleet uptime

· 100% work orders completed, documented, and closed within 24 hours unless communicated

· Average repair turnaround ≤ 48 hours

· Repeat repair rate ≤ 3%

· 85%+ technician productivity

· Inventory accuracy ≥ 98%

· Parts cost within ±5% of budget

· 0 safety incidents

· 100% DOT compliance

· On-time seasonal readiness (Snow: Oct 31, Lawn: Feb 13)

COMPETENCIES

· Strong leadership and ability to lead by example in a hands-on environment

· Advanced mechanical, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills

· Knowledge of diesel, hydraulic, and electrical systems

· Strong understanding of DOT compliance requirements

· Ability to train and develop technicians

· Highly organized with strong attention to detail

· Ability to manage shop workflow and prioritize effectively

· Strong communication and transparency with operations leadership

· Process-driven mindset with commitment to systems and execution

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· 5+ years of mechanical experience in fleet or equipment environments

· Experience leading or training technicians preferred

· DOT certification required or ability to obtain within 90 days

· Experience sourcing parts and managing vendor relationships

· Experience scheduling and managing shop workflow

· Fleet, construction, or landscaping equipment experience preferred

· CMMS or maintenance software experience preferred

· Valid driver’s license required

· CDL preferred

· Welding and fabrication experience preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Ability to lift up to 75 lbs

· Ability to stand for extended periods

· Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments

· Ability to safely operate equipment and tools

· Ability to work extended hours during peak seasons

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

Wild Ridge Lawn & Landscape is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We hire and develop talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person