Senior Manager, Vehicle Maintenance

The Senior Manager of Vehicle Maintenance oversees the fleet maintenance department across multiple sites, determines priorities, and manages programs to achieve TARTA's goals, while leading a team dedicated to enhancing TARTA's transportation services. Responsibilities include maintaining capital assets, lease agreements, and warranty enforcement. They must anticipate future mechanical needs, implement improvement initiatives, and leverage technology for proactive management. Analyzing maintenance trends, exploring cost-effective solutions, and enhancing public perception of TARTA. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong leadership, foster staff development, and possess fundamental knowledge of maintenance.

In response to the local community’s renewed focus and support of TARTA, the Board adopted TARTA Next, a ten-year plan to increase services, invest in capital assets such as new mobility hubs and a zero-emissions bus fleet, and to improve customer experience through investments in technology, bus shelters, signage, and customer outreach. This transformation is well underway and powered by a dedicated team of professionals in each department, from the leadership team to every front-line team member.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages and leads management staff to ensure maximum availability of buses to meet service commitments by establishing servicing priorities through Vehicle Maintenance Supervisors. Monitors these activities to ensure adherence to established operational policies and procedures and keeps the Director of Maintenance advised accordingly.
• Serve as a technical resource to the divisions and executive management
• Work closely with the Director of Maintenance and other department leaders to provide solutions to challenges or personnel, materials, space, and quality of work through analysis of information, visual inspection, and work auditing, including report generation and corrective action based on expectations and developed standards.
• Oversees and manages storeroom operations, including stock levels, parts acquisition from proper vendors, and parts distribution.
• Troubleshoots and coordinates response to maintenance issues that cross divisional and organizational lines
• Work with the Director of Maintenance on planning for future requirements for vehicle replacements and/or overhauls
• Develop and present programs and projects, including cost projections
• Plan, develop, and administer department policies and procedures; set goals and priorities
• Assist in the preparation and administration of the department budget and capital program
• Assist with purchasing and other departments to ensure efficient and economic operations
• Work closely with vehicle maintenance technicians and supervisors to improve the predictability of failures and breakdowns
• Establishes a workflow of seven (7) days to ensure steady shop production, working closely with supervisors and vehicle technicians
• Oversee safety, quality, and preventive fleet maintenance programs
• Prepare complex reports and analyses on maintenance-related subjects
• Work with purchasing, supply, and grant departments to plan, schedule, and support the use of labor and funds
• Direct Supervisors in first-level disciplinary and grievance hearings and recommend appropriate disciplinary action for both represented and non-represented employees
• Assist in preparations for labor negotiations
• Manage assignments of staff and resources to operating divisions
• Supervise, train, mentor, and motivate assigned staff
• Communicate and implement safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals; and maintain accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employees
• Contribute to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of TARTA are carried out
• Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required. Must have the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays if necessary
• May be required to perform other related job duties

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient in fleet maintenance theories, principles, and practices.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and standards governing public transit systems maintenance, environmental, and quality control.
• Understanding of external regulatory and internal safety policies and procedures.
• Knowledgeable in labor relations, including contracts, discipline, and grievance processes.
• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical, and electronic, able to develop work standards, SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) development and maintenance, troubleshooting checklists, and write effective countermeasures to prevent future failures.
• Understanding of human resources policies and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) procedures.
• Familiarity with public agency procurement procedures and contract administration.
• Competence in using computer business software applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in directing complex equipment maintenance functions.
• Skillful in evaluating, researching, drafting, and implementing policies and procedures.
• Proficient in problem-solving, decision-making, and evaluating outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and creativity, especially in stressful situations.
• Ability to interact professionally with individuals at various levels within the organization and external stakeholders.
• Competence in budgeting and managing expenditures for major capital projects/programs.
• Experienced in compiling and analyzing data with input from staff.
• Capable of understanding, interpreting, and applying laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor/management agreements.

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Basic computer skills necessary to fulfill job requirements.

Education and Experience

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and/or seven (7) years of management experience in bus or truck fleet operations, public or transit maintenance, or a similar field in a union environment is desired. An equivalent of education and experience in maintenance management, business, or public administration will also be considered.

Special Conditions

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be satisfied by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. TARTA provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Shifts may vary and may include weekends (both days).

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is typical of a busy office setting. The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet.

Physical Effort Required

The Director of Maintenance position requires continuous sitting (5.5 to 8 hours daily) and occasional standing (0.25 to 2.5 hours daily). Occasional walking (0.25 to 2.5 hours daily) is necessary. Occasional lifting/carrying up to 20 lbs (0.25 to 2.5 hours daily) is required, with no lifting/carrying over 20 lbs. Driving is required for this role (0.25 to 2.5 hours daily). Reaching above shoulder level (0.25 to 2.5 hours daily) and bending/stooping (0.25 to 2.5 hours daily) are required. Pushing/pulling is never required. Fine manipulation is required frequently (2.5 to 5.5 hours daily). The stress level for this role is high.

TARTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or any other protected status.