DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FLEET MAINTENANCE

The Carlisle Group’s services have been engaged to search for a Deputy Director of Maintenance. Our preferred client is a transit system that was founded over 40 years ago and today has over 300 employees. They have doubled their size in the last 6 years! This opportunity will be located at their facility in Northern Virginia.

Under the direction of the Director of Fleet Maintenance, the Deputy Director of Fleet Maintenance supports the department’s direction, growth, and oversees the daily management of the fleet and maintenance operations. This position ensures the safe and efficient operations of all vehicles and facilitates the implementation of fleet maintenance policies, programs, and departmental objectives.

This role promotes a culture of safety as it relates to maintenance programs and seeks to continuously reduce risk and improve operational performance. The Deputy Director of Fleet Maintenance is a key member of the senior management team. Additionally, this role will provide leadership and guidance to the Maintenance Manager and Parts and Inventory Supervisor to ensure efficient and effective service operations.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Oversee and provide daily direction of the maintenance and fleet operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations, standard operating procedures, company policies, and labor contracts.
• Provides daily direction, feedback, and oversight regarding service delivery, maintenance and fleet operations and programs, employment issues, garage/facility matters, and overall performance of the department.
• Works with the Director of Fleet Maintenance in the implementation and execution of strategic planning efforts, short and long-term goals, and Fleet, Facilities, and workforce initiatives.
• Provides leadership and guidance to subordinate staff including the Maintenance Manager and Parts and Inventory Supervisor to ensure efficient and effective maintenance, fleet operations, and parts management.
• Develops and implements maintenance and fleet programs to ensure the reliability and safety of revenue and non-revenue vehicle performance.
• Supports and promotes a high-performing and motivated workforce through employee engagement, recognition, and retention efforts and initiatives.
• Develops and implements effective and efficient response plans for other major service disruptions and events such as vehicle breakdowns and accidents or incidents to ensure rapid and efficient responses to maintain service continuity.
• Monitors and maintains fleet management systems and technology (i.e., Fleetio Management Software, Fleetwatch, Paycom etc.) to optimize the collection and safeguarding of fleet maintenance and operational data. Identifies and promptly addresses fleet management system performance issues, as necessary.
• In conjunction with the Maintenance Manager and Training Department, establish workforce training and development goals and objectives.
• Identifies and supports opportunities for remedial, reinforcement, and refresher training needs in conjunction with the Safety & Security and Training Departments.
• Coordinates with the Director of Fleet Maintenance to ensure the proper acquisition and application of new technologies and methodologies to improve fleet, maintenance, and parts practices.
• Promotes optimal safety standards as it relates to maintenance and fleet programs and seeks to continuously reduce risk and improve operational performance.
• Oversees all preventive maintenance programs to maximize fleet uptime and reliability, regular inspections, maintenance schedules, and documentation to minimize breakdowns and extend vehicle life.
• Works closely with the Maintenance Manager to ensure the accurate collection, monitoring, and analysis of overall fleet performance metrics and helps identify opportunities for process improvement. Reports trends, issues, and give regular updates to the Director of Fleet Maintenance.
• Optimizes resources allocation to maintain cost-effectiveness without compromising safety and quality. Supports and monitors the department’s overall budget strategies, expenses purchasing, procurement of parts, and departmental budget.
• Maintains positive external vendor relationships including maintenance and repair service providers, parts suppliers, equipment, and fleet manufacturers. Monitors and reports on service quality and ensures cost-effectiveness.
• Works closely with the Maintenance Manager to monitor staffing levels and supports the staffing and recruitment of fleet maintenance workforce. Help identify innovative ways to attract a qualified talent pool and work with Human Resources on recruitment strategies.
• Works closely with the Deputy Director of Operations to support operational service needs including fleet availability/downtime, fleet performance, and maintenance issues affecting operational services.
• Provides guidance and oversight to the Parts and Inventory Supervisor regarding the allocation of parts, supplies, maintenance inventory, and the general operations of parts department.
• Works closely with Parts and Inventory Supervisor to monitor and control costs for parts, supplies, and vendor contracts while finding ways to reduce expenditures where applicable.
• Works with Director of Fleet Maintenance on major vehicle procurements, providing maintenance level input on specifications and vehicle functions.
• Identifies and plans for major weather events and special functions requiring fleet maintenance services/personnel and acts as a point of contact for emergency response situations, under the guidance of the Director of Fleet Maintenance.
• Assists with preparation and implementation of written maintenance plans for building and property maintenance of all DASH facilities.
• Oversees the compliance of any and all applicable state and federal level state inspection programs.
• Assists with the effective handling of grievances and progressive discipline in accordance with Company policy, procedures, and CBA.
• Ensures the compliance and application of all state, federal and local laws, rules, and regulations including OSHA, DOT, DOL, EEO, FTA and FMSCA, etc.
• Conveys and disseminates important information via various methods of communication to maintenance staff or the workforce as required.
• Stays up to date with industry standards and best practices. Makes recommendations to Director of Fleet Maintenance regarding policies, standard operating procedures, and best practice.
• Fosters and supports positive employee relations and work environment through recognition, engagement, and performance programs, while ensuring a customer-centric approach.
• Seeks and identifies professional development opportunities and growth through training programs, certifications, professional associations, seminars, etc.
• Cooperatively and effectively performs related tasks and duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of maintenance services, fleet operations, and vehicle maintenance.
• Proficient in best practices, trends, and compliance with OSHA safety standards fleet maintenance.
• Skilled in computer usage, including fleet maintenance software (e.g., Fleetio, Track-It) and Microsoft Office applications. Competent with general office equipment.
• Prefer knowledge of fixed transit operations and transit bus systems/technology preferred.
• Strong ability to conduct objective and timely workplace investigations and document incidents and employment issues.
• Understanding of payroll, timekeeping systems, and employment regulations.
• Effective oral and written communication, including guidance and discipline for subordinates.
• Proficient in enforcing policies and procedures.
• Strong time management, problem-solving, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and evaluate maintenance services.
• Establishing and maintaining positive working relationships.
• Prioritization and independent decision-making.
• Excelling in a fast-paced, multitasking environment.
• Excellent customer relations skills.
• Familiarity with unionized environments and labor contract interpretation strongly preferred.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Equivalent experience to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree may be considered in lieu of advanced education.
• Minimum of five (5) years of proven experience in fleet maintenance services.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive supervisory experience in a fleet maintenance environment required.
• Professional working experience with Microsoft Office software including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint required.
• Diesel vehicle experience required.
• Electric vehicle experience is preferred.
• Experience working in a Union environment is preferred.
• Working knowledge of DOT, OSHA, FMCSA, ELDT, and FTA requirements and regulations strongly preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with fixed route transit operations is highly preferred.
• Relevant certification or training in maintenance, fleet operations, or related programs a plus.

Emotional and Psychological Requirements:

• Work long hours and endure high levels of stress.
• Handle emergency situations calmly and effectively.
• Remain calm when coaching and counseling employees through difficult times.
• Facilitate a safe work environment.
• Make quick and concise decisions under pressure.
• Deal with the public on a secondary basis.
• Greet and meet with visitors or vendors.
• Work with diverse individuals from various backgrounds.
• Clearly disseminate information to a wide variety of audiences.
• Concentrate on priority tasks with frequent interruptions.

Physical Requirements:

• Sit in an office environment for long periods of time.
• Stand and/or walk for long periods while moving through garage/facility and grounds.
• Bend, twist, stoop, and turn frequently and consistently throughout shift and while monitoring the shop floor.
• Work during evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or during inclement weather or emergencies.
• Lifts light loads at times to include office equipment, boxes, and toolboxes. (<50 lbs.)

Additional/Miscellaneous/Special Requirements:

• Successful completion of the following TSI courses are required within eighteen (18) months of employment: Bus System Safety, Transit Industrial Safety Management, SMS Awareness, SMS Safety Assurance, and SMS Principles for Transit.
• Reasonable Suspicion and Post-Accident Testing training compliant with USDOT regulations is required within one year of employment.
• ASE certifications are strongly preferred.
• Acceptable criminal history record check upon hire and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a Commercial Driver’s License Class A or B with Passenger and Air Brake endorsement is a plus.
• May be required to attend training, meetings, and classes for continued professional development which may involve local and regional travel.