Machine Shop Operations Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Location: Huxley, IA
Reports to: Shop Supervisor
Employment Status: Full-time
Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000 annually
Other Compensation & Benefits: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance (100% employer paid), Life Insurance (100% employer paid), Profit sharing, 401(k), ESOP Retirement

About Diamond Surface, Inc.

Diamond Surface, Inc. is a Minnesota-based heavy-highway contractor with more than 35 years of experience specializing in concrete grinding, grooving, repair, and sealing. We are proud to be recognized as a Best Contractor in Construction and are known nationwide for setting the standard for quality, innovation, and professionalism in our field. We are a rapidly growing, team-oriented organization that believes our success starts with hiring and supporting exceptional people. In 2024, we became an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company meaning every eligible employee has an ownership stake in the business. As an ESOP, we are deeply committed to creating long-term financial benefits for our team, strengthening our culture of collaboration, and ensuring that the hard work of our employees directly contributes to their own financial future.

Role Purpose

To maintain, service, and repair vehicles and equipment in the shop, ensuring high levels of safety, quality, and productivity. In the Shop Manager capacity, this role also leads day-to-day shop operations by coordinating workflow, parts/inventory, vendor support, and shop safety/housekeeping standards to minimize downtime and support field operations.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions (Mechanic Duties)

• Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic issues on vehicles/equipment; use diagnostic tools effectively.
• Perform scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacement, brake service, etc.) and unscheduled repairs (engine rebuilds, transmissions, etc.).
• Disassemble and assemble components as required; inspect and measure tolerances; install replacements; test systems.
• Use repair manuals, wiring diagrams, schematics, and manufacturer procedures to ensure proper repair and documentation of work done.
• Document labor time, parts used and maintain daily service logs; communicate status updates to supervisor.
• Ensure compliance with shop safety protocols, housekeeping standards, PPE usage, and environmental regulations (e.g., fluid disposal).
• Maintain shop tools, equipment calibration, and cleanliness of work areas; report needed repairs of shop equipment.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., reducing repair cycle time, improving first-time fix rate).
• Come prepared with basic mechanic tools see attached list for suggested tools.

Additional Shop Manager Duties (Shop Operations & Leadership)

• Plan and assign daily/weekly shop workload based on fleet priorities, breakdowns, and upcoming field schedules; coordinate with Operations/Project teams to reduce downtime.
• Manage work orders from intake to closeout: confirm scope, prioritize, assign, track progress, and ensure accurate completion notes, labor entries, and parts documentation.
• Oversee parts, inventory, and purchasing: maintain min/max levels for common wear items, control stock, research pricing, and place orders within company guidelines.
• Coordinate vendors and outside services (e.g., welding/fabrication, machining, tire service, inspections, specialty diagnostics): schedule work, verify quality, and track costs.
• Maintain preventive maintenance programs and ensure equipment receives inspections and services on schedule; flag high-risk units and recommend repair/replace timing.
• Support compliance and readiness by maintaining maintenance records and assisting with DOT/annual inspection documentation as applicable (units, trailers, repairs, recalls).
• Lead shop safety and housekeeping: conduct regular safety walk-throughs, ensure SOP compliance, maintain spill prevention practices, and reinforce PPE/tool safety standards.
• Train, coach, and support mechanics/helpers (as assigned): onboarding, task training, quality checks, and reinforcing consistent repair standards.
• Track and report key shop metrics (as required): downtime, backlog, PM completion rate, rework/come-backs, and major repair cost drivers.
• Recommend improvements and cost-saving initiatives: tooling needs, layout/5S improvements, vendor consolidation, and standardized repair procedures.
• Maintain shop security and asset control: tool tracking, key control, and proper storage of equipment/parts.

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

• Work is primarily performed in a shop environment with exposure to noise, fumes, dust, moving vehicles/equipment and outside weather conditions.
• Frequently required to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs; climb ladders, bend, squat, twist, stand for extended periods; work under vehicles or in tight spaces.
• May require occasional overtime, weekend or on-call work depending on business needs.

Required Competencies / Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude and diagnostic skills; ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, repair manuals.
• Experience with heavy-duty vehicles/equipment (trucks, trailers, off-road equipment, etc.).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; strong communication skills (verbal & written).
• Time-management skills, prioritization, ability to handle multiple work orders and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to safety, quality workmanship and customer service.
• Computer literacy: ability to use shop management software, diagnostic software, and track parts/labor electronically.
• Shop management skills: scheduling/prioritization, inventory control, vendor coordination, coaching/training, and basic cost awareness.

Required Education / Credentials / Experience

• 3+ years of experience as a heavy-duty mechanic or equivalent; or completion of a relevant technical/vocational program.
• Valid drivers license and clean driving record; CDL (Class A) license preferred.
• Ability to obtain/maintain any required state or federal credentials/licenses.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodation Statement

Our company is an equal opportunity employer. We comply with the Minnesota Human Rights Act and federal law regarding employment discrimination and provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants needing accommodations in the application or hiring process should contact us.