Shop Associate Jobs in Evanston, IL (NOW HIRING)

Surus, a division of Concordia Wireless, is hiring an Auto Shop Manager to oversee daily operations of the company’s automotive maintenance shop ensuring construction fleet vehicles, trucks, and equipment are maintained safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company standards.

Role is based out of Carol Stream with flexible start time (6 am, 7 am)

The Auto Shop Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of the company's fleet maintenance and repair operations in support of telecommunications construction projects. This position oversees the maintenance, repair, inspection, and compliance of company-owned vehicles, trailers, heavy-duty trucks, diesel equipment, and construction support assets. The Auto Shop Manager directly supervises Diesel Mechanics and shop personnel while ensuring maximum fleet availability, operational efficiency, safety, and cost control.

The ideal candidate combines strong diesel and fleet maintenance knowledge with leadership skills to manage preventative maintenance programs, emergency repairs, vendor relationships, inventory, budgets, and regulatory compliance across a rapidly growing telecom construction operation.

Pay Range:  $95,000.00 - $105,000.00 a year plus annual bonus

Factors, such as but not limited to, geographical location, relevant experience, education, and skill level may impact the pay for this position

Benefits:   

• 401K – with company match up to 6%
• Healthcare: Medical, Dental, Vision with BCBS as the carrier
• Company paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability benefits
• Vacation pay and sick pay
• Minimum of 10 paid holidays
• 1 floating holiday per year
• Endless opportunities for growth!

Responsibilities

Fleet & Equipment Management

• Manage the daily operations of the fleet maintenance shop supporting telecommunications construction crews.
• Oversee maintenance and repair of:
• Diesel trucks
• Service trucks
• Bucket trucks
• Pickup trucks
• Directional drill support vehicles
• Trailers
• Generators
• Light construction equipment
• Develop and manage preventive maintenance schedules to maximize equipment reliability.
• Prioritize repairs based on operational needs to minimize project downtime.
• Coordinate roadside assistance and emergency field repairs when required.
• Ensure all vehicles meet DOT, OSHA, EPA, and company safety requirements.

Leadership & Supervision

• Directly supervise Diesel Mechanics and other shop personnel.
• Assign daily work orders and maintenance priorities.
• Monitor technician productivity and repair quality.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching and development.
• Recruit, train, and onboard new maintenance staff.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.

Maintenance Planning

• Maintain preventive maintenance schedules for all fleet assets.
• Review repair diagnostics and determine appropriate repair strategies.
• Inspect completed work to verify quality and safety standards.
• Monitor recurring equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Assist with fleet lifecycle planning and equipment replacement recommendations.

Inventory & Vendor Management

• Manage shop inventory, including:
• Parts
• Tires
• Fluids
• Tools
• Shop supplies
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels while controlling costs.
• Establish and manage vendor relationships.
• Obtain competitive pricing for parts and outside repair services.
• Approve repair estimates and purchase orders within budget authority.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with:
• OSHA regulations
• DOT requirements
• FMCSA regulations
• Environmental regulations
• Company fleet policies
• Maintain maintenance records and inspection documentation.
• Schedule annual inspections and required certifications.
• Conduct shop safety meetings and routine facility inspections.
• Ensure all technicians follow company safety procedures and PPE requirements.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate maintenance records using fleet management software.
• Track fleet utilization, repair history, maintenance costs, and downtime.
• Prepare reports on:
• Fleet performance
• Maintenance KPIs
• Budget performance
• Shop productivity
• Assist in developing annual maintenance budgets and capital equipment plans.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with:
• Operations
• Construction Managers
• Project Managers
• Dispatch
• Warehouse
• Safety Department
• Ensure fleet availability aligns with construction schedules and customer commitments.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position directly supervises:

• Diesel Mechanics
• Fleet Maintenance Technicians
• Shop Assistants
• Parts Coordinator (if assigned)
• Outside repair vendors and contractors

Responsible for hiring, scheduling, coaching, performance management, discipline, and employee development.

Qualifications: 

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or technical certification in Diesel Technology, Automotive Technology, Heavy Equipment Maintenance, or related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of fleet maintenance experience.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience managing technicians or mechanics.
• Experience supporting telecommunications construction, utility construction, heavy civil construction, or infrastructure contractors strongly preferred.
• Experience managing diesel fleet maintenance operations.

• Previous experience as a lead mechanic.
• Skilled overseeing repairs and maintenance work.
• Experience with NAPA Tracs software to prepare and update work orders.
• Prior experience managing a fleet is preferred; experienced onboarding and offboarding pertaining to vehicle agreements.
• Skilled using Excel to create reports on vehicle services, repairs, and parts used plus fleet status.
• Valid Driver's License.

Surus Group is a drug and alcohol free workplace including marijuana. Surus Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.