Third Party Manager Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

About us

Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.

Role Purpose Statement

Join our Seattle Operations team as the driving force behind a high-performing fleet that keeps our operation running safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

The Fleet Maintenance Manager leads all fleet maintenance operations, ensuring full compliance with SkyChefs, DOT, TSA, and USDA regulations while maximizing fleet reliability and performance.

As the fleet Subject Matter Expert, you will establish and uphold maintenance standards, drive continuous process improvements, oversee technician training, and manage fleet-related budgets and expenses.

In this critical leadership role, you will oversee work assignments, repair approvals, and purchase orders through SkyChefs' fleet and financial management systems. You will also partner closely with external maintenance vendors, chassis manufacturers, and truck builders to ensure the fleet operates at peak performance and supports the ongoing success of our operation.

Main Accountabilities

Fleet Management & Maintenance
• Lead fleet maintenance operations across the assigned region, ensuring optimal vehicle reliability, safety, and performance.
• Ensure all fleet assets are maintained in compliance with USDA, FDA, OSHA, DOT, and company standards.
• Manage relationships with external maintenance providers, contractors, and equipment vendors to ensure timely, cost-effective service delivery.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of third-party maintenance providers and in-house technicians to ensure quality and service excellence.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs and repair schedules, ensuring all required maintenance activities are planned, executed, and tracked effectively.
• Train and support CSC teams and third-party vendors on fleet maintenance processes, preventive maintenance programs, and CMMS utilization.
• Monitor and ensure proper use of fleet technology systems, including GPS, dash cameras, 360° camera systems, CMMS, and GroundStar.
• Maintain compliance with vehicle licensing, registration, insurance, and audit requirements.
• Review and authorize fleet repair expenditures within the assigned region.
• Partner with operations and quality teams to investigate fleet-related issues, develop corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
• Participate in daily operational briefings to align fleet priorities with business requirements.
• Oversee facility maintenance and repair activities managed through third-party service providers.

Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with company, customer, and regulatory safety standards.
• Identify and mitigate safety risks through proactive maintenance practices, equipment inspections, and corrective actions.
• Ensure maintenance personnel utilize safe tools, equipment, and work practices in accordance with company policies.
• Drive adherence to operational policies, procedures, and quality standards across all fleet maintenance activities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and cost reduction.

Leadership & Financial Management
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for fleet maintenance operations within the assigned region.
• Coach, mentor, and develop third-party vendors and maintenance partners on SkyChefs fleet maintenance standards, processes, and expectations.
• Support performance management, talent development, and career growth initiatives through the Global Performance System (GPS) and other development programs.
• Champion company values, leadership principles, and a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Develop, manage, and control fleet maintenance budgets, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Drive cost-effective maintenance strategies while maintaining safety, compliance, and service reliability.
• Support and participate in key company initiatives, including Global Quality Standards (GQS), HACCP, Lean Manufacturing, Employee Safety, and other operational excellence programs.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent knowledge preferred
• In addition, five to seven years of fleet management or related work experience required
• Proven analytical, verbal and leadership skills
• Strong interpersonal, written, organizational and communication skills
• Ability to develop and lead others to obtain desired results and achieve budget
• Working knowledge of OSHA, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), FDA, USDA and Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) regulations
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel and Windows-based computer application
• Expert knowledge of fleet maintenance CMMS systems such as EBIS, Maintainx, Fleetio, etc.
• ASE, dealer or technical school training certification highly preferred
• Must be able to obtain a CDL within 180 days of hire