Hands-On Lead: Heavy-Duty Diesel Shop Manager

Cogent Analytics; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogent Talent Solutions client seeks a Heavy-Duty Diesel Shop Manager to lead operations at a satellite repair facility in the Philadelphia area. The shop handles front-loaded cement mixers and tri-axle dump trucks, with two technicians when fully staffed.

You will diagnose repair needs, guide technicians on service orders, manage daily workflow, monitor productivity, and ensure quality standards using Cummins, PACCAR, Snap-on and JPRO diagnostic tools.

Qualifications

• Class A driver’s license preferred.
• Experience in heavy-duty diesel repair and diagnostics.
• Prior leadership or shop management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of satellite shop with two technicians.
• Diagnose repairs and assist technicians on service orders.
• Coordinate daily shop schedule and workflow.
• Monitor technician productivity and shop performance.
• Maintain quality control and safety standards.

Skills

Heavy-Duty repair

Leadership

Shop management

Diagnostics

Time management

Education

Class A CDL

Tools

Cummins

PACCAR

Snap-on

JPRO

Job description

Our client is a family-owned and operated truck and trailer repair shop specializing in dedicated fleet maintenance, with a focus on the car hauling industry. They are fully equipped to handle all aspects of heavy-duty repair, offering top-tier diagnostic tools and a professional, supportive work environment.

Our client is seeking a qualified Heavy-Duty Diesel Shop Manager to lead operations at a satellite repair facility specializing in dedicated fleet maintenance. This role requires a hands-on leader with the ability to diagnose required repairs and assist technicians in completing service orders while ensuring efficient shop operations. The facility consists of a two-bay shop that operates with a team of two technicians and a manager when fully staffed. The shop primarily services front-loaded cement mixers and tri-axle dump trucks, while also handling a wide range of heavy-duty repair work across the commercial truck industry.

Responsibilities:

Manage day-to-day operations of the satellite shop location and maintain a fully staffed team of two active technicians.

Provide hands-on leadership by diagnosing repair needs and assisting technicians with the completion of service orders when necessary.

Coordinate the daily shop schedule and workflow to ensure efficient service operations.

Monitor technician productivity and shop performance to meet company benchmarks for labor hours and billed service time.

Maintain quality control standards and ensure all work meets company and industry expectations.

Utilize OEM diagnostic platforms and industry-standard tools, including Cummins and PACCAR diagnostic systems, as well as Snap-on, JPRO, and other required diagnostic equipment.

Manage shop inventory levels and maintain organization of tools and equipment.

Order special-order parts as required to complete service orders and maintain workflow.

Communicate regularly with company leadership regarding shop performance, operational updates, and improvement opportunities.

Qualifications:

Valid Class A driver’s license (Preferred)

Previous experience in heavy-duty diesel repair, with the ability to diagnose and assist with complex mechanical and electrical issues.

Prior leadership or shop management experience preferred.

Strong knowledge of heavy-duty truck diagnostics, including experience with OEM diagnostic software such as Cummins and PACCAR systems.

Familiarity with industry diagnostic platforms such as Snap-on, JPRO, or equivalent tools.

Ability to manage workflow, technicians, and shop productivity in a fast-paced service environment.

Strong organizational and communication skills.

Valid driver’s license required.

Ability to consistently arrive on time and maintain a reliable work schedule.

Willingness to work a standard schedule of approximately 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM, with flexibility as operational needs require.

Must be able to pass random and incident-based drug and alcohol screenings in accordance with company policies.

$40 - $45 an hour