Lead Fleet Mechanic

US Foods; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

US Foods is seeking a Lead Fleet Mechanic to lead a team of technicians responsible for maintaining tractors, trailers, straight trucks, and material-handling equipment. You will diagnose complex issues, oversee repairs, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance across the fleet.

The role emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting, coaching of junior mechanics, and collaboration with transportation leadership to minimize downtime and support on-time deliveries.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a team of technicians in a heavy-duty fleet environment.
• Proven ability to diagnose and repair diesel engines, transmissions, brakes, suspensions, and electrical systems.
• Experience with preventive maintenance programs and safety/compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily shop activities, assign and review work orders, and mentor technicians.
• Perform advanced diagnostics and repairs on fleet equipment, including diesel engines and hydraulics.
• Monitor DOT/OSHA safety policies, maintain accurate maintenance documentation, and ensure on-time deliveries.
• Plan preventive maintenance schedules and optimize parts usage, coordinating with vendors as needed.

Skills

Heavy-duty fleet maintenance

Leadership / team supervision

Diagnostics & troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Safety compliance

Tools

Diagnostic software

Fleet maintenance tools

Job description

US Foods, one of America's leading foodservice distributors, is seeking a Lead Fleet Mechanic to support its Transportation & Logistics operations within the Automotive department. In this role, you will serve as the technical expert and working leader for a team of mechanics responsible for maintaining and repairing a diverse fleet of tractors, trailers, straight trucks, and material-handling equipment that keeps food and supplies moving to our approximately 300,000 restaurant and foodservice partners. You will perform and oversee complex diagnostics, repairs, and preventive maintenance while ensuring all fleet assets meet US Foods standards for safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

As the Lead Fleet Mechanic, you will coordinate daily shop activities, assign and review work orders, and provide hands-on guidance and coaching to other technicians. You will conduct advanced troubleshooting on diesel engines, transmissions, brake systems, suspensions, electrical and electronic components, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and, where applicable, refrigerated trailer units. Using diagnostic software and tools, you will identify root causes of failures, recommend corrective actions, and verify successful repairs.

You will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining compliance with all applicable DOT, OSHA, and company safety policies, performing and validating inspections, and ensuring that all documentation, including repair orders, inspection reports, and maintenance logs, is complete, accurate, and up to date in the fleet maintenance system. You will help plan and optimize preventive maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and support on-time deliveries, partnering closely with transportation leadership and drivers to prioritize work and respond to urgent breakdowns.

The Lead Fleet Mechanic will also assist in managing parts usage and inventory, coordinating with vendors and outside repair providers when needed, and helping to evaluate new tools, equipment, and maintenance processes. You will support an inclusive and team-oriented shop culture that reflects US Foods’ commitment to collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement by sharing technical knowledge, mentoring less-experienced mechanics, and helping to enforce safe work practices at all times.

This position is primarily on-site in a shop and yard environment, with frequent hands-on work around heavy equipment, exposure to the elements, and occasional roadside or off-site repairs. The ideal candidate brings strong technical skills in heavy-duty fleet maintenance, the ability to lead by example on the shop floor, and a customer-focused mindset that supports our internal stakeholders and helps US Foods continue to deliver exceptional service to its customers.