Production Service Writer - Olathe, KS

CraneWorks; Olathe (KS); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Job summary

CraneWorks in Olathe, KS is seeking a Production Service Writer to coordinate customer repair, fabrication, modification and production work from initial request through completion. This clerical role acts as a liaison among customers, Welders, Production Technicians, Engineering, Parts and other internal departments, ensuring accurate work orders and timely updates.

The successful candidate will maintain production work orders, track progress, document approvals, and communicate scope changes

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in clerical, service writing, or production coordination preferred.
• Familiarity with fabrication, welding, and production processes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily production activities and priorities with the Production Manager.
• Open, maintain, monitor, and close production work orders accurately and timely.
• Coordinate workflow among Welders, Production Technicians, Engineering, Parts and other support functions.
• Track active production jobs and ensure work progresses per priorities and commitments.
• Schedule jobs based on labor and material availability and deadlines.
• Identify delays or scope changes and communicate them to the Production Manager.
• Maintain visibility of work-in-process and approval status.
• Provide updates on job status, estimates, changes, and timelines to customers.
• Obtain customer authorization before proceeding with additional work when required.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Parts and Purchasing for technical needs and material delivery.

Skills

Strong organization

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Customer service mindset

Team collaboration

Reading technical drawings

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Karmak

ERP systems

Job description

Position: Production Service Writer - Olathe, KS

Location: Olathe, KS

Job Id: 716

# of Openings: 1

Job Title: Production Service Writer

Reports to: Production Manager

Location: Olathe, KS

Department: Production

FLSA Status: Exempt

Travel: Minimal / As Needed

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Us

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, CraneWorks is a leading dealer of new and used truck-mounted and mobile crane equipment. The company provides manufacturer-backed service, extensive parts inventory, and a modern bare rental fleet across a national footprint including multiple full-service locations.

CraneWorks serves a diverse range of industrial sectors, including construction, oil & gas, utilities, transportation, forestry, and renewable energy. With revenues approaching $250 million, the company has established itself as a top dealer in its markets and continues to expand through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

In 2023, Equity Group Investments (EGI) made a significant investment in CraneWorks, supporting the company’s continued growth and operational excellence. Backed by private equity, CraneWorks offers a fast-paced, performance-driven environment with significant opportunities for professional impact and advancement.

Job Summary

The Production Service Writer is a clerical and coordination role supporting the Production Department and reporting directly to the Production Manager. The position coordinates customer repair, fabrication, modification, and production work from initial request through completion and serves as a key liaison among customers, Welders, Production Technicians, Engineering, Parts, and other internal departments.

The Production Service Writer is responsible for maintaining production work orders, coordinating estimates and customer approvals, tracking job progress, communicating changes in scope or timing, and helping ensure completed work is accurately documented and invoiced. The role requires strong organization, communication, follow-through, and the ability to manage multiple active jobs in a production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Production Manager in coordinating daily production activities and priorities.
• Open, maintain, monitor, and close production work orders accurately and timely.
• Coordinate workflow and communication among Welders, Production Technicians, Engineering, Parts, and other support functions.
• Track active production jobs and help ensure work progresses according to established priorities and customer commitments.
• Schedule jobs based on labor availability, technical requirements, material availability, engineering needs, and customer deadlines.
• Identify production delays, material shortages, engineering questions, scope changes, or other barriers and promptly communicate them to the Production Manager.
• Maintain visibility of work-in-process, outstanding customer approvals, engineering requirements, parts and material needs, and anticipated completion dates.
• Participate in production meetings and provide updates regarding job status, open items, delays, and customer commitments.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for customers regarding production, fabrication, repair, and modification work.
• Provide timely and professional updates regarding job status, estimated completion dates, additional work requirements, and changes in scope.
• Communicate estimates, change orders, additional findings, and revised completion timelines to customers.
• Obtain and document customer authorization before proceeding with additional work when required.
• Coordinate equipment arrival, pickup, delivery, or other customer-related logistics as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of customer communications, approvals, and commitments.
• Work with the Production Manager, Welders, Production Technicians, and Engineering to ensure estimates accurately reflect the anticipated scope of work.
• Document customer approvals, changes in scope, declined work, and other relevant communications.
• Review work orders for complete and accurate labor entries, materials, parts, outside services, freight, and other applicable charges.
• Follow up with employees and supervisors when job documentation is incomplete or unclear.
• Assist with ensuring completed work orders are closed and invoiced promptly.
• Maintain accurate customer, equipment, serial number, job scope, and production information in Company systems.
• Coordinate with Engineering when drawings, technical specifications, structural considerations, design changes, or other engineering support are required.
• Coordinate with Parts and Purchasing regarding required materials, components, and expected delivery dates.
• Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Strong organization and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple active work orders and competing priorities.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication with customers, production employees, Engineering, and management.
• Strong follow-through and sense of urgency in tracking open items, approvals, materials, and job status.
• Ability to understand and communicate basic technical information related to fabrication, welding, heavy equipment, and production work.
• Customer-service mindset with the ability to communicate changes in scope, cost, and completion timing professionally.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Welders, Production Technicians, Engineers, Parts personnel, and other departments.
• Working understanding of labor hours, materials, estimates, work orders, job costing, and invoicing.
• Ability to recognize potential production delays or documentation gaps and promptly communicate them to the Production Manager.

Experience & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical, vocational, or college coursework preferred.
• Prior clerical, service writing, production coordination, project coordination, or administrative experience in heavy equipment, crane, fabrication, welding, manufacturing, industrial service, or a similar environment preferred.
• General familiarity with fabrication, welding, mechanical repair, and production processes preferred.
• Ability to read and understand basic technical drawings, work scopes, and engineering documentation preferred.
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn ERP, service management, and work-order systems.
• Experience with Karmak or similar heavy-equipment/service management software is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple active jobs and changing priorities.

Physical & Environmental Requirements and ADA Compliance

This is primarily a clerical position with an office located within the production shop. The work environment is a hybrid of an office and active shop setting. Employees must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer, telephone, documentation, and other clerical duties.
• Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally stand and walk within the office and production shop to communicate with Welders, Production Technicians, Engineering personnel, and management.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of files, office supplies, or similar items weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering designated production or shop areas.
• Office work is generally performed in a climate-controlled environment; the shop environment may include exposure to noise, welding and fabrication activity, temperature changes, moving equipment, machinery, dust, fumes, and other conditions typical of an active heavy-equipment production facility.
• The position does not routinely require operation, climbing, inspection, or physical servicing of heavy equipment.
• Compliance with Company safety standards, shop rules, and applicable safety requirements is required.
• The Company will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Paid time off

CraneWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. CraneWorks is committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.