Shop Foreman

Federal Signal; Elmhurst (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vacation & Paid Personal days

401(k) Employer Matching

Job summary

Joe Johnson Equipment (JJE), operating as Standard Equipment in Elmhurst, Illinois, seeks a Shop Foreman to oversee daily service shop workflow, assign work based on skill and priority, and provide technical guidance to technicians and apprentices.

You will monitor productivity, maintain safety standards, and collaborate with Service, Parts, and Operations to minimize downtime while delivering exceptional customer service. Requires 3–5 years in relevant field and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in heavy equipment, construction or automotive parts and/or service environment.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and Work Order systems.
• Mechanical aptitude or previous exposure to heavy equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to work well with individuals within and outside of the organization.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and prioritize daily shop activities, assigning work based on technician skill level, workload, and repair urgency.
• Monitor work order progress and adjust schedules to ensure efficient turnaround times and minimal equipment downtime.
• Monitor shop productivity and labor utilization, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and workflow performance.
• Collaborate with Service, Parts, and Operations teams to maintain a smooth workflow and resolve operational bottlenecks.
• Lead, coach, and support technicians and apprentices, providing guidance to promote productivity, quality, and professional growth.
• Act as the shop's primary technical resource, offering direction on complex diagnostics, repair processes, and manufacturer best practices.

Skills

Computer skills

Mechanical aptitude

Verbal & written communication

Prioritization & organization

Reading safety manuals

Education

High School Diploma

Diesel mechanics certificate / associates degree asset

Job description

The Shop Foreman is responsible for overseeing the daily workflow of the service shop, coordinating and assigning work to technicians based on skill level, workload, and job priority. This operational leadership role provides technical guidance and support to technicians, monitors repair quality and productivity, ensures work is completed safely and efficiently, and promotes compliance with company and manufacturer standards. The Shop Foreman works closely with the Service, Parts, and Operations teams to optimize shop performance, minimize downtime, support technician development, and deliver exceptional service to customers.

Position Responsibilities

Shop Operations & Workflow:

• Coordinate and prioritize daily shop activities, assigning work based on technician skill level, workload, and repair urgency.
• Monitor work order progress and adjust schedules to ensure efficient turnaround times and minimal equipment downtime.
• Monitor shop productivity and labor utilization, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and workflow performance.
• Collaborate with Service, Parts, and Operations teams to maintain a smooth workflow and resolve operational bottlenecks.
• Lead, coach, and support technicians and apprentices, providing guidance to promote productivity, quality, and professional growth.
• Act as the shop's primary technical resource, offering direction on complex diagnostics, repair processes, and manufacturer best practices.
• Support onboarding, training, and skill development initiatives to build a strong, capable service team.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement focused on safety, efficiency, quality workmanship, and customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate with Service Advisors, Parts personnel, and other internal departments to support efficient shop operations and timely service completion.
• Ensure repair updates, changing priorities, and additional work requirements are communicated accurately and promptly to the appropriate stakeholders.
• Facilitate the smooth flow of information, equipment, and resources to help meet customer expectations and operational objectives.
• Support a positive customer experience by helping ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established quality standards.

Safety, Shop Standards & Equipment Management:

• Promote and enforce compliance with company safety policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
• Ensure technicians use appropriate PPE, tools, equipment, and shop resources safely and in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain high standards of shop organization, housekeeping, and facility readiness to support efficient operations.
• Oversee the availability, condition, inspection, and maintenance of shop equipment and specialty tools, ensuring damaged or unsafe equipment is removed from service.
• Identify opportunities to improve shop safety, tooling, equipment, and workplace processes to enhance productivity, quality, and operational performance.

Total Rewards

• Anticipated Salary Range: $75,000.00-$90,000.00 - based on education and experience
• Annual Performance Review with Salary Increase Opportunity
• Premium Health Insurance Benefits
• Vacation & Paid Personal days
• 401(k) Employer Matching

Status: Permanent

Schedule: Monday-Friday

Direct Reports: ~15

Travel: Minimal - some local travel to customers

What You Bring

• 3-5 years' experience in heavy equipment, construction or automotive parts and/or service environment
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and Work Order systems
• Mechanical aptitude or previous exposure to heavy equipment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to work well with individuals within and outside of the organization
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Ability to prioritize and organize workload in a fast-paced environment
• Basic mathematical skills
• Able to work efficiently as a part of a team as well as independently
• Detail-oriented individual with a strong work ethic and positive team attitude

Additional Requirements:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Technical certification or associates degree in diesel mechanics or related field an asset
• Valid driver's license with a clean driver's record for operational purposes
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check in accordance with applicable laws
• Shop, yard, warehouse, and office settings. May include occasional lifting, walking in yard/shop environments, and outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

Who We Are

Joe Johnson Equipment (JJE), operating as Standard Equipment in Elmhurst, Illinois, is a leading distributor of public works equipment across the USA and Canada. We support municipalities and contractors with equipment such as vacuum trucks, refuse and recycling vehicles, street sweepers, and sewer inspection systems.

We are a proud subsidiary of Federal Signal Corporation.

Our Core Values: Leadership, Customer Excellence, Integrity, Inspiration, Teamwork, Innovation, and Ambition

Accommodation is available upon request throughout the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.