Shop Manager

PrimeFlight Aviation Services; Norfolk (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

PrimeFlight Aviation Services is seeking a GSE Shop Manager in Norfolk to oversee the maintenance and repair of ground support equipment such as tugs, belt loaders, and ground power units.

You will lead a team of skilled mechanics, implement preventive maintenance schedules, and ensure strict safety and regulatory compliance while driving quality and operational efficiency. The role requires strong leadership, a focus on SLAs, and effective customer coordination.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Valid state driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Communicate effectively in English (reading, writing, speaking).
• 5 years of experience managing a maintenance shop, preferably in aviation or related industry.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in team management and development.
• Ability to obtain necessary credentials and clearances (FAA, TSA, Port Authority, U.S. Customs etc.).
• Airlines are 24/7, so flexibility for nights, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily operations of the GSE maintenance and repair shop.
• Supervise and mentor a team of mechanics and technicians, fostering collaboration, safety and excellence.
• Develop, implement, and manage preventive maintenance schedules and procedures to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, industry standards, and company policies.
• Coordinate with other departments and external customers to align equipment availability and schedule maintenance.
• Build and manage customer relationships as the primary contact for inquiries and feedback.
• Track and report SLA, uptime, response times, and maintenance turnaround times to meet expectations.
• Manage inventory of spare parts, tools, and supplies to support maintenance activities.
• Enforce quality control to ensure high workmanship and consistent repairs.
• Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting when needed.
• Train staff on latest techniques, equipment, and safety protocols.
• Oversee budgeting and cost control to keep shop operations within budget.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities using the company system.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safety awareness

Team management

Job description

Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm, with some on-call

Must be willing to wrench 50% of the time

SUMMARY OVERVIEW

The Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Shop Manager is responsible for the oversight and efficient operation of the ground support equipment maintenance and repair workshop. This role involves managing a team of skilled mechanics and technicians, ensuring the timely repair, preventive maintenance, and overall reliability of equipment such as tugs, belt loaders, ground power units, and other critical assets. The GSE Shop Manager will also ensure that all activities adhere to strict safety standards and regulatory compliance while driving continuous improvements in quality and operational efficiency. Additionally, this role is key to maintaining strong customer relationships and delivering on performance metrics related to service level agreements (SLAs), equipment uptime, and response times.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage daily operations of the ground support equipment (GSE) maintenance and repair shop
• Supervise and mentor a team of mechanics and technicians, fostering a culture of collaboration, safety, and excellence
• Develop, implement, and manage preventive maintenance schedules and procedures to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, industry standards, and company policies
• Coordinate effectively with other departments and external customers to align equipment availability with operational needs and schedule maintenance work accordingly
• Build and manage customer relationships, serving as the primary point of contact for customer inquiries, requests, and feedback related to equipment maintenance
• Track and report on key performance metrics, such as service level agreements (SLAs), equipment uptime, response times, and maintenance turnaround times, ensuring that performance meets or exceeds customer expectations
• Manage inventory of spare parts, tools, and supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels to support uninterrupted maintenance activities
• Enforce quality control procedures, ensuring high standards of workmanship and consistency in repairs and maintenance
• Provide hands‑on technical support and troubleshooting assistance to the team when needed
• Train and develop staff, ensuring they are up to date on the latest techniques, equipment, and safety protocols
• Oversee budgeting and cost control, ensuring that shop operations stay within budget while optimizing resources
• Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, including work orders, costs, parts inventory, and performance metrics, using the company’s maintenance management system
• Stay updated on the latest technologies, tools, and best practices related to ground support equipment maintenance
• Perform any additional duties as assigned by management

QUALIFICATIONS

• 18 years of age or older
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Must have a valid state‑issued driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
• Communicate effectively in English (reading, writing, speaking)
• 5 years of experience in managing a maintenance shop, preferably in aviation or related industry
• Strong leadership skills with experience in team management and development
• Demonstrate regular, predictable attendance at job location
• In‑depth knowledge of mechanical systems, maintenance procedures, and safety regulations
• Ability to access and interpret information in print and electronically, including the use of electronic devices including IPads/Tablets, Computers, and Mobile Devices
• Effectively communicate with colleagues and clients, both in‑person and through electronic means
• Pass a background check and drug screen
• Eligibility to acquire needed credentials and clearances (FAA, TSA, Port Authority, U.S. Customs and U.S. Postal- as applicable)
• Airlines are 24/7, so we need our team members to be flexible to work various shifts including nights, weekends and holidays

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential requirement satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the work environment, knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential requirements.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY/WORKING CONDITIONS MAY INCLUDE:

• Ability to lift up to 70 pounds
• Prolonged standing and walking in an indoor/outdoor environment as applicable
• May need to reach with arms and grasp with hands
• May need to push, pull
• May need to crawl and crouch, at times, in confined tight spaces
• May need to bend, stretch, squat, kneel
• May need to climb and work at elevated heights
• Exposure to moderate and at times high noise levels
• Exposure to Biohazards and/or Chemicals
• Exposure to outdoor elements
• Be able to hear and respond to the spoken voice and to audible alarms
• Tasks may involve repetitive motions of the arms, wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Specific vision abilities required for this job include: Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less); distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more); peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen at and up or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point); depth perception (three‑dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships); ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

The pay rate listed on this post is what the company reasonably expects to pay for this position. However, individual compensation may vary based on factors including qualifications, skills, competencies, education, and experience.

PrimeFlight Aviation Services, Inc. is proudto be an equal‑opportunity employer. All applicants and employees are considered and evaluated for positions at PrimeFlight Aviation Service, Inc. without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state/province, and local laws.

Business Unit: GSE

Equal Opportunity Employer
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.