Equipment Manager

Dogwood Site Contractors is a full-service heavy civil contractor serving multiple industries across the Southeast. Established in 2021, Dogwood Site Contractors is committed to taking care of our people and our clients.

We are seeking an Equipment Manager to oversee our company’s equipment and vehicle assets, ensuring optimal reliability and performance in the field. Collaborating with leadership and the finance team, you will effectively manage asset procurement, maintenance schedules, and budgeting. This role requires proactively monitoring maintenance to minimize downtime, negotiating with vendors for high-quality service at competitive rates, and continuously evaluating equipment needs to support project commitments. Additionally, you will guide buy-versus-rent evaluations, forecast long-term repair and replacement costs, and directly lead our team of mechanics.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Asset Oversight

• Fleet Management: Oversee all company equipment and vehicles to ensure peak operational readiness for field projects.
• Condition Inspections: Conduct routine equipment inspections to proactively identify and address maintenance needs.

Procurement & Maintenance

• Strategic Procurement: Partner with leadership and finance to acquire assets that meet technical project specs and budget limits.
• Downtime Reduction: Monitor maintenance schedules closely to schedule repairs proactively and eliminate project interruptions.

Supplier Management

• Contract Negotiation: Secure service and repair agreements with vendors to ensure premium quality at competitive prices.
• Vendor Evaluation: Assess supplier performance regularly to optimize service quality and implement changes when necessary.

Equipment Needs Assessment

• Trend Analysis: Evaluate fleet requirements continuously against project pipelines, technology updates, and industry trends.
• Fleet Upgrades: Recommend strategic asset replacements and technology upgrades to boost on-site productivity.

Purchase vs. Rental Evaluation

• Acquisition Strategy: Advise leadership on buy-versus-rent choices based on project timelines, utilization data, and capital impact.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Run detailed financial models to choose the most profitable acquisition path for each project.

Forecasting & Budgeting

• Financial Planning: Collaborate with finance to forecast repair costs and capital expenditures for accurate annual budgeting.
• Expense Control: Track equipment spending and variances to uncover cost-saving opportunities and efficiency gains.

Mechanics Supervision

• Team Leadership: Direct, train, and support the mechanic team responsible for daily maintenance and complex repairs.
• Quality Standards: Enforce strict compliance with manufacturer guidelines, safety regulations, and industry maintenance standards.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

Education & Experience

• Degree or Equivalent: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Business, or a related field (relevant field experience accepted in lieu of a degree).
• Industry Background: Proven track record in equipment management, ideally within construction or manufacturing environments.

Technical & Operational Skills

• Fleet Operations: Deep knowledge of heavy equipment procurement, preventative maintenance programs, and vendor management.
• Financial Acumen: Strong proficiency in budgeting, financial forecasting, and running cost-benefit analyses.

Core Competencies

• Negotiation & Communication: Excellent skills in contract negotiation and managing relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Analytical Problem Solving: Data-driven mindset capable of tracking fleet metrics, spotting trends, and making informed decisions.
• Leadership Value: Natural ability to manage, motivate, and develop a technical team of mechanics.
• Safety Culture: Uncompromising commitment to safety regulations, quality control, and continuous operational improvement.

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time to meet the changing needs of the organization.