Suburban Automotive Services is seeking a driven, hands-on Fixed Operations Director to lead the daily operation of our new Ford Vehicle Customization Center in Kansas City. This leader will build and manage a high-performing shop that consistently delivers safe, high-quality, dealer-ready Ford vehicles. The Fixed Operations Director owns the day-to-day shop operation from technician assignments, workflow and production priorities to quality, staffing, training, productivity, and vehicle turnaround. A critical part of this role is building a strong technician team through effective hiring, coaching, training, clear expectations, and accountability. Success means creating a safe, productive operation that develops capable people, delivers consistent quality, and operates through disciplined, repeatable systems rather than constant firefighting. What You Will Do Build the Kansas City Operation Assist with all aspects of site startup, including facility readiness, staffing, systems implementation, training, customer launch activities, and operational readiness. Establish the processes, operating rhythms, performance expectations, and culture needed to successfully launch and sustain the new operation. Partner cross-functionally with Human Resources, Safety, IT, Finance, Purchasing, and other support functions to ensure successful startup and ongoing performance. Own the Daily Shop Operation Own technician workload, daily production priorities, shop scheduling, and work assignments. Review incoming vehicles and upfit work orders and prioritize work based on customer requirements, production demands, available resources, and completion timelines. Direct the vehicle customization process from vehicle receipt and inspection through upfit, quality verification, secure storage, and final release. Own shop workflow and work sequencing, identifying and removing bottlenecks that impact productivity, quality, or turnaround time. Monitor staffing levels, schedules, workload, tools, equipment, and other resources to keep work moving efficiently. Build repeatable shop processes that improve productivity, quality, safety, and consistency. Build & Develop a High-Performing Technician Team Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, train, and retain skilled technicians and operations team members. Develop technicians through hands-on coaching, training, regular feedback, and clear performance expectations. Match technician skills and capabilities with work assignments to maximize quality and productivity. Build technician capability and versatility to meet changing production demands. Establish a shop culture where technicians take ownership for safety, workmanship, productivity, and the quality of every vehicle. Monitor individual and team performance and address attendance, productivity, quality, or skill gaps quickly and consistently. Develop frontline leaders and future talent through coaching and expanded responsibility. Own Quality & Vehicle Readiness Own quality control throughout the customization process and ensure vehicles are truly complete and ready for release. Ensure vehicle customization and upfit work meets Ford requirements, approved work instructions, company quality standards, and customer expectations. Establish effective quality checkpoints and minimize defects and rework. Identify recurring quality issues, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions. Maintain accountability for vehicle condition and protection throughout the customization process. Drive Shop Performance Monitor key shop metrics including technician productivity, vehicle throughput, quality, rework, turnaround time, staffing, overtime, and on-time completion. Use operating data to identify trends, anticipate issues, and improve shop performance. Balance technician staffing and available resources against production demand. Identify resource or capacity constraints early and take action before they impact production. Manage department costs within assigned budget and identify opportunities to improve productivity and efficiency. Lead the Team Set clear expectations and create accountability for individual and shop performance. Conduct regular team and safety meetings and maintain open communication throughout the operation. Provide ongoing coaching, recognition, and performance feedback. Complete performance reviews and development plans and address corrective action when necessary. Partner with Human Resources on workforce planning, recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, and talent development. Promote a team member-driven culture with a strong focus on safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Support the Ford Vehicle Customization Program Ensure daily operations comply with Ford Vehicle Customization Program requirements. Communicate effectively with Ford, authorized dealers, and internal leadership regarding vehicle status, production priorities, operational issues, and timelines. Maintain accurate operational records, reporting, and required documentation. Support customer meetings, operational reviews, audits, and continuous improvement activities as needed. Who You Are A proven shop leader who understands how to organize people and work in a fast-paced automotive service or production environment. A strong people leader who can coach, develop, motivate, and hold technicians accountable. Operationally disciplined—you know how to prioritize work, schedule technicians, manage workflow, and keep vehicles moving. Technically curious with sound automotive judgment and a desire to understand how work is performed, why problems occur, and how processes can be improved. You don't need to be the best technician in the shop, but you need enough technical credibility to effectively lead technicians and challenge the operation. Comfortable using shop KPIs and technician productivity measures to drive performance. A problem solver who looks for root causes and sustainable solutions rather than repeatedly fighting the same fires. Comfortable being visible on the shop floor and leading from where the work happens. Able to thrive in a startup environment where building the team, processes, and culture is part of the opportunity. Qualifications 5-7+ years of progressive leadership experience in automotive service, fixed operations, vehicle upfitting, fleet service, or a comparable technical shop environment. Previous experience as a Fixed Operations Director, Service Director, Service Manager, Shop Manager, or similar automotive leadership role strongly preferred. Proven experience leading and developing automotive technicians or skilled trades team members. Demonstrated ability to manage technician workload, shop workflow, productivity, quality, staffing, and operational performance. Experience working within a dealership service operation or with an automotive OEM is highly valued. Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Strong technical aptitude and ability to quickly learn Ford vehicle customization processes, equipment, systems, and technology. Ability to analyze operating data and translate it into action. Valid driver's license. What Will Put You Ahead Leadership experience in dealership fixed operations or service management. Experience managing a high-volume automotive service department or technician workforce. Experience with Ford vehicles, Ford dealerships, or another automotive OEM. Experience with vehicle customization, accessories, upfitting, or aftermarket operations. Demonstrated success improving technician productivity, shop throughput, quality, or turnaround time. Experience building or launching a new shop, department, or operation. Experience developing technicians into more capable roles or future leaders. Working Conditions & Physical Demands Regular movement between office, shop, vehicle staging, and operational areas. Ability to work in a fast-paced automotive shop environment with exposure to typical shop noise, vehicle exhaust, tools, equipment, and varying temperatures. Ability to safely navigate and monitor vehicle customization and production areas. Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling associated with normal shop operations. Ability to work extended hours when needed to support facility startup and operational demands.

Pay:

$80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Referral program Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person