Shop Manager

Gardner Builders Job Opportunity

At Gardner, we believe commercial construction should feel as welcoming as it is professional. That's why we don't just build and renovate, we build relationships, rooted in hospitality. Our mission is to set the platinum standard for our clients, partners, and team members by delivering exceptional results while embodying our core values: passion, humility, excellence, empathy, and nimbleness. We bring a hospitality-driven approach to every project, ensuring that every interaction is thoughtful, responsive, and human-centered.

Who You Are

You're someone who takes pride in being the person others can count on. You notice when something is out of place, take initiative to fix it, and enjoy creating order in environments where a lot is happening at once. You appreciate variety in your work and don't mind shifting between the shop and the field as priorities change. Whether you're organizing inventory, delivering tools to a project site, or helping prepare a jobsite for construction activities, you're energized by supporting the team's success. You value safety, enjoy working with your hands, and understand that the details matter. Most importantly, you're someone who leads through action, demonstrates humility, and treats others with respect.

How You'll Contribute

Shop Operations & Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate inventory of tools, equipment, and materials.
• Receive, inspect, clean, and organize incoming tools and deliveries.
• Prepare tools, equipment, and materials for project teams and jobsite deliveries.
• Track inventory levels and maintain equipment records using established systems.
• Coordinate local purchasing activities and maintain relationships with suppliers.
• Perform basic maintenance and repairs on tools and equipment, coordinating additional repairs as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop environment.
• Plan and coordinate deliveries to support project schedules and field operations.

Field & Jobsite Support

• Assist with job site setup, including fencing, signage, laydown areas, and safety installations.
• Support project teams with material staging, site organization, debris removal, and general labor.
• Maintain dust control and site cleanliness, particularly in occupied or sensitive environments.
• Safely operate hand tools, power tools, and equipment required for assigned work.
• Follow all safety requirements, use proper PPE, and help maintain a safe job site.
• Complete daily timecards accurately and come prepared with the tools needed for the day's work.
• Represent Gardner professionally by creating a welcoming, respectful experience for trade partners, clients, and visitors.
• Jump in wherever needed to keep projects moving and support the field team's success.

What Success Looks Like

• The shop is consistently clean, organized, safe, and ready to support project needs.
• Tools, equipment, and materials are accurately tracked, well-maintained, and available when needed.
• Deliveries arrive on time with the right materials, minimizing project delays.
• Project teams trust they can count on the shop for responsive, reliable support.
• Safety standards are consistently followed in both the shop and the field.
• Inventory, purchasing, and maintenance records remain accurate and up to date.
• Field teams receive timely support that helps keep projects productive and organized.
• You contribute to a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Bring

• Two or more years of experience in construction, skilled labor, shop operations, or a similar hands-on environment.
• Working knowledge of construction tools, equipment, materials, and safe operating practices.
• Experience organizing inventory, maintaining equipment, or coordinating materials.
• Strong planning and organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build positive working relationships with teammates, suppliers, and trade partners.
• Ability to safely perform physical work, including lifting up to 75 pounds and working in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record and the ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card.
• OSHA-10 certification required.

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience managing tools, equipment, inventory, or shop operations.
• Experience coordinating deliveries, logistics, or material movement.
• Strong relationships with local suppliers and vendors.
• Experience mentoring apprentices or less experienced team members.
• A proactive approach to identifying problems and solving them before they impact the team.
• The ability to seamlessly transition between shop responsibilities and field support based on project needs.
• A hospitality mindset and a genuine desire to support the success of others.

Why Join Gardner Builders?

We are proud to be recognized as:

• 8-Time "Best Places to Work" by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
• 6-Time "Top 150 Workplaces" by Minneapolis Star Tribune
• #1 Top Workplace in Construction by Star Tribune (2023)
• 4-Time "Best Workplace" by Inc Magazine
• "Best Places to Work" by Milwaukee Business Journal

Our culture-first approach encourages personal and professional growth, an EOS-led structure, and a commitment to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, challenged, and loves coming to work.

Benefits

• This is a non-union position.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, HSA with employer contribution, and 401(k) plan with employer contribution
• Ancillary Benefits: Company-paid basic life & AD&D insurance, company-paid long-term disability, company-paid employee assistance program, accident insurance, and critical illness insurance
• Perks: Paid parking or public transportation costs, company-provided phone, and laptop.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sabbatical leave, paid bereavement leave, paid parental leave, free onsite fitness facility, and regular company and team outings.

Interview Process

Our process typically includes three conversations (phone and in-person) to ensure a mutual fit.

Pre-Employment Screening

Drug screen and background check required.

Other Items to Note

• Gardner reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation for unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement.
• Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
• We are only considering local candidates at this time. We are unable to provide relocation assistance at this time.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This is a full-time, in-person role based in the Milwaukee, WI area.
• This role requires sustained physical activity and the ability to work comfortably in a variety of job site conditions.
• You'll regularly walk, stand, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and use your hands and arms in repetitive movements. You must be able to lift, push, pull, or carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds and work with tools and equipment such as hand tools, table saws, drill presses, hammers, saws, planers, and ladders. Climbing ladders, working on scaffolding, and maneuvering in tight or elevated spaces may be necessary, and physical exertion should be expected throughout the day.
• Visual and auditory awareness is essential for safety and communication.
• While performing these duties, you may be exposed to various weather conditions, including heat, cold, and humidity, depending on the season and job site.
• PPE is provided and required. All appropriate safety