Shop Manager

Shop Manager – Manchester, NH Area

Location: Manchester, NH Area Schedule: Monday – Friday | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Expected Hours: 45–50 Hours per Week Salary Range: $85,000 – $95,000 annually, based on previous experience

First Student is now hiring a Shop Manager in the Manchester, NH area!

The Shop Manager is responsible for managing all location maintenance operations and providing leadership and oversight to shop personnel. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a fleet supporting local school districts throughout the region. The Shop Manager partners closely with operations leadership to ensure fleet readiness, regulatory compliance, technician development, and maintenance excellence.

If you are a hands-on maintenance leader who enjoys developing teams, driving operational performance, and maintaining a strong safety culture, we encourage you to apply.

At First Student, We Are Proud to Offer:

• Competitive salary of $85,000 – $95,000 annually
• Medical, Dental & Vision benefits
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match eligibility
• $10,000 Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Company-paid disability benefits
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Perk Spot Employee Discount Program offering savings on travel, entertainment, shopping, restaurants, electronics, cell phone plans, and more
• Employee wellness and assistance programs
• Tremendous career advancement opportunities across North America
• Positive and rewarding work environment
• Industry-leading training and development opportunities
• Stable employment with one of North America's largest transportation providers

Shop Manager Responsibilities

• Schedule and administer fleet maintenance activities
• Troubleshoot maintenance and equipment issues as needed
• Communicate vehicle availability with dispatch and operations teams
• Directly supervise maintenance technicians and shop personnel
• Hire, train, coach, develop, discipline, and evaluate shop employees
• Conduct performance reviews and support employee development initiatives
• Work closely with the Location Manager and Regional Maintenance leadership regarding maintenance status, operational needs, and budget requirements
• Review maintenance expenses, repair orders, and budget variances
• Ensure compliance with all company, state, federal, and DOT regulations
• Promote and maintain a safe working environment
• Review repair orders and maintenance documentation for accuracy and completeness
• Manage parts inventory and coordinate outside vendor repair services when necessary
• Support fuel management activities and oversee bus fueling operations
• Identify and implement initiatives that improve efficiency and reduce operating costs
• Ensure technicians are properly trained, equipped, and prepared to perform work safely and effectively
• Coordinate facility, building, and grounds maintenance activities as needed
• Perform hands-on maintenance work when required
• Complete special projects and additional assignments as directed

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Technical training preferred
• Valid driver's license required
• Willingness to obtain a CDL while employed (company-paid training provided)
• Willingness to participate in the ASE certification program (training, testing, and bonuses provided)
• Strong leadership and employee development skills
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities
• Strong computer proficiency and documentation skills
• Ability to effectively prioritize work in a fast-paced environment

Experience Requirements

• 5+ years of hands-on mechanical supervisory experience
• Experience managing maintenance operations, technicians, and fleet performance
• Experience repairing and maintaining diesel engines and commercial vehicle equipment is preferred
• School bus maintenance experience preferred but not required
• Experience managing budgets, maintenance schedules, and operational priorities preferred

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Maintenance shop environment
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, and kneeling
• Must be able to work in a crouched position or on a mechanic's dolly beneath vehicles when necessary
• May lift 20–50 pounds regularly
• Exposure to dirt, dust, grease, vehicle fluids, and varying temperatures
• Ability to work safely around heavy equipment and moving vehicles

Build a Career That Moves Communities

At First Student, our commitment to safety, dependability, and customer care creates an environment where you can thrive. As a Shop Manager, you will play a key role in maintaining the fleet that safely transports students every day while developing technicians and supporting operational success.

Apply today to join our team!

We aspire to have a culture where all people are First. We strive to attract and retain a diverse workforce; therefore, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace.

First for a reason:

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.