Head Mechanic | Torchora

🎯 Role Definition

The Head Mechanic serves as the technical cornerstone and leader of the maintenance department. This individual is not just an expert technician but also a mentor, supervisor, and strategic planner responsible for the entire lifecycle of fleet assets. The core purpose of this role is to ensure the safety, reliability, and optimal performance of all company vehicles and equipment. By leading a team of mechanics, managing shop operations, and implementing robust maintenance programs, the Head Mechanic directly impacts operational uptime, cost control, and regulatory compliance, making them a critical partner in the organization's success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Automotive/Diesel Technician
Lead Mechanic / Shop Foreman
Master Technician

Advancement To:

Fleet Manager / Director of Fleet Operations
Service Manager
Maintenance Superintendent / Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Technical Trainer
Quality Control Supervisor
Fleet Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Oversee and manage the daily operations of the vehicle maintenance and repair shop, ensuring a safe, efficient, and organized workflow from job intake to completion.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanics and technicians, providing technical guidance, hands-on training, and performance feedback to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Diagnose the most complex mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic failures on a diverse fleet of vehicles and heavy equipment using advanced diagnostic software and tools.
Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive preventative maintenance (PM) schedules to maximize vehicle uptime, reduce unexpected breakdowns, and extend asset lifecycles.
Manage the shop's inventory of parts, tools, and supplies, including sourcing, procurement, and cost-control measures to maintain operational readiness within budgetary constraints.
Serve as the final quality control checkpoint, personally inspecting complex repairs and all major work to guarantee it meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications and safety standards.
Ensure the maintenance department operates in full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including DOT, OSHA, and EPA standards.
Function as the primary technical expert and point of escalation for challenging diagnostic and repair problems, providing direct, hands-on assistance to technicians when needed.
Maintain meticulous and accurate service records, work orders, and compliance documentation using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Communicate effectively with drivers, equipment operators, and other department managers to understand vehicle issues, provide clear status updates, and coordinate service schedules to minimize operational disruptions.
Manage relationships with external vendors for parts and specialized repair services, negotiating pricing and ensuring service level agreements are met.
Prepare and administer the maintenance department's operational budget, diligently tracking all expenditures and identifying opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality.
Stay current with emerging automotive technologies, diagnostic techniques, and industry best practices through ongoing professional development, certifications, and training.
Champion and enforce a robust safety program within the shop, conducting regular safety meetings, ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintaining a hazard-free work environment.
Evaluate the performance of all shop personnel, conducting formal performance reviews, providing constructive feedback, and recommending promotions or disciplinary actions as appropriate.
Prioritize and delegate the daily workload, assigning tasks to technicians based on their individual skill sets, job complexity, and the urgency of operational needs.
Investigate and document vehicle accidents and significant equipment failures to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
Provide expert technical input during the specification and acquisition process for new vehicles and equipment, advising on reliability, maintainability, and total cost of ownership.
Develop and codify Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for common and critical repair tasks to ensure consistency, quality, and safety across the team.
Manage the proper handling and disposal of all hazardous materials, such as used oil, antifreeze, and batteries, in strict accordance with environmental regulations.

Secondary Functions

Analyze historical maintenance data from the CMMS to identify trends in component failures, recurring issues, and vehicle downtime, providing data-driven insights for strategic planning.
Contribute to the organization's long-term fleet management strategy by providing expert advice on vehicle replacement cycles, new vehicle specifications, and telematics implementation.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Finance, and Safety, to align maintenance activities with overarching business objectives and key performance indicators.
Participate in regular operational planning and safety committee meetings, representing the maintenance department's perspective and contributing technical expertise.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Diagnostics Expertise (Complex mechanical, electrical, electronic, and hydraulic systems)
Fleet Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) Proficiency
Diesel and Gasoline Engine Systems Mastery (Including after-treatment systems like DPF and SCR)
Proficiency with OEM and Aftermarket Computerized Diagnostic Tools (e.g., scanners, laptops, software)
Drivetrain, Suspension, and Air/Hydraulic Brake Systems Expertise
Welding and Metal Fabrication Skills (MIG, Stick)
HVAC System Diagnosis and Repair (EPA 609 Certification is often required)
Inventory Control and Parts Management
In-depth Knowledge of DOT, OSHA, and EPA Regulations
Budgeting, Forecasting, and Financial Acumen

Soft Skills

Leadership and Team Management
Mentoring, Coaching, and Training
Advanced Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Clear and Effective Communication (Verbal and Written)
Time Management and Workload Prioritization
Strong Interpersonal Skills and Conflict Resolution
High Attention to Detail and Quality Focus
Adaptability and Resilience in a fast-paced environment
Customer Service Orientation
Decision-Making under pressure

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED combined with a diploma/certificate from a technical or vocational school in automotive or diesel technology.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree (A.A.S.) in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Automotive Technology
Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

A minimum of 8-12 years of progressive, hands-on experience in vehicle and/or heavy equipment maintenance and repair.

Preferred:

3-5+ years of experience in a supervisory capacity, such as a Lead Technician or Shop Foreman role.
ASE Master Technician Certification (Automotive or Medium-Heavy Truck) is highly preferred and often required.
Experience managing a budget and working with a CMMS.