Shop Foreman/Lead Technician

About Us

Messer Truck and Van is opening a new facility in Manchester, NH, and we're building the upfit team from the ground up. We're looking for a hands-on leader who can run the shop floor, deliver quality work on schedule, and help set the standard for how things get done in Manchester.

Position Summary

The Working Foreman provides day-to-day leadership of a team of 2 to 4 technicians and has overall responsibility for the upfitting of light trucks and vans at the Manchester facility. This is a player-coach role: you'll work on vehicles yourself every day while planning jobs, directing the crew, and making sure every upfit is built correctly, safely, and on time.

Key Responsibilities

Team leadership

• Lead, schedule, and direct 2 to 4 technicians on a daily basis
• Assign jobs based on technician skill, workload, and delivery dates
• Train and mentor technicians on installation methods, tools, and quality standards
• Keep the crew focused, accountable, and working safely
• Work with management on hiring, employee performance, and training needs

Upfit production and quality

• Oversee upfitting of light trucks and vans, such as ladder racks, interior shelving and bulkheads, lighting and electrical, liftgates, hitches, plow and equipment mounts, .
• Perform hands-on installation of bolt on parts and kits. This will include plug and play wiring and some custom work. No welding, metal fab or substantial paint work required.
• Review work orders, specs, and customer requirements before work begins, and clarify anything unclear
• Inspect completed vehicles for fit, finish, function, and safety. Hold entire team to robust quality standards.

Planning and workflow

• Plan and sequence upfit jobs to keep bays full and vehicles moving
• Track job progress and update management and sales/service staff on status, delays, or changes
• Coordinate parts and materials with parts staff to ensure smooth workflow.
• Help set up the new facility: bay layout, workflow, tool and equipment organization, and material staging

Safety and shop standards

• Enforce safety rules, PPE use, and compliance with OSHA and company policies
• Keep the shop clean, organized, and equipment in good working order
• Ensure accurate time tracking, work order documentation, and completed paperwork
• Confirm installations meet manufacturer guidelines and applicable regulations (for example, weight ratings and lighting requirements)

Qualifications

Required

• [4+] years of hands-on experience in truck and van upfitting, commercial vehicle equipment installation, or a closely related field
• Prior experience leading, training, or directing other technicians (formal or informal)
• Strong skills in some or all of: mechanical installation, 12V electrical and wiring and interpreting build specs with diagrams
• Forklift certification
• Ability to plan work, prioritize, and meet deadlines
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
• Clear communication and sound judgment

Preferred

• Experience with Fisher Plows, Adrian Steel, Ford, GM and Ram Cargo Vans, Buyers products, etc.
• Welding or fabrication certifications
• ASE or manufacturer/upfitter training
• Experience helping start up a shop or production area
• Familiarity with shop management or work order software

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tight or awkward positions
• Ability to lift 75 lbs and handle awkward components, equipment, and materials with proper technique or equipment
• Shop environment with noise, fumes, and varying temperatures

Why Choose Us? (Our Benefits Package)

We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package:

• Healthcare: Free health insurance plus deductible reimbursement!
• Financial Security: 401(k) with a 4% company match, Life Insurance, and AD&D.
• Health & Wellness: Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Perks: Employee discounts through major vendor partners

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $34.00 - $36.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Drivers License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person