Challenger Motor Freight Inc.

Vice President, Maintenance

Maintenance - Cambridge, ON, Canada - Full Time


Envision:

Working for a company dedicated to personal career growth and opportunity in moving the organization forward. Challenger Motor Freight Inc. is a Platinum Club Member in Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies. Our success is directly attributed to our dedicated and talented team of professionals who work hard together with a common purpose – to keep us on the leading edge in safety, technology, and analysis.

It’s not by chance that Challenger is a leading North American freight transportation company. In 40 years, Challenger has grown from one person with a vision and a truck to an international transportation and supply chain management company.

We win as a team when we work as a team, and succeed when our employees succeed. We want people who are resilient, team-oriented, and driven because we are laser focused on meeting commitments to our People, Customer, and Profit. If you’re looking to work for a dynamic, fast-paced, progressive organization then apply with us.

We offer the following in our search for engaged employees looking to become part of a successful team:

  • A continuous learning environment that develops your individual career goals
  • A continuous improvement environment where all ideas are explored
  • Engaged coaches and mentors who will provide guidance but also allow autonomy
  • Team atmosphere
  • Competitive and comprehensive total rewards package including company paid group benefits and company sponsored retirement savings plan
  • Support of professional memberships and certifications
  • Standard office hours; Monday to Friday from approximately 8:00am to 5:00pm
  • Travel within Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia to our maintenance facilities is required (10-15%)

The Opportunity:

 
The Vice President, Maintenance is responsible for strategically overseeing and optimizing the cost and effectiveness of Challenger’s five shop locations and one TLS facility. This role ensures maintenance activities align with organizational goals, prioritizing resource allocation and spending. A key focus of this position is to develop the maintenance leadership team, drive operational efficiencies, and leverage retail maintenance experience to generate revenue and enhance customer satisfaction.

Key Accountabilities:


Maintenance KPI Objectives
  • Lead and manage all maintenance key performance indicators while overseeing the day-to-day operations of Challenger’s five maintenance facilities (Cambridge, London, Saint-Rémi, Abbotsford) and one TLS maintenance facility (Windsor), ensuring efficient resolution of operational issues.
  • Direct priorities to the maintenance leadership to ensure 95% of Challenger’s Tractor Trailer fleet is available for dispatch 24/7.
  • Drive revenue growth through retail maintenance operations and Owner Operator maintenance services.
  • Maximize warranty recovery opportunities from all OEM suppliers.
  • Act as the primary resource on truck and trailer specifications, leading procurement cycles via the RFP process to meet business needs.
  • Ensure all facilities operate safely and efficiently, with a focus on cost reduction without compromising fleet performance.
  • Deliver exceptional customer service through the maintenance department, ensuring internal and external stakeholders’ needs are met.
  • Build and manage a fiscally responsible annual operating budget and oversee the department's profit and loss (P&L), supporting strategic business planning and ensuring operational success.
  • Maintain vendor relationships for asset purchases, disposals, used equipment sales, and lease returns. Make critical decisions regarding high-cost repairs, equipment lifecycle, and warranty exceptions.
  • Collaborate closely with the Leadership Team, Equipment Control, and business unit leaders to address maintenance needs and achieve business results.
Departmental Operation / Processes
  • Consults with Maintenance leaders and Senior Leadership to ensure best practices are aligned with Company’s goals / visions; provides guidance to People Leaders on maintenance functions, issues, and projects.
  • Oversees Maintenance department, sets SMART goals and objectives, monitoring progress, and ensuring clear documentation of processes for seamless transitions and resource allocation.
  • Acts as a strategic business partner across all maintenance terminals; partners with these individuals to identify and implement maintenance best practices and efficiencies.
  • Manages and coaches the maintenance leadership team, promoting problem-solving, relationship-building, and team motivation to achieve departmental objectives.
  • Ensures that all processes have been accurately documented to allow for smoother transitions and resource allocation.
  • Ensure that the Maintenance leadership team is properly trained to perform duties and monitor progress.
  • Problem solve and provide solutions to refine and improve on departmental goals and procedures.
Various
  • Promote and enforce a strong health and safety culture within the maintenance department, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures.
  • Lead the implementation and sustainability of the 5S program to improve department organization and cleanliness.
  • Collaborate with internal and external customers to deliver solution-driven resolutions for maintenance-related challenges.
  • Engage with local high schools and post-secondary institutions to promote transportation careers, focusing on trades like Truck and Coach Technician (310T), Truck Trailer Service Technician (310J), and Parts Technician (240P).
  • Represent Challenger at industry meetings and associations to stay informed and influence the industry landscape.
  • Performs other duties as required.

What You Need To Be Successful In This Role:

  • Minimum 7-10 years of experience in maintenance leadership roles, with at least 5 years at the senior management or VP level in the transportation or retail maintenance industry.
  • Post-secondary degree and /or coursework in Business Administration or Commerce is preferred. Equivalent experience may also be considered.
  • Experience in a maintenance/retail shop environment.
  • Licensed Mechanic with 310T or 310J Red Seal Certification is an asset.
  • AZ license and heavy equipment operator is an asset.
  • Strong knowledge of the Ontario, BC, and Quebec trucking markets is an asset.
  • Experience managing remote employees and multiple locations is an asset.
  • Strong business knowledge of North American transportation and fleet maintenance.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, relationship building and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of staff.
  • Ability to lead and coach employees to utilize their strengths and further develop themselves personally and professionally.
  • Strong attention to detail with a mechanical aptitude.
  • Intermediate Microsoft Office, computer and telephone skills.
  • Creative and effective problem-solving ability.
  • Strong financial and business acumen.
  • Experience with financial statements and ability to understand financials for business decision making
  • Ability to read and understand operational reports and metrics to make effective decisions.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment and turn multiple sources of data into effective information for making decisions to benefit the business.
  • Ability to work independently and also in a team environment.
  • Strong customer focus.
  • Detail oriented with the ability to effectively prioritize and multi-task in a busy environment.
  • Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
  • Proactive attitude and takes initiative to prevent issues.
  • Well-organized, enthusiastic, professional and a positive team member.
  • Reliable, dependable with an entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Possession of a valid license and a suitable vehicle (travel required).
  • Travel within Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia to our maintenance facilities is required (10-15%).

How To Apply:

If you are looking to join a premier transportation company, and become an integral part of results oriented team who constantly challenge themselves to Go The Distance for our customers and for each other, the role of Vice President, Maintenance may be right for you.

No phone calls, please. We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Challenger Motor Freight Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and aboriginal peoples. By submitting your resume, you consent Challenger Motor Freight Inc. to share this information within its divisions in order to identify other employment opportunities that you may be suitable for.
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