Service Manager in Lexington, Kentucky at Black Equipment Company East Inc

About Black Equipment
We are a material handling company specializing in the sales, service, rental of forklifts and other material handling equipment. For decades we’ve built our reputation on reliable equipment, responsive service, and strong customer relationships. We’re looking for a hands-on Service Manager to lead our service operations and keep our customers’ equipment running safely and efficiently.

As Service Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of our service department, ensuring high-quality repairs, strong technician performance, and excellent customer satisfaction. You will also champion safety and compliance across service activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of technicians and support staff, including scheduling, coaching, performance management, and onboarding.
• Manage service workflow, work order prioritization, and resource allocation to meet customer needs and productivity goals.
• Ensure all repairs, maintenance, and pre-delivery inspections meet manufacturer standards, company quality standards, and safety requirements.
• Partner with sales, parts, and rental teams to support equipment uptime and customer retention.
• Drive safety compliance in the service department (OSHA, ANSI/ITSDF B56.1, lockout/tagout, proper jacking/blocking, PPE, and shop practices).
• Investigate service-related incidents or near-misses, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor key service metrics (technician productivity, first-time fix rates, cycle time, customer satisfaction, and safety performance).
• Maintain accurate documentation for work orders, training, and compliance.
• Support emergency preparedness and response related to service operations.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to lead and grow a service team in a stable, established company.
• Competitive pay and benefits package.
• Company vehicle or mileage reimbursement (if applicable).
• Supportive ownership and a culture that values accountability and long-term relationships.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience managing a service department or team in material handling, forklift, or equipment repair (or similar industrial service environment).
• Strong knowledge of forklift/material handling equipment and service processes.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and industry safety standards.
• Leadership skills with the ability to coach technicians, hold teams accountable, and build a positive, safety-focused culture.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills; comfortable working with customers, technicians, and management.
• Experience with service software/work order systems is a plus.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.

Benefits and Compensation

• Competitive pay (based on experience)
• Day shift, M-F
• Weekly pay with direct deposit and an APP you can use to monitor pay and benefits.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family.
• Short-Term Disability (company paid)
• Long-Term Disability (company paid)
• Life Insurance Policy (company paid)
• 401K with matching contribution (1/2 up to 4%)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) after 90 days.
• Bereavement time.