Installation Manager

Job Title: Installation Manager

Classification: Exempt

Salary Range: Based on Experience

Reports To: Principal

Job Summary: The Installation Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the shop and leading all installation personnel to ensure vehicle upfits are completed safely, efficiently, and to Blue Collar Customs’ standards. This role serves as the primary leader and point of contact for shop employees, providing direction, support, and real-time problem-solving to maintain productivity and morale.

In addition to managing workflow and build execution, the Installation Manager holds direct responsibility for personnel management within the shop. This includes hiring and onboarding installation staff, managing timecards and attendance, approving time-off requests, addressing performance and conduct issues, and participating in disciplinary actions and terminations when necessary. The role acts as the first point of escalation for employee concerns and is responsible for maintaining professionalism, accountability, and consistency across the team.

The Installation Manager also oversees shop resources and infrastructure, including tools, equipment, and supplies, and directly manages the Graphics Installer and Detailer. As the primary point of contact for safety-related matters, this role is responsible for enforcing safety protocols, addressing hazards, responding to incidents, and fostering a safe and compliant work environment.

Responsibilities & Duties:

· Day-to-Day Shop Operations: Oversee daily shop operations to ensure vehicle upfits are completed efficiently, safely, and in accordance with production schedules and company standards. Actively manage workflow, priorities, and resource allocation on the shop floor.

· Technician Leadership & Support: Supervise, coach, and support installation technicians, serving as the primary point of contact for technical questions, workflow challenges, and day-to-day problem resolution. Ensure technicians understand expectations and have the tools and guidance needed to succeed.

· Personnel Management & HR Functions: Manage all people-related functions for shop personnel, including hiring, onboarding, training coordination, timecard review and approval, attendance tracking, time-off approval, performance management, disciplinary actions, and terminations in accordance with company policy.

· Workflow & Schedule Coordination: Collaborate with Dispatch and Operations to align daily and weekly schedules with vehicle availability, parts readiness, and technician capacity. Adjust workloads as needed to maintain efficiency and meet delivery timelines.

· Shop Resources & Equipment Management: Oversee shop supplies, tools, equipment, and facility needs. Identify equipment requirements, coordinate maintenance or repairs, and ensure the shop is properly stocked and operational at all times.

· Graphics Installer & Detailer Oversight: Directly supervise the Graphics Installer and Detailer, ensuring work quality, scheduling alignment, and integration with vehicle build and delivery timelines.

· Build Support & Issue Resolution: Provide hands-on support for complex builds or technical challenges as needed, and coordinate with Quality, Compliance, or Engineering resources to resolve issues that impact safety, quality, or timelines.

· Safety Leadership & Enforcement: Serve as the primary point of contact for shop safety concerns. Enforce safety policies, conduct safety discussions, identify hazards, respond to incidents, and implement corrective actions to maintain a safe work environment.

· Cross-Functional Communication: Communicate clearly with Sales, Quality & Compliance, Receiving, and Operations teams to ensure alignment on build expectations, schedules, and issue resolution.

· Team Performance & Accountability: Establish clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and hold team members accountable for quality, productivity, attendance, and professionalism.

Essential Functions:

· Shop Floor Leadership: Be physically present on the shop floor to direct daily operations, answer build-related questions, resolve issues in real time, and ensure work is progressing safely and efficiently.

· Team Supervision & Direction: Supervise installation technicians, the Graphics Installer, and the Detailer on a daily basis, providing instruction, feedback, and guidance to ensure quality workmanship and adherence to standards.

· Personnel Administration: Review and approve employee timecards, manage attendance, approve time-off requests, and administer performance management and disciplinary actions in accordance with company policy.

· Hiring & Onboarding Execution: Participate in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of shop personnel, ensuring new employees are properly trained, equipped, and integrated into shop operations.

· Workflow Execution: Execute daily and weekly build schedules by assigning work, adjusting priorities, and reallocating resources as conditions change, including vehicle availability or parts constraints.

· Safety Monitoring & Response: Monitor shop safety conditions continuously, address unsafe behaviors or hazards immediately, respond to incidents, and ensure adherence to all safety policies and procedures.

· Technical Problem Solving: Address technical build questions and challenges as they arise, leveraging experience and collaborating with Quality & Compliance when necessary to resolve complex or compliance-related issues.

· Resource Oversight: Ensure technicians have access to required tools, equipment, and supplies, and escalate needs related to equipment maintenance, replacement, or facility concerns.

· Quality Awareness & Coordination: Support quality standards by reinforcing proper installation practices and coordinating with Quality & Compliance on corrective actions following inspections.

· Communication & Documentation: Communicate clearly with Operations, Dispatch, Sales, and Quality teams regarding shop status, personnel issues, safety concerns, and build progress.

Qualification and Skills:

· Shop Leadership Experience: Proven experience leading installation teams in an automotive, commercial vehicle, or upfitting environment, with demonstrated ability to manage daily operations and personnel effectively.

· Technical Installation Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of light- and medium-duty commercial vehicle upfits, including electrical, mechanical, and accessory installations, with the ability to answer build-related questions and troubleshoot issues on the shop floor.

· People Management & HR Skills: Experience with hiring, onboarding, performance management, disciplinary actions, and terminations. Ability to handle employee concerns professionally, confidentially, and consistently.

· Timekeeping & Attendance Management: Familiarity with timecard systems, attendance tracking, and time-off approval processes, with attention to accuracy and policy compliance.

· Safety Leadership: Strong understanding of shop safety practices, hazard identification, and incident response. Ability to enforce safety protocols and lead by example in maintaining a safe work environment.

· Workflow & Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple vehicles, technicians, and competing priorities in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.

· Communication & Conflict Resolution: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly set expectations, resolve conflicts, and coordinate across departments.

· Resource & Equipment Awareness: Working knowledge of shop tools, equipment, and supplies, with the ability to identify needs, coordinate maintenance, and minimize downtime.

· Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Ability to make timely, practical decisions under pressure and escalate issues appropriately when needed.

· Professionalism & Accountability: Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and accountability, with a leadership approach that promotes consistency, fairness, and respect.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position includes direct supervisory and managerial authority. The Installation Manager directly supervises installation technicians, the Graphics Installer, and the Detailer. Responsibilities include assigning work, setting performance expectations, approving time and attendance, conducting performance evaluations, addressing conduct and performance issues, and participating in disciplinary actions and terminations. The Installation Manager is responsible for maintaining accountability, professionalism, and consistent leadership across the shop team.

Work Environment:

· Physical Setting: The Installation Manager will primarily work in a well-equipped automotive shop environment. The role involves frequent movement around light and medium-duty commercial trucks, requiring the use of various hand and power tools.

· Physical Demands: This position requires substantial physical activity, including standing for long periods, bending, kneeling, reaching, and occasionally working in tight or awkward positions. Technicians must be able to lift up to 80 pounds and handle heavy or bulky equipment.

· Environmental Factors: The shop environment may expose technicians to dust, fumes, and other airborne particles. Technicians will work around vehicles, tools, and equipment that may pose hazards if not handled properly. Proper ventilation and safety equipment will be provided to minimize exposure.

· Noise Level: The workspace typically has a moderate to high noise level due to machinery, tools, and vehicle operations.

· Safety Protocols: Strict adherence to safety protocols is mandatory. This includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection, as well as following all safety procedures to prevent accidents and injuries.

· Team Interaction: While much of the work is performed independently, collaboration with senior technicians and team members is essential for completing installations efficiently and maintaining high-quality standards.

Position Type & Expected Hours of Work:

· Employment Type: This is a full-time position.

· Work Schedule: The normal work hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Travel:

· General Travel Requirements: Travel for this position is generally limited. Most work is conducted on-site at our facility.

· Onsite Installations: Minimal travel maybe required for onsite installations, typically only necessary for rework or specific client requests.

· Events and Training: Occasional overnight travel may be required to attend industry events, training sessions, or other professional development opportunities to enhance skills and stay updated with industry trends.

Other Duties: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and may not comprehensively cover all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at anytime with or without notice, based on the needs of the company and the evolution of the role.