Penn State Job Catalog

The Automotive and Specialized Equipment Manager is responsible for the oversight, planning, and administration of automotive services and specialized equipment operations; ensures efficient, cost-effective, and compliant lifecycle management of vehicles, construction equipment, and specialized tools; provides leadership to supervisory staff, establishes operational standards, and drives continuous improvement in safety, sustainability, and performance; oversees supervisors and ensures that operations are safe, reliable, efficient, and aligned with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and collective bargaining agreements.

• Develop and prepare specifications for a wide variety of heavy/construction equipment, vehicles, specialized tools, parts, and materials used in repair and maintenance operations
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies, including alternative fuels and sustainability initiatives, to support operational and research objectives
• Analyze market trends in retrofits, replacement parts, and maintenance solutions to improve efficiency and extend equipment life
• Develop and maintain relationships with select suppliers to ensure cost-effective procurement of vehicles, equipment, tools, and materials
• Establish and implement feasibility assessment processes for equipment purchases, repairs, and replacements
• Conduct lifecycle cost analysis to determine optimal equipment utilization and assignment
• Develop cost-saving strategies based on historical data and operational trends
• Provide recommendations on purchase versus lease/rent decisions using lifecycle assessment methodologies
• Prepare and manage annual operating budgets; monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with budgetary constraints and financial goals
• Analyze equipment utilization, operational costs, and revenue recovery; adjust internal rates as needed
• Develop and oversee comprehensive maintenance programs, including preventive maintenance, repair, renovation, and modernization of equipment
• Establish and maintain maintenance scheduling systems to ensure operational efficiency
• Maintain detailed historical records of vehicles and equipment, including operational costs and performance metrics
• Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate staff, including supervisory personnel
• Provide guidance on collective bargaining agreements and workplace rules; participate in grievance procedures and labor relations activities
• Develop and support safety and training programs, including continuous improvements
• Ensure adherence to OSHA, ANSI, and all applicable University, State, and Federal regulations
• Oversee licensing, certifications, and permitting requirements for personnel and equipment
• Analyze operational performance and implement organizational improvements related to staffing, equipment, and materials
• Coordinate corrective actions for planned and emergency work, service issues, and customer concerns

Level:

– Manager

Base Description:

– Manages direct reports where primary duty is the management of a working unit.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient ability in work design, project management, financial planning and development of goals for accomplishing unit assignments. Reviews and guides work to ensure conformity to policy and effective approaches. Evaluates employee performance and recommend development opportunities. Demonstrates ability to coach employees. Presents and communicates key university indicatives and connects it to unit contributions. Provides broad guidelines. Develops, evaluates, enhances, and/or implements quality improvement practices. Recommends innovative solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Oversees a team (typically 4 or more; no fewer than 2) full
– time direct reports of individual contributors and/or first level supervisors.

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Monitors and tracks department/area budget
– May plan, forecast, and/or assist in developing budgets
– May have final signature authority for specific area

Problem Solving:

– Encounters varied and complex problems
– Helps to develop creative and/or novel approaches to resolve problems that are difficult in nature but within limited scope
– Modifies, adapts, or refines guidelines if necessary to resolve issues or problems

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on complex or strategic assignments
– Uses existing practices and advanced working knowledge to determine appropriate work methods for the team
– Reviews completed work of others for conformity to policy, and effectiveness of approach
– Delegates advanced tasks to others

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and various areas across the University
– Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
– Communicates key university initiatives and how unit’s work contributes to their achievement
– Presents ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and uses persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation
– Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units

• Comp Grade – 13
• Minimum – $86,300.00
• MidPoint – $107,900.00
• Maximum – $129,500.00