Service Manager- Crookston

Who is Valley Plains Equipment?

Valley Plains Equipment is the local John Deere Dealer in eastern North Dakota, northeastern South Dakota, and northwestern Minnesota. We are a company that cultivates success with hard work, authenticity and a best-in-class team that embodies these traits. Join the team that works with you and is driven for you!

Position Summary

The Service Manager leads a team of Service Technicians dedicated to exceptional service experiences for our customers, both in-store and in the field. They collaborate closely with Technicians and technology support staff who share a common passion for agriculture and customer satisfaction. This role is responsible for overseeing service operations within the dealership, optimizing processes to ensure customer satisfaction and maximizing return on investment. We're seeking a candidate who embodies qualities such as confidence, competitiveness, effective communication skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. If you possess a strong work ethic, uphold high moral standards, and take pride in your workmanship, you could be the perfect fit for this role. The Service Manager acts as a player/coach alongside our team of skilled John Deere service technicians to achieve service and customer goals.

Job Responsibilities

• Schedule shop orders and assignments across the service technician team, allocating work areas on the shop floor. 
• Take accountability for the financial performance of the department, including achieving profitable sales growth, disciplined expense control, and targeted net return on sales. 
• Assist in appraising repair orders and provide guidance to technicians on repair challenges. 
• Review repair orders for accuracy and completeness. 
• Aid in diagnosing machine problems, directing technicians as necessary. 
• Maintain and manage special tools, recommending new tooling as required. 
• Effectively communicate, manage, and monitor department processes to ensure an efficient team and excellent customer satisfaction. 
• Approve the release of customer equipment. 
• Dedicate time to assist service department personnel with training and development opportunities. 
• Lead and complete performance reviews for service department employees. 
• Assist in tracking and scheduling Product Improvement Programs. 
• Continuously engage in John Deere University (JDU) education for ongoing improvement, providing training to service employees, and ensuring service standards meet customer needs. 
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment required to perform job responsibilities. 
• Promote and uphold all safety rules and regulations across the dealership when performing work assignments. 
• Stay informed and continuously learn about competitive equipment and services.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience performing service repairs on diesel or agricultural equipment. 
• Experience in team leadership and collaboration. 
• Proficiency in using special tools and following Technical Manual procedures. 
• Familiarity with mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems. 
• Experience operating vehicles, tools, and equipment for diagnostic purposes. 
• Basic computer proficiency. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• High School Diploma or GED required. 
• Valid driver's license required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in John Deere agricultural equipment service repairs. 
• Demonstrated track record of consistently meeting performance metrics. 
• Experience using Service Advisor or diagnostic tools. 
• Associate’s degree preferred. 

Benefits

Valley Plains Equipment offers a highly competitive salary and benefit package including health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off and paid holidays, Health Savings Account (HSA), 401k and Roth Retirement Savings with employer match as well as Life and Disability Insurance.

Working With You, Driven For You!