VP Maintenance & Shop Operations

As the most profitable and fastest growing truckload carrier, we are driven to innovate the transportation industry. Knight is a career destination for passionate and talented people seeking growth and opportunity with an industry leader.

What do we live by? Our people! Knight Transportation is powered by people. We are committed to a culture of high expectations and exceptional performance. At Knight, we hire good teammates who share our values, take personal accountability for results, and bring innovative ideas to the table. Our people are passionate about continual learning, display honesty and mutual respect, and give their best every day.

Join our Knight Family as we offer results-driven people a place to make a difference in a stable and maturing industry.

The Vice President (VP) of Equipment Maintenance is responsible for the strategic oversight of an organization's equipment, machinery, and technical infrastructure. They ensure all assets are maintained for maximum uptime, safety, and cost‑efficiency.

• Develop long‑term maintenance strategies, including preventative and predictive maintenance programs to extend asset life cycles.
• Maximize return on investment through strategic maintenance programs to lower the company’s overall operating cost per mile.
• Own the departmental Profit and Loss (P&L), managing monthly budgets for equipment, parts, tools, and labor.
• Manage, develop, and motivate highly qualified maintenance and non‑maintenance professionals; ensure the utilization of efficient and effective processes and systems.
• Proactively work to assist others in achieving the organization’s objectives.
• Vendor & Contract Management:
  Negotiate and manage service contracts, procurement programs, and relationships with equipment suppliers and service providers.
• Develop, administer, and maintain a cost‑effective warranty system to obtain extended warranty and warranty recovery programs.
• Ensure all maintenance activities comply and exceed all local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., OSHA, ISO) and company safety standards.
• Monitor performance metrics to minimize downtime and drive continuous improvement in equipment reliability.
• Responsible for all spend on equipment and maintenance as well as for tools and supplies in the shop.
• Collaborate with safety and operations departments to ensure systems and processes are working to reduce equipment damage and the costs associated with it.
• Balance long‑term strategic planning with responding to immediate operational emergencies.
• Requires significant travel to visit maintenance shops and operational terminals.
• Championing the shift from reactive to predictive maintenance by leveraging AI‑powered tools and devices for real‑time monitoring of equipment.
• Developing the next generation of leaders by prioritizing and providing formal coaching and creating clear advancement pathways for technicians and all non‑shop employees.
• Collaborate with the executive leadership team to align maintenance with business goals.

• Twelve years of proven management experience inclusive of an extensive maintenance/purchasing background, transportation industry experience preferred.
• Bachelor's or equivalent combination of education and/or experience required.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; possess excellent written and verbal communication skills with all levels of the organization; ability to manage significant budgets; possess strong negotiation and diplomacy skills; ability to make prompt decisions; complex problem solving skills and high‑level analytical thinking; detail‑oriented.

• Competitive starting salary commensurate with experience and geographic location.
• Potential bonus pay based on company performance.
• Opportunities to volunteer and give back to local communities.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package which includes:
  • 401(K)
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Supplemental and Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. The Company's policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, military status, disability, genetic information or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.