Forklift Fleet Buyer - Retail

Job Summary

We're seeking an experienced equipment and maintenance professional to oversee forklift fleet management, equipment lifecycle planning, and maintenance standardization across multiple plant locations. This role includes developing equipment specifications, coordinating purchases and disposals, managing vendor relationships and agreements, and supporting plants with maintenance operations. Candidates should have strong technical knowledge of material handling equipment, proficiency in Microsoft Office, an understanding of basic accounting, and at least five years of heavy equipment or automotive industry experience, including time in a leadership role. Some U.S. travel and the ability to work independently are required.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze forklift fleets at the plant level, assist in developing plans to replace and retain lifts

• Develop equipment specifications for new equipment, review quotes, submit funding requests

• Follow equipment orders through production and delivery

• Process new equipment invoices in order to pay vendors in a timely manner

• Facilitate the transfer of equipment from one facility to another as needed

• Coordinate with plants, wholesale buyers, the accounting and fixed asset departments to dispose of equipment at the end of its lifecycle

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with national and local vendors

• Standardization of maintenance practices at the plant level

  • Assist in development of a corporate wide 'Standard Operating Procedure' for material handling maintenance

  • Assist in implantation of maintenance management software

  • Develop and implement preventative maintenance plans

  • Build and maintain digital reference libraries

• Develop maintenance and rental agreements with vendors

• Conduct periodic review of agreements and pricing negotiations

• Provide quarterly reporting to plants based on forklift maintenance and repair expenditures

• Conduct periodic reviews of maintenance operations at the plant level

• Assist plants in resolving maintenance/repair issues they may be experiencing

Qualifications

• Fundamental understanding of material handling equipment mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems is a minimal requirement, thorough knowledge is preferred

• ASE or other types of certification and/or collegiate level education is preferred

• 5 years of experience working in the heavy equipment and/or automotive industry, to include time spent in a management role

• Strong grasp of Microsoft office programs, especially Excel and Outlook

• Understanding of basic accounting principles

• Ability to communicate well and conduct business with others over the phone, through MS Teams and via email

• Some travel throughout the US is required

• Demonstrated ability to work without direct supervision