What is a Shop Foreman?
A Shop Foreman is a senior employee in a workshop who is responsible for managing daily operations as well as the staff members who manufacture products or make services or repairs. These professionals must create employee work schedules as well as train and oversee subordinates to verify that they are performing all of their duties effectively. They are also responsible for making sure the equipment works properly, and making repairs and ensuring the safety of the working environment as well as the workers using it.
A Shop Foreman is part of a hierarchy, typically reporting to the General or Operations Manager or Road Supervisor, while themselves supervising Junior Technicians, Service Advisors and Repair Managers. These individuals can be found in workshops in the automotive industries, as well as in artisan manufacturing, textile and repair shops. They may be required to work up to 60 hours per week, and may be on call 24/7 if the need arises. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates that the demand for First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers, a category that includes Shop Foremen, is slowly decreasing.
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Shop Foreman Duties and Responsibilities
Manage Personnel
Maintain Equipment
Provide Customer Service
Perform Clerical Duties
Shop Foreman Skills
A Shop Foreman must have both leadership skills and technological savvy, while also possessing excellent customer service skills. They are essentially responsible for making sure clients are happy with the finished product by managing personnel and the products made or fixed. To accomplish this trifecta, these employees should be responsible, forward thinking and customer-driven.
Core skills Employers sought the following basic skills when posting Shop Foremen jobs
- Organization skills
- Excellent spoken and written English
- Technical skills, whether in automotive, textile or other industry
- Customer service orientation
- Ability to work in a team
Advanced skills Adding these advanced skills to your tool kit may be advantageous in negotiating a better employee package
- Leadership experience
- Ability to draw or sketch
- Spanish
- Accounting
Tools of the Trade These tools are commonly used by Shop Foremen, and should be listed on your resume
- Forklift
- Torch
- Press
- Electric tools
- Air-powered tools
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Shop Foreman Salary
Shop Foreman Resources
If you think you have what it takes to become a Shop Foreman, utilize these resources to learn more about the job:
On the Web
Automotive Career Spotlight: A Day in the Life of a Shop ForemanInformation about what aspiring Shop Foremen can expect on the job.
Auto Management NetworkA forum and networking opportunities for Shop Foremen in the automotive industries.
Popular MechanicsNews in the automotive industry, including a blog with the latest developments in this field.
On Twitter
@DIYCarRepairThe Twitter handle for Matthew’s Auto Repair Blog, who shares his experience repairing cars.
@mechanicshubNorth America’s Premier Recruiter Online Resource for Heavy Duty Mechanics.
@RobertsAutoInformation for auto repair specialists about auto and body repair, as well as detail service.
Books
Auto Shop Foreman by Jack RudmanTest preparation tips, as well as sample questions for the Auto Shop Foreman Examination.
The Electrical Foreman’s Handbook by Paul RosenbergClear and concise strategies for working as an Electrical Shop Foreman.
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