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September 26, 2022Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the yard manager role. It’s part of a new series focused on portable restroom positions. Yard managers take responsibility for your yard operations, from tracking inventory to ensuring safe practices. Although yard managers do physical work, they also must possess management skills, including communication and organization abilities.
In short, the yard manager oversees most activities in your yard and reports to the owner. Here’s how this position helps your portable restroom business succeed.
How Yard Managers Support Operations
PROs can’t be everywhere at once. Yard managers are your second set of eyes, aware of every staff member and piece of equipment that enters your yard. They update you about the status of repairs and alert you when there’s a problem with a shipment or asset. While they report to you, yard managers also handle issues behind the scenes, meaning they can take care of many issues without your assistance.
Shop and yard managers oversee mechanics and technicians, training them on your standards and processes. They can fill in when you’re short-staffed by operating the company truck to deliver, install, and service portable restrooms and trailers. Your yard manager job description may differ depending on your operation size, location, and business model. However, most yard managers tackle similar duties.
Yard Manager: Tasks and Responsibilities
Yard managers get the job done regardless of the weather conditions. They’re who you turn to when you want to know if it’s time to purchase new units or need a repair prioritized. This position requires individuals to lift heavy items, have mechanical experience, and the ability to learn how to fix everything related to your portable restroom operations. In fact, some PROs have moved from the yard manager position into operating their own business.
Common duties include:
- Organize inventory: Track everything from small parts to large assets using inventory software or forms.
- Maintain assets: Ensure truck, trailer, and portable restroom equipment are properly maintained and documented.
- Make repairs: Troubleshoot problems with equipment, delegate repair tasks, and inspect the project.
- Order supplies: Keep good relationships with vendors, purchase and receive inventory, and verify pricing.
- Ensure safety: Complete safety inspections, acknowledge safe behaviors and point out unsafe actions.
- Assist with decisions: Give reports about units and supplies, helping decide when to buy new equipment.
- Train employees: Monitor new hires and help staff learn skills to complete tasks efficiently and safely.
- Complete administrative tasks: Yard managers may oversee timecards and performance assessments, run inventory and asset reports, and comply with various regulations.
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Key Soft Skills for Yard Managers
As management, yard supervisors must have soft skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with co-workers, vendors, and, at times, customers. They will juggle multiple problems at once, from covering a route for a sick driver to figuring out why the pumper truck has low or no suction.
When looking for a yard manager, you will list requirements like being able to lift 75 pounds or having mechanical knowledge. It’s also essential to hire people with the right soft skills. These ensure that your yard manager can not only rebuild pumps but also motivate teams and keep operations running smoothly.
Look for yard managers with skills such as:
- Leadership ability
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Active listening
- Time management
- Organization
Add a Yard Manager to Your Team
Finding the right candidate for the job or upskilling a current employee means starting with an accurate job description. Think about your ideal candidate and the responsibilities they can take off your plate. Once you understand the role of a yard manager, help employees develop these skills to take over the position, or you can start the hunt for applicants.
Looking to Take Your Portable Restroom Business to the NEXT LEVEL? Download our FREE Guide: “Your Guide to Operating A Portable Restroom Business.”
Thinking About GETTING INTO the Portable Restroom Industry? Download our FREE Guide: “Your Guide to Starting A Portable Restroom Business.”