Contract Manager II at Unitrans

Job Advert Summary    

• Unitrans is a leading transport and logistics company dedicated to providing efficient, reliable, and innovative solutions for our clients. With a rich history of excellence and a commitment to sustainability, we pride ourselves on delivering superior service across diverse industries.
• Our team is passionate about driving success and making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
• An opportunity has arisen for a high calibre Contract Manager II to manage financial and administration requirements as well as tyre tracking and costs.  Contract management involves overseeing the creation, negotiation, execution, and maintenance of contracts between parties, typically within a business or organizational setting.
• Responsible for the efficient, competitive and commercially viable operation and administration of the company's distribution depots. 

Minimum Requirements    

• Degree in Engineering, Transport Management, Business Management, or similar.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in transport operations (passenger, logistics, mining, agricultural, or industrial).
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience supporting or managing electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle, or alternative-fuel fleet maintenance operations
• At least 5 years in a senior workshop, depot, maintenance, or service centre management role.
• Strong exposure to fleet operations, safety compliance, and cost control.
• Proven experience managing a profit-and-loss business unit.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management within a joint venture, partnership, or multi-stakeholder environmen

Duties & Responsibilities    

Operational Management & Service Delivery

• Develop and execute the business strategy and operational plans for the repair and service centre.
• Manage all maintenance, repair, refurbishment, and overhaul activities for buses.
• Ensure optimal workflow planning and workshop productivity.
• Oversee preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance programs.
• Monitor workshop productivity, turnaround times, and resource utilisation.
• Ensure repairs are completed according to OEM standards and customer requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance workshop efficiency.
• Lead and oversee all maintenance, servicing, diagnostics, and repair activities relating to electric and hybrid bus fleets.
• Establish predictive and preventative maintenance programmes for EV systems, including:
• High-voltage batteries , Electric drivetrains, Power electronics , Charging systems, Thermal management systems, Regenerative braking systems

Fleet & Maintenance Coordination

• Oversee fleet availability and roadworthiness through effective coordination with maintenance teams.
• Monitor inspections, servicing, defect reporting, and breakdown management.
• Ensure accurate vehicle records including job cards, defect slips, service history, and maintenance registers.
• Monitor fuel consumption, investigate anomalies, and implement corrective actions.
• Track fleet utilisation metrics and collaborate with technical teams to optimise availability and reduce overtime.
• Ensure effective use and control of depot facilities, workshops, fuel storage, and parking areas.
• Lead technical investigations and root cause analyses of EV component failures and reliability issues
• Drive the development of EV technical capabilities, skills transfer, and training programmes for workshop personnel.
• Liaise with OEMs, suppliers, and technology partners on technical support, upgrades, and warranty claim.

Financial & Cost Control

• Develop and manage operational and capital budgets.
• Manage inventory holding costs and working capital requirements.
• Compile annual budgets; manage costs against approved budgets.
• Produce weekly and monthly forecasts and income statements (4B).
• Manage depot operating budgets, fuel spend, maintenance costs, and overtime.
• Monitor fleet energy consumption, charging efficiency, vehicle utilisation, and operational performance.
• Monitor cost drivers and exceptions, including fuel, tyres, repairs, and labour.

People Leadership & HR Management

• Lead, manage, and support depot staff including mechanic, trainees and administrative personnel.
• Conduct performance management, coaching, disciplinary processes, and grievance handling in line with company policy.
• Manage absenteeism, leave planning, and workforce capacity optimisation.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Provide technical oversight on bus maintenance and repair operations.
• Ensure adherence to manufacturer specifications and engineering standards.
• Support troubleshooting on complex mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electronic systems.
• Drive implementation of new maintenance technologies and best practices.
• Monitor vehicle reliability and maintenance performance trends.
• Lead quality assurance programs and root cause analyses for recurring failures.

Facilities, Safety, SHEQ & Compliance

• Official 16.2 of the sites in accordance with Health and Safety Act
• Ensure depot and customer site facilities comply with lease, safety, and operational requirements.
• Manage site access control, inductions, and security of assets and personnel.
• Coordinate maintenance and facility requirements with internal support teams.
• Enforce compliance with the Road Traffic Act, Passenger Transport Regulations, Occupational Health & Safety, and company SHEQ standards.
• Conduct toolbox talks, safety audits, and risk assessments.
• Lead or support incident reporting, investigations, and corrective action implementation.
• Ensure PPE compliance, driver fatigue management, and journey risk controls.

Closing Date    

• 2026/09/21