Workshop Technical Manager at Recruitment Matters Africa

Job Description

• Our client is seeking a Workshop Technical Manager to join their team. 
• The Workshop Technical Manager will lead the maintenance and technical operations of a large bulk freight fleet comprising trucks, trailers and tankers. The role is responsible for maximising fleet availability, reliability and safety through effective people management, preventative maintenance, consistent workshop standards and cost control.

Salary:

• Negotiable 

Responsibilities:

• Manage the workshop team, including mechanics, technicians and support staff, ensuring clear responsibilities and accountability.
• Plan workloads and allocate resources to meet maintenance schedules and operational priorities.
• Enforce best practices in servicing, repairs, fault diagnosis and workshop safety.
• Develop team capability through coaching, training and regular performance reviews.
• Develop, implement and drive preventative maintenance programmes across the fleet.
• Ensure trucks, trailers and tankers are inspected and serviced according to manufacturer recommendations, operating conditions and agreed schedules.
• Monitor recurring defects and implement corrective measures to reduce breakdowns and extend asset life.
• Coordinate maintenance planning with transport operations to minimise disruption and vehicle downtime.
• Manage all scheduled maintenance, repairs and breakdown responses.
• Oversee fault diagnosis, repair quality and final inspections before vehicles return to service.
• Coordinate internal teams and external service providers to resolve breakdowns promptly.
• Maintain accurate service histories, inspection records and repair documentation for each asset.
• Develop, implement and enforce standard operating procedures for workshop activities, inspections, servicing and repairs.
• Establish and monitor KPIs covering fleet availability, maintenance compliance, downtime, repeat defects, workshop productivity and maintenance costs.
• Prepare clear technical and management reports highlighting performance, risks, expenditure and improvement actions.
• Use maintenance data to identify trends and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage suppliers, parts providers and outsourced maintenance contractors.
• Coordinate tender processes for workshop services, spare parts and maintenance requirements.
• Evaluate quotations and negotiate pricing, service levels, warranties and turnaround times.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure purchased parts and services meet required quality standards.
• Manage workshop and fleet maintenance expenditure against approved budgets.
• Monitor labour, spare parts, tyres, consumables and outsourced repair costs.
• Control stock levels and purchasing processes to ensure critical parts are available while limiting waste and unnecessary expenditure.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining safety, quality and fleet reliability.
• Maintain high standards of workshop cleanliness, organisation and housekeeping.
• Ensure fleet appearance, cleanliness, branding and bodywork reflect company standards.
• Enforce safe working practices and the correct use of tools, equipment and protective clothing.
• Ensure trucks, trailers and tankers meet applicable roadworthiness, inspection and safety requirements.

Key Skills:

• Workshop Administration and Operational Planning
• Mechanical Fault Diagnosis and Rectification
• Preventive and Corrective Maintenance Systems
• Fleet Lifecycle and Asset Management
• Maintenance Scheduling and Workload Allocation
• Workshop Productivity and Performance Monitoring
• Technical Staff Supervision and Development
• Strong technical knowledge of heavy diesel vehicles, diagnostics and preventative maintenance.
• Demonstrated workshop leadership and people management skills.

Qualifications:

• Qualified Diesel Mechanic with Red Seal certification.
• Proven experience managing the maintenance of a large commercial fleet of trucks, trailers and tankers.