Workshop Manager (Logistics)

JOB DESCRIPTION WORKSHOP MANAGER (LOGISTICS)

The Workshop Manager is responsible for developing and implementing fleet maintenance strategies aligned to the overall business objectives ensuring maximum fleet availability operational reliability cost efficiency and workshop performance across a nationwide decentralized logistics operation supporting a 24-hour operating environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Fleet Availability & Maintenance Management

• Lead maintenance operations for a fleet of 230 commercial vehicles ranging from 4-tonne to 34-tonne trucks.
• Ensure optimal fleet availability and minimize vehicle downtime.
• Manage preventative and corrective maintenance programmes.
• Oversee diagnostics repairs and technical fault resolution.
• Monitor Units in Operation (UIO) and workshop performance metrics.
• Ensure workshop readiness to support continuous 24-hour operations.

2. Workshop Operations

• Manage decentralized workshop operations across 10 depots nationwide.
• Supervise and coordinate workshop foremen artisans and technical teams.
• Drive effective workshop planning scheduling and workflow management.
• Optimize the utilization of manpower tools equipment and workshop resources.
• Maintain operational discipline housekeeping standards and workshop efficiency.

3. Cost Control & Budget Management

• Manage repair and maintenance expenditure within approved budgets.
• Monitor cost per vehicle and cost per kilometre performance indicators.
• Reduce unnecessary outsourcing by strengthening internal technical capabilities.
• Control workshop consumables tyres lubricants and spare parts usage.
• Implement cost-saving and waste reduction initiatives.

4. Inventory & Parts Management

• Oversee workshop inventory management stock control and parts accountability.
• Ensure accurate job card administration and maintenance documentation.
• Utilize SAGE ERP for:
  • Parts management
  • Job card processing
  • Maintenance reporting
• Prevent stock losses theft and inventory variances.

5. Breakdown & Repair Management

• Ensure rapid response to breakdowns and technical failures.
• Monitor repair turnaround times and service quality standards.
• Reduce repeat breakdowns and maintenance-related failures.
• Ensure adherence to OEM maintenance standards and procedures.

6. Leadership & People Management

• Lead and manage a technical workforce of approximately 80 employees.
• Conduct performance management coaching mentoring and technical development initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability teamwork and high performance.
• Identify and address technical training and development requirements.

7. Compliance Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with health safety environmental and statutory requirements.
• Maintain safe workshop operating procedures and standards.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments.

• Ensure adherence to company maintenance policies and procedures.

8. Reporting & Systems Management

• Prepare and present fleet maintenance and workshop performance reports.
• Monitor and report on key workshop KPIs including:
  • Fleet Availability (UIO)
  • Vehicle Downtime
  • Mean Time to Repair (MTTR)
  • Breakdown Frequency
  • Workshop Utilization
  • Maintenance Costs
• Utilize fleet tracking systems and maintenance monitoring tools to improve operational performance.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Automotive Engineering Transport & Logistics or related technical discipline.
• Class 1 Journeyman qualification in Mechanics / Diesel Plant Fitting.
• MBA or business-related qualification will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years experience in a similar workshop management role within transport fleet or logistics operations.
• Proven experience managing large commercial fleets.
• Experience operating within a 24-hour workshop environment.
• Experience managing decentralized workshop operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading large technical teams and artisans.

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of fleet tracking systems and maintenance monitoring tools.
• Practical working experience with SAGE ERP.
• Strong understanding of preventative maintenance systems.
• Advanced workshop planning and maintenance scheduling capability.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management capability.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High commercial and operational awareness.
• Strong planning coordination and organizational ability.