Workshop Manager

JJob purpose

The main purpose of this position is to manage the LPS workshop. The scope of workshop activities include vehicle inspections and routine / scheduled inhouse maintenance as well as dealer maintenance, supplier management, breakdown response, vehicle license management and refurbishment projects.

Duties

The duties include the following:

- manage the execution of inhouse routine / scheduled maintenance
- manage the scheduled maintenance of all dealer serviced and leased vehicles
- manage the panel shop (job allocations, planning, quality control)
- direct and manage breakdown recovery and repairs with the intention of minimising unplanned downtime
- manage relationships, contract performance and price negotiations with suppliers
- be responsible for budgeting and controlling the repair costs as well as stock holding levels of spares and tyres, inluding overseeing the purchases of consumables, spare parts and vehicle services from suppliers and OEMs.
- full responsibility for recruitment, performance management, disciplinary processes, leave management of workshop staff
- identify trends and patterns in breakdowns and repair costs, to advise on fleet cost and configuration optimisation
- oversee the communication with Operations around vehicle availability for scheduled as well as unplanned maintenance and other activities that impact fleet availability
- after-hours escalation of urgent or complex matters that fall outside of the general response patterns

Work environment

Work is performed mainly in a workshop / bus depot environment with occasional site visits. The incumbent shall be exposed to those conditions normally encountered in a workshop and bus depot environment. There are no real physical demands in the execution of duties. The incumbent must be able to see and hear in the normal range, with or without correction.

Education

Tertiary qualification in Administration or Business will be an advantage

OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Competencies, skills and characteristics
- Strong administrative and organisational skills
- Detail oriented and sensitive to confidential financial information
- The capacity to prioritise tasks and work under pressure
- Good judgement and decision-making skills
- Ability to work independently
- Excellent communication, written and interpersonal skills
- Leadership and supervisory skills
- Willing to assist when help is required, even in areas outside of the formal job description
- Willing to work after hours when necessary to meet deadlines or deal with emergencies

Experience

A minimum of 5 years’ experience as a workshop manager or foreman working on commercial vehicles.

Managing recruitment, disciplinary processes and leave of workshop staff.

Budget control and spares purchases.

Applicant must be a South African national or have permanent South African residence.

Practical experience in the repair and maintenance of commercial vehicles will be an advantage.

Supplier relationship / contract management will be an advantage.

Prior maintenance experience on bus fleets (Scania, Mercedes, Yutong, Iveco, Hino) will be an advantage.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Contract