Industrial Unit Manager - Garage & Workshops

Our client is an international agro-industrial company operating plantations in Central and West Africa as well as Southeast Asia.

Reporting to the Estate General/Technical Manager and the Group Industrial Director, the Industrial Unit Manager – Garage & Workshops oversees all workshop operations, fleet maintenance, power generation assets, personnel, budgets, inventory, and technical performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the technical management of workshops, a fleet of approximately 50 vehicles, and diesel generator sets up to 2,000 kVA (50%).
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of approximately 40 employees, including technicians, supervisors, and managers (20%).
• Oversee inventory, purchasing, and spare parts stock control (20%).
• Monitor the operating budget and ensure effective cost control (5%).
• Prepare technical and operational reports (3%).
• Train and develop both local and expatriate employees (2%).

Candidate Profile:

• Degree in Automotive/Mechanical Industrial Engineering (Bachelor’s or equivalent); Higher technical diploma considered if accompanied by extensive experience.
• 5 to 10 years of experience managing a workshop or garage, ideally in agriculture, plantations, or other remote industrial environments in Africa.
• Hands-on, energetic leader who leads by example and is comfortable working alongside technicians.
• Strong organizational and people management skills, including maintenance planning, inventory management, budgeting, and workshop operations.
• Professional proficiency in English and/or French.
• Extensive technical expertise in automotive mechanics, automotive electrical systems, bodywork, hydraulics, pneumatics, light and heavy vehicles, heavy equipment (e.g., Caterpillar), and diesel generators.
• Resilient, adaptable, and motivated to live and work at a remote plantation site for an extended period.