WORKSHOP MANAGER

Fleet Maintenance & Repair Management

• Plan, schedule, and oversee all preventive maintenance (PM) and corrective repair activities for the entire Kenya fleet in accordance with OEM specifications and company standards.

• Ensure all vehicles and equipment are maintained in a roadworthy, safe, and operationally ready condition at all times.

• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic faults across a range of waste management vehicles and equipment.

• Manage the repair and refurbishment of compactor bodies, hydraulic systems, and specialist waste handling equipment.

• Maintain an accurate vehicle maintenance register and ensure service intervals are adhered to for all fleet assets.

• Coordinate with the Operations team to schedule maintenance activities with minimal disruption to waste collection routes and service delivery.

Workshop Operations & Administration

• Manage day-to-day workshop operations including work allocation, job card management, and turnaround time tracking.

• Prepare and submit regular workshop performance reports (fleet availability, downtime analysis, repair costs, PM compliance) to the Country MD.

• Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, repairs, parts usage, and vehicle history files.

• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all workshop activities.

• Monitor and control workshop expenditure in line with approved budgets and report variances promptly.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, supervise, and develop a team of technicians, mechanics, electricians, and support staff.

• Set clear performance targets, conduct regular appraisals, and manage disciplinary matters in liaison with HR.

• Identify skill gaps and coordinate training to upskill the workshop team in line with fleet technology developments.

• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement within the workshop team.

Spare Parts & Inventory Management

• Manage spare parts inventory, ensuring adequate stock levels to support maintenance activities without excessive overstocking.

• Raise purchase requisitions for parts and consumables in accordance with procurement procedures and budget approvals.

• Evaluate suppliers and recommend approved vendors for spare parts and workshop consumables.

• Conduct regular stock counts and reconcile inventory records with the stores management system.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Enforce strict health, safety, and environmental standards across all workshop activities in compliance with Kenyan regulations and Zoomlion Group policies.

• Conduct regular workshop safety inspections and risk assessments; implement corrective actions as required.

• Ensure all staff use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhere to safe working practices.

• Manage the safe disposal of workshop waste (used oil, tyres, batteries, chemicals) in compliance with NEMA and environmental regulations.

• Investigate and report all workshop incidents, accidents, and near-misses in line with company HSE policy.

Fleet Compliance & Roadworthiness

• Ensure all vehicles are maintained in compliance with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) requirements and possess valid inspection certificates.

• Manage the scheduling and coordination of government vehicle inspections and third-party certifications.

• Liaise with insurance assessors in the event of vehicle accidents or damage claims.

• Monitor vehicle licensing, insurance, and compliance documentation to ensure no lapses.

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Support the procurement team in evaluating and selecting suppliers for parts, tyres, lubricants, and workshop services.

• Manage relationships with OEM dealers and authorised service centres for specialised repair work.

• Review and approve workshop-related invoices and service reports from external contractors.

Continuous Improvement

• Analyse fleet downtime, failure trends, and maintenance costs to identify root causes and implement corrective measures.

• Drive initiatives to improve fleet availability, reduce repair costs, and extend vehicle life cycles.

• Recommend and implement fleet management technology solutions (e.g., telematics, CMMS) to enhance workshop efficiency.

• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Country Managing Director.
  
  Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Plant Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• A trade certificate (City & Guilds, KNEC, or equivalent) in motor vehicle mechanics, diesel mechanics, or plant maintenance is an advantage.

• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., Engineers Board of Kenya) is an added advantage.

• Experience

• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in fleet or workshop management, with at least 4 years in a supervisory or management role.

• Proven experience managing a large, mixed fleet of commercial vehicles — experience with waste management vehicles, tipper trucks, or compactors is highly desirable.

• Solid background in mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems maintenance and troubleshooting.

• Experience operating in a high-tempo service delivery environment with strict fleet availability requirements.

• Prior experience in Kenya or East Africa is an advantage, with familiarity with NTSA regulations and local supply chains preferred.

• Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of diesel engines, hydraulic systems, pneumatics, and vehicle electrical systems.

• Proficiency in fleet and workshop management systems (CMMS, telematics platforms, ERP-based maintenance modules).

• Ability to read and interpret OEM technical manuals, engineering drawings, and diagnostic reports.

• Computer literacy: MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience with fleet management software.

• Core Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse technical team.

• Excellent diagnostic and problem-solving ability with a systematic approach to fault finding.

• High level of attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.

• Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

• Sound financial acumen with experience managing workshop budgets and controlling costs.

• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards with a zero-compromise approach to compliance.

• Good communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with internal stakeholders, vendors, and regulatory authorities.