Workshop Manager

Job Description

Workshop Management & Operations

• Manage and plan the daily operations of the workshop, identifying deviations and implementing corrective actions.
• Lead, motivate, and manage workshop staff, technicians, and service sales personnel.
• Establish routines for daily planning and follow-up meetings on WIP and parts availability.
• Conduct regular meetings with workshop staff and technicians.
• Minimise work-in-progress (WIP) to below 50 open job cards and maximise hours sold.
• Develop, implement, and monitor standards and routines, maintaining high levels of cleanliness and organisation in the workshop.
• Monitor the condition of workshop tools and equipment, arranging for purchase, repair, and calibration as required.
• Monitor deviations, initiate corrective actions, and escalate issues when necessary.
• Promote and ensure compliance with Dealer Operating Standards to maintain consistent quality across all business areas.
• Manage workshop facilities and HSE in collaboration with the Safety Officer, safety staff, and safety committee.
• Create and manage working time schedules and shift planning.

Spare Parts, Warranty & Technical Support

• Coordinate spare parts activities with the Parts Manager to ensure parts availability.
• Ensure service exchange and warranty procedures are adhered to.
• Assist workshop foreman, personnel, and customers with technical issues.
• Oversee internal, warranty, onsite workshop activities, and staff support.

Customer Relations & Service Delivery

• Develop and manage customer relationships, ensuring current and future customer needs are met.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with customer representatives.
• Monitor and manage customer complaints, handling major or complex issues.
• Participate in meetings with key customers when required.

Sales & Business Development

• Increase workshop service solution sales by developing, maintaining, and communicating the service portfolio aligned to customer needs.
• Market and communicate service solutions to existing and potential customers.
• Coordinate and follow up on service salesman activities where required by the reporting line.
• Monitor workshop pricing and discounts to ensure alignment with approved levels.

Reporting, Financial & Performance Management

• Attend to daily workshop reporting, including WIP, efficiency, productivity, debtors, and creditors.
• Follow up on workshop budgets, operational targets, and financial results, implementing corrective measures to achieve targets.
• Manage and analyse workshop running costs and expenditure budgets.
• Set, monitor, maintain, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Manage and maintain applicable licenses required for workshop operations and monitor regulatory developments.
• Analyse current standards to identify improvement opportunities.
• Proactively initiate and implement continuous improvement activities to achieve workshop objectives.
• Cooperate with internal departments and distributors to develop and align service strategies, portfolios, and solutions.
• Foster a team-based culture with open communication to achieve shared business objectives.

Minimum Requirements

• Matric
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role
• Diesel Mechanic Certificate
• Code 14 driver’s licence

Personal Attributes

• Strong planning, leadership, and team management skills
• Team player with strong interpersonal abilities
• Confident and proactive approach with the ability to anticipate issues and requirements
• Ability to read and write in English