Workshop Manager
JGC Group · KE
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.
QualificationsBachelor'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.