Foreman (Workshop)

To oversee and coordinate all workshop and fleet maintenance activities, ensuring maximum fleet availability, operational efficiency, and compliance with safety and quality standards. The General Foreman will lead a team of mechanics, technicians, and workshop personnel while providing hands-on technical support as a qualified mechanic when required.

Key Responsibilities

Workshop and Fleet Management

• Plan, organize, and supervise daily workshop operations.
• Ensure all fleet vehicles, transporters, trailers, and equipment are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition.
• Monitor fleet maintenance schedules and ensure preventative maintenance programs are executed effectively.
• Coordinate vehicle inspections, repairs, servicing, and breakdown response activities.
• Manage workshop productivity and ensure work is completed within agreed timeframes.
• Minimize vehicle downtime through effective planning and resource allocation.
• Monitor workshop performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise and lead mechanics, apprentices, technicians, and workshop support staff.
• Allocate work according to skill levels and operational priorities.
• Monitor employee performance and provide coaching and technical guidance.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Conduct toolbox talks and promote a strong safety culture within the workshop.

Technical Responsibilities

• Perform advanced fault-finding and diagnostics on diesel and commercial vehicles.
• Assist with complex repairs and maintenance activities when required.
• Ensure repairs are carried out according to manufacturer specifications and industry best practices.
• Inspect completed work to ensure quality standards are maintained.
• Provide technical expertise and support to workshop personnel.

Administration and Reporting

• Review and approve job cards, repair orders, and maintenance records.
• Maintain accurate maintenance histories and workshop documentation.
• Monitor parts usage and assist with inventory control.
• Liaise with suppliers and service providers where required.
• Prepare reports on fleet performance, maintenance costs, breakdowns, and workshop activities.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workshop environment.
• Ensure all tools, equipment, and machinery are properly maintained and calibrated.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments.
• Ensure fleet compliance with roadworthy and legal requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• Qualified Diesel Mechanic or Motor Mechanic Trade Test (Red Seal preferred).
• Minimum 5–8 years’ experience as a qualified mechanic.
• Minimum 3 years’ supervisory or foreman experience within a fleet or workshop environment.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Code EC driver’s licence will be advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of fleet maintenance and workshop operations.
• Experience working with heavy commercial vehicles, transporters, trucks, trailers, and fleet equipment.
• Proficient in diagnostic systems and maintenance management processes.

Preferred Industry Experience

Experience within the following industries will be highly advantageous:

• Logistics and Supply Chain
• Vehicle Transportation and Distribution
• Fleet Management
• Automotive Services
• Warehousing and Distribution
• Freight and Transport Operations
• Commercial Vehicle Maintenance

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent mechanical and technical knowledge.
• Advanced fault-finding and diagnostic capabilities.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Cost-conscious with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Results-driven and customer-focused.

Physical Requirements

• Physically fit and capable of working within a workshop environment.
• Willingness to work overtime and respond to operational emergencies when required.
• Comfortable performing both supervisory and hands-on mechanical duties.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

• Fleet availability and uptime.
• Workshop productivity and efficiency.
• Preventative maintenance compliance.
• Breakdown reduction and response times.
• Quality of repairs and workmanship.
• Staff productivity and performance management.
• Health and safety compliance.
• Maintenance cost control and budget adherence.
• Accurate workshop administration and reporting.
• Continuous improvement of workshop operations.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable and dependable.
• Strong leadership presence.
• High level of integrity and accountability.
• Proactive and hands-on management style.
• Commitment to quality and operational excellence.
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude.