Introduction

We are seeking an experienced and technically strong Workshop Manager with an extensive background in diesel mechanics, yellow plant and heavy earthmoving equipment within the civil construction or mining industry.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the workshop and overseeing the maintenance, servicing, diagnostics and repairs of the company's plant and equipment fleet. This is a senior position requiring a strong technical foundation, proven leadership ability and a practical understanding of the demands of operating heavy equipment in a production-driven environment.

The ideal candidate will have approximately 10 years of relevant industry experience and the ability to improve equipment reliability, minimise downtime, control maintenance costs and ensure that all machinery is maintained to the required safety and operational standards

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Workshop Management

• Manage and oversee the daily operations of the workshop.

• Supervise, lead and allocate work to diesel mechanics, artisans, technicians and other workshop personnel.

• Ensure all maintenance and repair work is completed efficiently and to the required quality standards.

• Monitor staff performance, productivity and adherence to workshop procedures.

2. Yellow Plant & Fleet Maintenance

• Oversee the servicing, maintenance, inspection and repair of yellow plant and heavy earthmoving equipment.

• Develop and implement preventative and planned maintenance programmes.

• Coordinate breakdown repairs and ensure equipment is returned to service as quickly and safely as possible.

• Monitor equipment condition, reliability, availability and recurring mechanical failures.

• Ensure accurate maintenance records, service histories and machine-hour tracking.

3. Technical Oversight

• Provide technical guidance on complex mechanical faults and equipment failures.

• Ensure effective fault diagnosis and root-cause analysis to prevent recurring breakdowns.

• Oversee major repairs, component replacements and equipment refurbishments.

• Ensure repairs are completed in accordance with applicable manufacturer specifications and maintenance standards.

4. Cost Control & Procurement

• Manage workshop expenditure and maintenance costs within approved budgets.

• Monitor spare parts, tools, consumables and inventory levels.

• Coordinate the procurement of parts and services.

• Identify opportunities to reduce equipment downtime, unnecessary expenditure and repeat repairs.

• Report on maintenance costs, equipment performance and anticipated repair requirements.

5. Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable occupational health and safety legislation and site-specific safety requirements.

• Maintain a safe, clean and organised workshop environment.

• Ensure equipment inspections, maintenance records and relevant compliance documentation are up to date.

• Promote safe working practices and ensure workshop personnel follow established procedures.

6. Operational Coordination

• Work closely with site management, plant operators and project teams to prioritise equipment maintenance.

• Ensure plant availability supports construction and mining production schedules.

• Provide regular reports on fleet condition, breakdowns, maintenance activities and equipment availability.

• Identify equipment requiring major repairs, replacement or refurbishment.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Minimum Requirements

• Approximately 10 years' relevant experience in diesel mechanics, yellow plant, heavy earthmoving equipment or plant maintenance within the civil construction or mining industry.

• Trade-tested Diesel Mechanic qualification (Red Seal) or a recognised relevant heavy equipment mechanical trade qualification.

• Proven experience working with and maintaining yellow plant and heavy earthmoving equipment.

• Previous experience in a Workshop Manager, Workshop Foreman, Maintenance Supervisor or similar leadership role.

• Strong technical knowledge of diesel engines, mechanical systems, hydraulics, transmissions and fault-finding.

• Experience managing workshop personnel, allocating work and monitoring productivity.

• Strong knowledge of preventative maintenance, planned servicing, breakdown repairs and maintenance scheduling.

• Experience with maintenance budgets, parts procurement, stock control and cost management.

• Good computer literacy and the ability to maintain accurate workshop records and reports.

• A valid driver's licence.

• Sound knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements and safe workshop practices.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong diesel mechanical and heavy equipment knowledge.

• Proven leadership and people-management skills.

• Excellent fault-finding and problem-solving ability.

• Strong planning, scheduling and organisational skills.

• Good financial awareness and cost-control capabilities.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.

• Strong communication and reporting skills.

• A proactive approach to preventative maintenance and continuous improvement.