Head of Workshop

Head of Workshop

Head of Workshop

JOB SUMMARY

The Head of Workshop is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the company’s workshop function, ensuring optimum availability, reliability, and cost‑effective maintenance of the transport fleet and related equipment.
The role provides enterprise‑level oversight, sets maintenance policies and performance standards, owns maintenance budgets, drives safety and compliance, and ensures continuous improvement across all workshop operations in alignment with business and operational objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Develop and implement a workshop and fleet maintenance strategy aligned with corporate transport and operational goals.
• Establish group‑wide maintenance policies, SOPs, and technical standards covering mechanical, electrical, and fleet maintenance activities.
• Define and monitor maintenance KPIs including fleet availability, downtime, cost efficiency, safety, and productivity.
• Lead annual maintenance budgeting, forecasting, and CAPEX planning for tools, equipment, and workshop infrastructure.
• Provide executive‑level reports, insights, and recommendations to senior management to support decision‑making.
• Ensure governance, audit readiness, and compliance with statutory, OEM, and internal standards.

2. Workshop & Fleet Maintenance Oversight

• Provide oversight and direction for preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance of tractors, trucks, trailers, and associated equipment.
• Ensure maintenance execution aligns with OEM specifications, industry best practices, and safety standards.
• Drive reduction in fleet downtime through proactive maintenance planning, root‑cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee breakdown response and recovery strategies to ensure minimal operational disruption.
• Approve technical repair methodologies, specifications, and major corrective actions.

3. Cost Management & Vendor Governance

• Own and control the overall workshop and fleet maintenance cost structure.
• Develop cost‑optimization strategies and eliminate waste without compromising safety or quality.
• Lead negotiation and performance management of external vendors, service providers, and OEM partners.
• Establish service‑level agreements (SLAs) and ensure vendor compliance, value delivery, and accountability.

4. People Leadership & Organizational Development

• Provide leadership to Workshop Managers, Supervisors, and technical teams, ensuring alignment to strategy and performance expectations.
• Set performance objectives, conduct reviews, and manage succession planning within the workshop function.
• Foster a high‑performance, disciplined, and safety‑driven culture.
• Identify capability gaps and approve technical, leadership, and safety training programs.
• Ensure effective manpower planning and utilization across all workshop operations.

5. Inventory, Assets & Systems Control

• Provide oversight of spare parts, tools, consumables, and workshop assets across locations.
• Ensure effective stock control, reorder planning, and asset accountability in line with audit and control requirements.
• Champion the use of SAP, CMMS, or other maintenance management systems for planning, reporting, and decision‑making.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of maintenance and inventory data.

6. Health, Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Provide leadership and accountability for HSE compliance within all workshop operations.
• Ensure implementation of safe systems of work, toolbox talks, and compliance training.
• Lead investigations into serious incidents, near‑misses, and non‑conformances.
• Maintain high housekeeping, safety culture, and zero‑harm mindset across workshops.

7. Continuous Improvement & Stakeholder Engagement

• Drive process standardization and continuous improvement initiatives across workshops.
• Collaborate with Transport, Operations, Procurement, Finance, HR, and HSE stakeholders.
• Benchmark workshop performance against industry standards and best practices.
• Represent the workshop function in management reviews, audits, and transformation initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by senior management.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education

• B.Sc. or HND in Mechanical Engineering, Automobile Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Professional certifications or technical leadership training will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 12–18 years’ progressive experience in fleet maintenance and workshop management.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing workshops or large fleet operations.
• Proven experience managing large heavy‑duty fleets within FMCG, manufacturing, logistics, or industrial environments.
• Demonstrated experience in budget ownership, policy development, and multi‑stakeholder engagement.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Advanced technical knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems for heavy‑duty vehicles and equipment.
• Strong strategic planning, execution, and governance capability.
• Excellent leadership, people development, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong financial acumen in cost control, budgeting, and vendor management.
• Data‑driven mindset with strong analytical and reporting skills.
• High integrity, accountability, and attention to operational detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SAP, CMMS, and reporting systems.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

• Fleet availability and reliability levels
• Maintenance cost vs. budget
• Preventive maintenance compliance
• Downtime and turnaround time metrics
• Safety incidents and audit outcomes
• Inventory accuracy and control levels
• Workforce productivity and capability maturity