Leading Hand Mechanic

Cochrane's Transport; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above-award wages

13.5% superannuation

On-call allowances

Permanent full-time position

9:00 am – 5:30 pm shift

Modern workshop facilities

Upskilling and career progression

Leadership role in SA transport

Job summary

Cochrane’s Transport is seeking an experienced Leading Hand Mechanic for our Gillman workshop. The role combines hands‑on diesel mechanical work with day‑to‑day leadership and coordination of workshop activities.

You will report to the Service Manager and help ensure servicing, inspections and repairs are completed safely, efficiently and to a high standard, while maintaining fleet compliance across SA.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
• HR licence or higher.
• Experience with heavy commercial vehicles and transport fleets.
• Experience leading workshop personnel.
• Strong diagnostic skills across diesel engines, hydraulics and electrical systems.
• Understanding of preventative maintenance and safety requirements.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee daily workshop activities, allocating work and supporting the team to meet maintenance schedules and operational priorities.
• Lead, mentor and support workshop mechanics, promoting a collaborative, accountable and safety‑focused team environment.
• Carry out servicing, maintenance, inspections and repairs on heavy commercial vehicles, trucks, trailers and associated equipment.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical, hydraulic, diesel engine and vehicle electrical issues.
• Monitor the quality and completion of maintenance work to ensure vehicles meet required safety, compliance and operational standards.
• Assist with planning preventative maintenance to minimise vehicle downtime and improve fleet reliability.
• Maintain accurate workshop records and maintenance reports using relevant systems.
• Ensure workshop procedures and safety standards are consistently maintained.
• Liaise with the Service Manager and other teams regarding vehicle availability and repair priorities.
• Identify opportunities to improve workshop processes, productivity and maintenance efficiency.
• Provide hands‑on technical support and guidance to the team when required.

Skills

Diesel engines

Leadership

Diagnostics

Team mentoring

Workshop coordination

Education

Cert III Heavy CV Mechanics

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Job description

About Us:

Proudly independent and family-owned, Cochrane’s Transport is South Australia’s leading express parcel and transport service provider.

Recognised as one of South Australia’s Top 100 Companies, we operate a fleet of approximately 250 vehicles, generate an annual turnover of $80 million, and employ more than 300 people across our network.

With our headquarters in Gillman and regional depots throughout South Australia, we deliver reliable next-day express freight services across metropolitan and regional areas, extending to Broken Hill and Mildura.

At Cochrane’s Transport, our fleet is at the heart of our operations. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, reliability and performance to keep our business moving.

About the Position:

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Leading Hand Mechanic to join our workshop team at our Gillman depot.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified diesel mechanic who is ready to take the next step in their career, combining hands-on mechanical work with day-to-day leadership and coordination of workshop activities.

Working Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, this permanent full-time position offers the benefit of being home every night while playing a key role in maintaining our diverse fleet of trucks, trailers and heavy commercial vehicles. You will be required to work on an on-call roster, one week per month for any emergency breakdowns which also includes a generous on-call allowance.

Reporting to the Service Manager, you will help coordinate daily workshop operations, support and guide mechanics, and ensure servicing, inspections and repairs are completed safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

You will lead by example, assist with diagnosing complex mechanical issues, and help ensure our fleet remains compliant, reliable and ready to support operations across the state.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and oversee daily workshop activities, allocating work and supporting the team to meet maintenance schedules and operational priorities.
• Lead, mentor and support workshop mechanics, promoting a collaborative, accountable and safety-focused team environment.
• Carry out servicing, maintenance, inspections and repairs on heavy commercial vehicles, trucks, trailers and associated equipment.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical, hydraulic, diesel engine and vehicle electrical issues.
• Monitor the quality and completion of maintenance work to ensure vehicles meet required safety, compliance and operational standards.
• Assist with planning preventative maintenance to minimise vehicle downtime and improve fleet reliability.
• Maintain accurate workshop records, service documentation and maintenance reports using relevant systems.
• Ensure workshop procedures, safe work practices and housekeeping standards are consistently maintained.
• Liaise with the Service Manager and other operational teams regarding vehicle availability, repair priorities and maintenance requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve workshop processes, productivity and maintenance efficiency.
• Provide hands‑on technical support and guidance to the team when required.

About You:

• You are a capable and hands‑on diesel mechanic with strong technical knowledge, a practical approach to problem‑solving and the confidence to guide others.
• You take pride in delivering quality workmanship, maintaining high safety standards and ensuring work is completed efficiently. You are comfortable balancing hands‑on mechanical responsibilities with coordinating the work of others.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
• A current Heavy Rigid (HR) driver’s licence or higher.
• Demonstrated experience as a qualified diesel mechanic, preferably working with heavy commercial vehicles and transport fleets.
• Experience leading, mentoring or coordinating mechanics or workshop personnel.
• Strong diagnostic and fault-finding skills across diesel engines, hydraulics and vehicle electrical systems including experience utilising advanced diagnostic equipment.
• A sound understanding of preventative maintenance, vehicle inspections and workshop safety requirements.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and respond to changing operational demands.
• Experience using Computerised Maintenance Management Systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships across the business.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement, safety and quality workmanship.
• The ability to work collaboratively while taking ownership of workshop outcomes.

What We Offer:

At Cochrane’s Transport, we recognise the value of skilled people who keep our fleet operating safely and efficiently.

In return, we offer:

• Above-award wages that recognise your skills and experience.
• 13.5% superannuation.
• Generous on-call allowances, where applicable to the role.
• A permanent, full-time position with consistent Monday-to-Friday hours.
• A 9:00 am to 5:30 pm shift, supporting work-life balance and time at home each night.
• Modern, well‑equipped workshop facilities.
• Opportunities for upskilling, professional development and career progression.
• The opportunity to take on a leadership role within an established and growing South Australian transport business.
• A supportive small team environment where safety, reliability and quality workmanship are valued.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join Cochrane’s Transport and help keep South Australia moving.

If you’re keen to know more, please reach out to us via at – [e-mail].

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities - diversity and inclusion are central to how we work and grow together as one team