Service and Operations Manager - Forklifts

Hyworth Forklifts; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus program

Laptop and mobile phone

Novated vehicle leasing

Job summary

Hyworth Forklifts Pty is seeking a Service and Operations Manager to lead our workshop and field service team in Sydney. You will set priorities, back up technicians on technical issues, and ensure every machine leaves the workshop in prime condition. The role combines leadership with hands-on forklift expertise.

Based at our Prestons workshop with occasional site visits, start date from January 2027. You will work closely with the director and drive safe, compliant service operations across our

Qualifications

• Trade qualification in a field such as forklift, diesel, heavy vehicle, automotive or auto electrical.
• Solid forklift industry experience with mechanical, hydraulic and electrical knowledge.
• Experience leading or supervising technicians or readiness to step into management.
• Confident in making technical calls and solving problems under pressure.
• Excellent communication with staff, customers and suppliers.
• Current Australian driver’s licence; LF licence highly regarded.
• Full working rights in Australia.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and develop our in-house mechanics and contractors.
• Set workshop priorities and manage job scheduling.
• Manage field service enquiries, breakdowns and repairs across Sydney.
• Be the first point of contact for technical questions and fault-finding.
• Handle issues with machines in transit with the rental coordinator.
• Quality-check machines before dispatch to customers.
• Review and approve job cards and field service work orders.
• Maintain service records and the servicing schedule for the hire fleet.
• Collaborate with sales to set ready dates for sold/hired machines.
• Manage spare parts stock and coordinate with suppliers on technical issues.
• Promote safety and ensure compliance with standards.
• Report workshop costs and revenue at weekly meetings.
• Keep workshop procedures up to date and suggest improvements.

Skills

Forklift experience

Team leadership

Communication

Software familiarity

LF licence (High Risk)

Australian rights

Safety mindset

Education

Trade qualification

Tools

Job management software

Job description

Service and Operations Manager - Forklifts

Hyworth Forklifts is proudly celebrating 20 years as a trusted specialist in forklift hire, sales and service across Sydney's warehouse and logistics sector. Established in 2006, we run a modern fleet including lithium electric counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, walk-behinds, LPG forklifts and pallet movers.

Our business is growing strongly, and we're creating a new senior role to lead our service operation.

About us

Hyworth Forklifts is proudly celebrating 20 years as a trusted specialist in forklift hire, sales and service across Sydney's warehouse and logistics sector. Established in 2006, we run a modern fleet including lithium electric counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, walk-behinds, LPG forklifts and pallet movers.

Our business is growing strongly, and we're creating a new senior role to lead our service operation.

About the role

You'll run our workshop and field service team day to day. You'll set the priorities, back up the mechanics on technical issues and make sure every machine goes out right.

It's a leadership role first, but you're still a forklift tech at heart and happy to grab the tools when the job needs it.

The role is based in our Prestons workshop, with occasional site visits to support our field mechanics when needed.

Start date: late January 2027.

What you'll do

Workshop and field service

• Lead, support and develop our in-house mechanics and contractors
• Set and manage workshop priorities and job scheduling
• Manage field service enquiries, breakdowns and repairs across Sydney
• Be the first point of contact for technical questions and fault-finding
• Handle technical issues with machines in transit, working with our rental coordinator

Quality and approvals

• Quality-check machines before they go out to customers
• Review and approve job cards and field service work orders
• Maintain service records and the servicing schedule for our hire fleet

Planning and coordination

• Work with our sales team to set realistic ready dates for sold and hired machines
• Manage spare parts stock and work with suppliers on technical issues

Safety

• Make sure all equipment meets safety and regulatory standards
• Promote a safe workshop through training and clear procedures

Reporting and improvement

• Report workshop costs and revenue at our weekly sales and operations meeting
• Keep workshop procedures up to date and suggest better ways of working

About you

• Trade qualified in a relevant field, such as forklift, diesel, heavy vehicle, automotive or auto electrical
• Strong forklift industry experience, with solid mechanical, hydraulic and electrical knowledge
• Experience leading or supervising a team of technicians, or ready to step up into management
• Confident making technical calls and solving problems under pressure
• Excellent communication skills with staff, customers and suppliers
• Comfortable using job management software and basic computer systems
• Current Australian driver's licence; High Risk Work Forklift Licence (LF) highly regarded
• Full working rights in Australia
• Strong commitment to safety, with a proactive and reliable work ethic

What's on offer

• $110,000 – $120,000 base salary (based on experience) + superannuation
• Performance bonus program
• Laptop and mobile phone
• Flexible salary packaging, including novated vehicle leasing for eligible employees
• A senior role with real ownership, working directly with the director
• Be part of a growing, established business
• Loyalty reward: a $5,000 fully funded dream trip after 5 years of continuous service