Fleet Maintenance Controller

Lesaka Technologies; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Lesaka Technologies in Gauteng (Office Based) seeks a Fleet Maintenance Controller to coordinate vehicle maintenance, manage suppliers, and optimize downtime. The role focuses on bookings, issue resolution, cost control, and extensive vendor relationships across national networks.

You will monitor repairs, maintain records, and support after-hours work while building strong service partnerships with workshops and tyre providers.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / Matric is required.
• Experience in fleet maintenance or related operations is advantageous.
• Strong administrative and coordination capabilities are essential.
• Proficiency with Excel and MS Office is expected.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate vehicle diagnostics, repairs and maintenance bookings with suppliers.
• Manage driver-reported maintenance issues and breakdown assistance.
• Negotiate pricing and obtain cost-effective quotations while ensuring quality.
• Maintain maintenance records and monitor SLA performance.
• Support after-hours and weekend maintenance activities when needed.

Skills

Administrative skills

Coordination skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Problem solving

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Grade 12 / Matric

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

We’re Hiring: Fleet Maintenance Controller

Location: Gauteng (Office Based)

Reports To: Fleet Manager

Weekend Availability: Required when operationally necessary

Role Purpose

The Fleet Maintenance Controller is responsible for coordinating vehicle maintenance activities to maximize fleet uptime and ensure vehicles remain safe, roadworthy, and operational. The role requires effective supplier management, maintenance coordination, cost control, breakdown support, and prompt response to driver maintenance requirements in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate vehicle diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance bookings with approved suppliers.
• Manage and action driver-reported maintenance issues, including punctures, batteries, wiper replacements, and breakdown assistance.
• Coordinate tyre replacements and repairs through approved tyre suppliers.
• Monitor vehicle downtime and ensure repairs are completed within agreed service levels.
• Maintain active communication across multiple operational WhatsApp groups and ensure queries are actioned promptly.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, workshops, tyre providers, and service partners.
• Negotiate pricing and obtain cost-effective quotations while maintaining service quality.
• Track repair progress and provide regular updates to drivers and management.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and supporting documentation.
• Escalate critical vehicle issues and service delays where necessary.
• Support fleet operational requirements after hours and on weekends when required.

Strategic Vendor Management & Network Development

The Fleet Maintenance Controller's responsibilities extend beyond daily operational maintenance coordination and include the strategic development, management, and optimisation of the national maintenance supplier network.

Key responsibilities include

• Building and maintaining strong professional relationships with RMI-accredited workshops, OEM dealerships, tyre fitment centres, and other approved maintenance service providers.
• Establishing strategic partnerships with major service vendors such as Tiger Wheel & Tyre, Supa Quick, and other maintenance and repair suppliers.
• Conducting ongoing market research to identify reputable and cost-effective RMI workshops and service providers across all operating regions.
• Vetting and onboarding new maintenance vendors in accordance with company standards, compliance requirements, service capabilities, and quality expectations.
• Performing site visits and facility assessments to evaluate workshop standards, technical capabilities, equipment, safety compliance, and customer service levels.
• Negotiating labour rates, parts pricing, service level agreements (SLAs), discounts, and warranty terms to ensure cost-effective maintenance solutions.
• Developing and maintaining a national supplier database, ensuring adequate workshop coverage in all operational areas.
• Monitoring vendor performance through predefined KPIs, including turnaround times, quality of repairs, cost control, warranty claims, and customer service standards.
• Conducting regular supplier reviews and performance audits, implementing corrective actions where service levels are not achieved.
• Identifying opportunities for cost savings and procurement efficiencies through supplier consolidation, preferred supplier agreements, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Ensuring all vendors comply with company policies, industry regulations, health and safety standards, and RMI accreditation requirements.
• Building relationships with dealership service managers, workshop owners, regional managers, parts departments, and key industry stakeholders to enhance service delivery and support.
• Investigating emerging maintenance technologies, products, suppliers, and industry best practices to improve fleet reliability and reduce maintenance costs.
• Supporting regional expansion by identifying and establishing maintenance support networks in new operational areas.
• Managing dispute resolution with vendors relating to workmanship, pricing, warranty claims, service quality, and account reconciliations.
• Collaborating with procurement, operations, and finance teams to develop supplier strategies that support fleet availability, uptime, and budget objectives.
• Representing the company during vendor meetings, industry engagements, supplier negotiations, and workshop performance reviews.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing vehicle uptime, reducing repair cycle times, improving service quality, and achieving sustainable maintenance cost reductions.

Key Objective

To proactively develop and manage a high-performing maintenance supplier network that ensures nationwide service coverage, competitive pricing, quality workmanship, regulatory compliance, and maximum fleet availability while supporting the company’s long-term operational and strategic objectives.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• Experience in fleet maintenance, fleet operations, vehicle repairs, logistics, or a related environment will be advantageous.
• Strong administrative and coordination skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a demanding environment.
• Valid driver’s licence will be advantageous.

Key Competencies

• Accountability and ownership.
• Strong multitasking abilities.
• Excellent planning and coordination skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Excellent communication and follow-up skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Team player with a proactive attitude.
• Resilient, adaptable, and results-driven.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Vehicle breakdowns actioned within agreed response times.
• 95%+ of maintenance requests attended to within SLA requirements.
• Reduction in vehicle downtime through effective maintenance coordination.
• Tyre, battery, and repair requests completed within agreed turnaround times.
• Cost savings achieved through effective supplier negotiations.
• Accurate maintenance records maintained with minimal errors.
• Maintenance reports submitted accurately and on time.
• High supplier service levels maintained through proactive relationship management.
• Fleet availability maintained within company targets.
• Driver maintenance queries responded to within agreed service levels.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is highly organized, solutions-driven, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. They can manage multiple priorities simultaneously, remain calm under pressure, and take ownership of maintenance issues from initial report through to successful resolution. They are relationship-focused, commercially aware, and committed to keeping the fleet operational at all times.