Fleet Maintenance Manager - Automotive Operations

Placements24; Bellville; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package with incentives

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development and fleetCert

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Fleet Maintenance Manager to lead a large vehicle fleet, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and cost efficiency. The role requires overseeing preventative maintenance, repairs, budgeting, and compliance while managing a team of technicians and coordinating with external providers.

You will drive downtime reduction, asset records accuracy, and regulatory compliance in a hybrid work setup, balancing on-site oversight with remote administration.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Fleet Management, Logistics, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules for the entire fleet to minimize breakdowns and ensure operational readiness.
• Oversee all repair activities, coordinating with in-house technicians and external service providers to ensure timely and quality repairs.
• Manage the fleet maintenance budget, tracking expenses, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring adherence to financial targets.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all fleet assets, including maintenance history, repair logs, and compliance documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and local regulations regarding vehicle safety, emissions, and roadworthiness.
• Lead, train, and motivate the fleet maintenance team, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Source and manage relationships with third-party vendors, negotiating favorable terms for parts, services, and equipment.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for fleet operations, analyzing data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Manage vehicle acquisition and disposal processes, ensuring the fleet remains modern, efficient, and appropriate for business needs.
• Oversee accident management and insurance claims processes related to fleet vehicles.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent logistics and transportation company with a significant operational footprint in Centurion, Gauteng , is seeking an experienced and proactive Fleet Maintenance Manager. This role is crucial for ensuring the optimal performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness of our extensive vehicle fleet. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of fleet maintenance, including preventative maintenance programs, repair scheduling, fleet administration, and compliance with regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in automotive engineering or fleet management, coupled with excellent leadership and organizational skills. You will manage a team of technicians and administrative staff, foster relationships with external service providers, and implement strategies to minimize downtime and maximize fleet availability. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on operational efficiency and contribute to the company's continued success in the competitive transportation sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules for the entire fleet to minimize breakdowns and ensure operational readiness.
• Oversee all repair activities, coordinating with in-house technicians and external service providers to ensure timely and quality repairs.
• Manage the fleet maintenance budget, tracking expenses, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring adherence to financial targets.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all fleet assets, including maintenance history, repair logs, and compliance documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and local regulations regarding vehicle safety, emissions, and roadworthiness.
• Lead, train, and motivate the fleet maintenance team, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Source and manage relationships with third-party vendors, negotiating favorable terms for parts, services, and equipment.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for fleet operations, analyzing data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Manage vehicle acquisition and disposal processes, ensuring the fleet remains modern, efficient, and appropriate for business needs.
• Oversee accident management and insurance claims processes related to fleet vehicles.

Requirements

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Fleet Management, Logistics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in fleet management or automotive maintenance, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• In-depth knowledge of vehicle mechanics, maintenance best practices, and fleet management software.
• Proven experience in budget management and cost control within a fleet operations context.
• Strong understanding of relevant transportation regulations and compliance requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage and motivate a diverse team.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, with the ability to use insights to drive operational improvements.
• A valid driver's license is required; a Code 10 or PrDP may be advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work model, balancing on-site operational oversight with remote administrative tasks.
• Strong negotiation skills for vendor management.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with performance-related incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications in fleet management.
• Access to company fleet for business use.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment with significant autonomy.
• Collaborative team culture focused on achieving operational excellence.