Service Leader

Schindler Lifts (Pty) Ltd (South Africa); Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Schindler Lifts (Pty) Ltd (South Africa) invites a Service Leader to manage the Service Business Unit, delivering safe, reliable, high-quality service while developing people and expanding customer relationships.

You will oversee operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize resources to meet financial and service targets; a degree and 5–7 years in service leadership are expected. SAP experience beneficial.

Qualifications

• Degree qualification in a relevant technical or business discipline.
• 5–7 years' experience leading a service business unit.
• Proven customer interface management.
• Experience in a management/leadership role.
• P&L responsibility experience.
• Knowledge of the Lift industry or Facilities Management.
• SAP experience beneficial.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Drive profitability and performance of the service unit.
• Oversee maintenance, repairs, call-backs and modernization activities.
• Lead, engage and develop service technicians.
• Build strong customer relationships and address concerns.
• Ensure service activities meet standards and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture and safe practices.
• Monitor service KPIs like reliability and response times.
• Optimize labour, scheduling and resource utilization.
• Oversee planning, site inspections and continuous process improvement.
• Maintain records and reporting on operations and staff.

Skills

Leadership

P&L management

Customer interface

Decision making

Communication

Problem solving

Deadline driven

Safety culture

Education

Degree qualification or equivalent in a relevant technical or business discipline

Tools

SAP experience beneficial

Job description

Schindler is one of the world's leading suppliers of elevators, escalators and moving walkways. We employ talented individuals in over 100 countries worldwide to design, develop, install, maintain and modernize the mobility systems that keep the world's urban population on the move. We offer a dynamic, forward-looking work environment that enables our employees to innovate and excel in their chosen fields. By joining us, you don’t just become part of our success story; you help shape the future and continue our rich legacy that started back in 1874.

Join us as a

Key Responsibilities

As a Service Leader, you will be responsible for the overall management and performance of the Service Business Unit, ensuring operational excellence, customer satisfaction, employee performance and profitability.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Drive the profitability and performance of the business unit by achieving revenue, productivity and operational targets.
• Oversee maintenance, repairs, call-backs, modernization / service activities and ensure service delivery meets company standards and contractual requirements.
• Lead, engage and develop Service Technicians, including performance management, training, competency development and employee engagement.
• Build strong customer relationships, address service concerns and complaints, conduct customer visits and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Ensure all service activities comply with Schindler standards, statutory and regulatory requirements, safety procedures and quality expectations.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure safe working practices across the business unit.
• Monitor key service indicators, including reliability, sick units, call-backs, switch-offs, maintenance compliance and overall service quality.
• Optimize labour, standby arrangements, technician workloads, scheduling and resource utilization to support efficient service delivery.
• Oversee repair and maintenance planning, site inspections, quality audits, handovers and continuous improvement of service processes.
• Monitor business performance, maintain accurate records and ensure appropriate reporting and follow-ups on operational and employee matters.

Overall Purpose of the Role

To lead and manage the service business unit to deliver safe, reliable and high-quality service, while developing our people, strengthening customer relationships and achieving the business unit's operational and financial objectives.

Candidate Requirements

• Degree qualified or equivalent in a relevant technical or business discipline
• Proven track record of running a service business unit (five to seven years) in a related industry.
• Proven track record in managing the customer interface
• Proven experience in a management/leadership role
• Proven experience of P&L responsibility
• Knowledge of the Lift industry or Facilities Management
• SAP experience beneficial
• Sound decision making and good problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to work under pressure and to deadlines

What’s in it for you?

• Join our purpose-driven organization. Help shape an industry in which two billion people rely on our products and services every day.
• Your development matters to us. We help you grow by offering the support you need to develop your skills and access a rewarding and fulfilling career.
• Thrive in a diverse and supportive culture. Through local and global initiatives, we promote a culture of inclusion which celebrates diversity and ensures that everyone feels valued.

Become part of our team, help us enhance quality of life and drive innovation while raising the bar for safety and sustainability. We value your diverse skills and perspectives as together we shape the sustainable cities of today and tomorrow.

Be part of a highly driven organization where high performance connects people and is a vital part of achieving strong business results.