Workshop Foreman

Staff Solutions; Pinetown; On-site; ZAR 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Staff Solutions in KwaZulu-Natal is seeking a skilled Diesel Mechanic Supervisor to lead the workshop, manage parts, ensure safety, and drive quality. You will mentor apprentices and coordinate with service advisors to secure proper authorisation for repairs.

The role requires 5+ years of supervisory experience, a Diesel Mechanic Trade Test, Grade 12, and a Code 14 license. You will ensure documentation accuracy and uphold high safety and workmanship standards.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 or equivalent is required.
• Diesel Mechanic Trade Test is required.
• 5+ years in a workshop supervisory role.
• Valid Code 14 driver's license.
• Strong English communication and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support the Workshop Manager in a constructive and professional manner, maintaining effective relationships between workshop and internal departments.
• Manage personal workload efficiently and ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Accurately record all hours worked and hours sold.
• Ensure lubricants, parts, and consumables are correctly recorded on the job card.
• Maintain strong working relationships with Parts Department to ensure timely availability of parts.
• Monitor productivity and efficiency of workshop personnel, focusing on quality, discipline, appearance, timekeeping, and efficiency.
• Provide technical guidance and support to workshop staff as required.
• Keep technical information, specifications, service procedures, and updates current and accessible.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

Planning & organizing

Communication (English)

Quality assurance

Safety compliance

Education

Grade 12 / Matric

Diesel Mechanic Trade Test

Tools

Code 14 driver's licence

Diesel engines knowledge

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. Work and Task Performance

• Support the Workshop Manager in a constructive and professional manner, ensuring that effective working relationships are maintained between the workshop and other internal departments.
• Manage personal workload efficiently and ensure that all assigned tasks are completed accurately and within the required timeframes.
• Accurately record all hours worked and hours sold.
• Ensure that all lubricants, parts, and consumable items used are correctly recorded on the relevant job card.
• Maintain strong working relationships with Parts Department personnel to ensure the timely availability of required parts.
• Monitor the productivity and efficiency of workshop personnel, with particular attention to:
  
  • Quality and execution of work
  • Discipline and conduct
  • Appearance and presentation
  • Timekeeping and punctuality
  • Productivity and efficiency
• Provide technical guidance and support to workshop staff when required.
• Ensure that relevant technical information, specifications, service procedures, and technical updates are current and readily available to workshop personnel.
• Maintain and enforce workshop quality-control standards.
• Ensure that all completed repairs and services are inspected and that vehicles receive the required final road test before being signed off.
• Ensure that all work is completed to the required technical and quality standards.
• Ensure that the workshop, tools, equipment, and working areas are maintained in a safe, clean, and serviceable condition.
• Identify technical training requirements and assist in ensuring that workshop employees receive appropriate technical training.
• Ensure that apprentices are trained and developed in accordance with company, industry, and relevant training requirements.
• Ensure that technicians/mechanics accurately record details of work completed on the reverse side of the job card.
• Ensure that no work is commenced until the Service Advisor has obtained the required customer authorisation to proceed.
• Take responsibility for the effective control and operation of the unit repair and vehicle wash bays.
• Conduct daily reviews of job cards to ensure:
  
  • Correct clocking of hours
  • Accurate recording of work performed
  • Correct warranty procedures
  • Proper completion of required documentation
• Ensure that the workshop area remains clean, organised, and tidy at all times.
• Ensure that all duties and tasks are performed in accordance with the minimum standards and requirements prescribed .
• Perform any other reasonable duties that may be assigned by Management.

2. Development and Growth

• Participate fully in all relevant company, technical, and skills-development training programmes.
• Maintain and develop technical knowledge through continuous personal learning and self-development.
• Share relevant new knowledge, skills, and technical information with workshop team members.
• Encourage a culture of continuous improvement, learning, and skills development within the workshop.

3. Customer Care and Breakdown Attendance

When attending to a customer breakdown:

• Maintain a professional, courteous, and respectful approach towards customers, customer representatives, and management.
• Wear the correct company uniform and PPE appropriate to the task being performed.
• Ensure that the vehicle used to attend breakdowns is clean, safe, roadworthy, and professionally presented.
• Ensure that the nature and requirements of the breakdown are fully understood before attending, allowing for proper preparation and efficient resolution of the problem.
• Conduct yourself professionally and represent the company positively at all times.
• Comply with all applicable road-traffic laws and regulations.
• Take full responsibility for any traffic fines incurred as a result of personal driving offences.

4. House Rules, Conduct and Safety

• Comply with all Health, Safety, Environmental (HSE/SHE), and company safety requirements at all times.
• Set a positive example through excellent timekeeping, attendance, discipline, and professional conduct.
• Maintain positive and productive working relationships with colleagues, peers, apprentices, and other departments.
• Encourage teamwork, cooperation, and professional conduct throughout the workshop.
• Provide support and guidance to colleagues and apprentices at all levels of training.
• Promote effective skills transfer and practical development of less-experienced employees.
• Promote a workplace culture focused on high productivity, quality workmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure proper adherence to company procedures relating to the use, care, and control of special tools, workshop equipment, vehicles, and other company assets.
• Keep the allocated workplace clean, organised, and tidy at all times.
• Promote employee wellness and encourage confidence in job analysis, fault-finding, technical decision-making, and understanding of work requirements.
• Ensure that the correct PPE is worn for every task where required.
• In conjunction with the Workshop Manager/Foreman, effectively manage hours worked, including overtime, in accordance with company procedures and applicable labour legislation.
• Ensure that all employees under supervision understand and comply with applicable company policies, procedures, and workplace rules.

5. Specific Functions and Responsibilities

• Ensure that all components and parts being worked on are properly identified, kept in the correct assembly order, and thoroughly cleaned before assembly.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping throughout the workshop.
• Conduct regular checks and report any non-conformance or out-of-line conditions relating to OHS/SHE, equipment, procedures, workmanship, or other matters that fall outside company policy or required standards.
• Ensure that identified safety, quality, or operational concerns are escalated to the appropriate level of Management without delay.
• Attend staff meetings regularly and participate constructively in discussions relating to workshop operations, performance, safety, quality, and productivity.
• Assist Management in implementing corrective actions and continuous-improvement initiatives within the workshop.
• Promote accountability and ensure that workshop personnel take ownership of the quality and standard of their work.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric or higher qualification.
• Completed Diesel Mechanic Trade Test.
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant experience in a similar workshop or supervisory role.
• Valid Code 14 driver's licence.
• Strong technical knowledge and practical diesel-mechanical experience.
• Proven planning, organisational, and leadership skills.
• Confident and proactive approach, with the ability to anticipate operational and technical issues.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Previous experience in team leadership and supervision.
• Ability to train, mentor, and develop workshop personnel and apprentices.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and customer service.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Professional and confident manner.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and reliability.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Team-oriented with a willingness to support and develop others.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Strong customer-service orientation.
• Ability to lead by example and maintain high standards of discipline, safety, and workmanship.