The Maintenance Manager

SUMMARY:
The position also plays a crucial role in building strong customer relationships, supporting business growth, and contributing to the company’s strategic objectives. By managing all aspects of field service operations, the maintenance manager ensures customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and overall financial success.

POSITION INFO:

The Maintenance Manager is responsible for leading and managing maintenance operations in Johannesburg, with full accountability for safety, quality, cost, and delivery. This role ensures the efficient and effective delivery of field services essential for maintaining and repairing equipment at customer sites. The maintenance manager leads a team of technicians, oversees financial performance, and drives operational excellence. Key responsibilities include optimizing resources, upholding high-quality standards, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Key Performance Areas:

To perform this role effectively, the appointed individual must be able to carry out each key responsibility and performance area competently. The following list outlines the core areas of accountability and expected outcomes. It is not exhaustive and may be adjusted or expanded as business needs evolve.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead a diverse team of technicians, artisans, apprentices, and support personnel.
• Cultivate a professional, accountable, and high-performance culture centered on development and continuous improvement.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, disciplinary standards, and engagement practices.
• Drive skills development, mentoring, and succession planning initiatives.

Profit and Loss Management

• Manage the financial performance of maintenance operations to achieve profitability targets.
• Monitor revenue, expenses, and labour recovery rates to enhance gross margins.
• Identify and implement initiatives that promote revenue growth and cost efficiency.
• Support the General Manager in financial reviews and strategic planning.

Operational Excellence and Compliance

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise maintenance activities to meet safety, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Manage service, maintenance, and repair workflows from job initiation to completion and invoicing.
• Ensure adherence to production schedules and operational KPIs using lean and PDCA methodologies.
• Maintain compliance with internal standards and external regulatory frameworks (ISO, OHS, ASEC).

Resource Optimization and Cost Management

• Maximize the use of labour, equipment, and materials to improve departmental efficiency.
• Monitor and control departmental overheads and consumable usage.

Quality Control and Assurance

• Enforce OEM and internal quality standards across all maintenance and field service activities.
• Promote first-time quality through inspections, audits, and root cause analysis to minimize rework.
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints and quality issues through effective corrective actions.

Budgeting and Financial Responsibility

• Develop and manage the annual maintenance budget in partnership with the Finance team.
• Align expenditures with revenue goals and operational targets.
• Review budget performance monthly and implement corrective measures when necessary.
• Oversee accurate job costing, GRN processing, and timely job closure.

WIP (Work in Progress) Management

• Monitor WIP ageing daily and escalate issues that could affect financial cut-offs.
• Collaborate with finance, parts, and maintenance teams to resolve delays and GRN discrepancies.
• Actively manage aged WIP to minimize carry-over jobs.
• Ensure timely job card creation, updates, and closures to support accurate revenue recognition.

Strategic Planning and Growth

• Develop and implement a growth strategy for the Maintenance department aligned with the company’s long-term objectives.
• Position the department as a key partner in delivering equipment lifecycle solutions.
• Collaborate with Sales and Rental divisions to align departmental capabilities with market opportunities.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture across all field service operations.
• Ensure full compliance with occupational health and safety legislation at both company and customer sites.
• Conduct toolbox talks, risk assessments, and internal safety audits regularly.
• Maintain compliance with company policies, OEM standards, and legal requirements.

Customer Relations

• Collaborate with internal teams (Sales, Workshop, Maintenance, Rental, Parts, SHEQ) to meet and exceed customer expectations.
• Enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty through proactive communication and quality service delivery.
• Ensure all customer commitments are met and that issues are addressed promptly and effectively.

Supplier and Vendor Relations

• Manage relationships with external vendors and parts suppliers to ensure timely delivery and quality repairs.
• Verify the quality of outsourced repairs and returned components.
• Negotiate pricing and service terms to support cost efficiency and operational performance.

Business Development

• Promote the Maintenance department’s capabilities to internal and external stakeholders.
• Execute strategies that drive departmental growth in alignment with the company’s strategic plan.
• Position the Maintenance team as a key contributor to the company’s overall value proposition and equipment lifecycle solutions.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills Required:

• National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or a related discipline).
• Business management qualification or training will be considered an advantage.
• 5–7 years of experience managing a workshop or maintenance/service department within the heavy machinery, automotive, or industrial equipment sector.
• Proven leadership and people management abilities, with a track record of driving performance, accountability, and team engagement.
• Strong business acumen, with in-depth knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and cost control principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong customer relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to implement process improvements, manage organizational change, and encourage innovation.
• Capable of performing under pressure while upholding exceptional service and quality standards.
• Proficient in ERP and business systems such as SAP, Autoline, or similar platforms.
• Advanced reporting and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and support informed decision-making.