Workshop Manager | Luxury Safari Lodge | Timbavati
Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced and hands-on Workshop Manager for a luxury safari lodge based in the Timbavati region.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a qualified mechanical professional with strong leadership skills and extensive experience managing vehicle fleets, workshop operations, generators and maintenance teams. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety and efficiency of the lodge's fleet and workshop operations while maintaining the highest operational standards.
Location: Timbavati
Accommodation: Live-in
Salary: Negotiable depending on experience
Key Responsibilities
Fleet Management
⢠Oversee the maintenance, servicing and repair of all vehicles and plant equipment
⢠Implement and manage vehicle inspection programmes and service schedules
⢠Ensure maximum vehicle availability and minimise downtime
⢠Conduct quality control inspections and testing of all serviced vehicles
⢠Test drive vehicles following maintenance to ensure the highest workmanship standards
⢠Monitor fleet condition and provide recommendations regarding repairs and replacement planning
⢠Liaise with departmental managers regarding repair costs and maintenance schedules
⢠Ensure all guest-facing vehicles remain in excellent operational and presentation condition
⢠Manage outsourced repairs and ensure quality standards are met
⢠Maintain accurate service records and vehicle files
⢠Ensure all vehicles remain licensed and roadworthy
Generators & Infrastructure
⢠Oversee maintenance and servicing of all standby generators
⢠Ensure generator reliability and operational readiness at all times
⢠Monitor generator performance and preventative maintenance schedules
Administration & Financial Management
⢠Conduct monthly stock takes and inventory control
⢠Manage workshop budgets and cost controls
⢠Process invoices, recharges and workshop-related financial administration
⢠Maintain accurate records of workshop expenditure and stock usage
⢠Manage vehicle files, service records and supplier documentation
⢠Oversee workshop petty cash and monthly reconciliations
⢠Ensure appropriate stock levels are maintained while controlling costs
⢠Manage procurement of parts and consumables
⢠Monitor supplier pricing and ensure cost-effective purchasing practices
Sustainability & Compliance
⢠Monitor fuel usage, generator efficiency and waste management processes
⢠Maintain records for sustainability reporting and audits
⢠Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact
⢠Ensure environmentally responsible handling and disposal of oils, parts and hazardous materials
⢠Maintain compliance with environmental and operational standards
Workshop Team Management
⢠Recruit, onboard and develop workshop staff
⢠Conduct performance reviews and staff development programmes
⢠Identify training requirements and facilitate skills development
⢠Manage leave schedules, attendance and timekeeping
⢠Address disciplinary matters in accordance with company procedures
⢠Foster a positive, motivated and high-performing team environment
⢠Lead regular staff meetings and communicate operational updates effectively
Health & Safety
⢠Ensure full compliance with workshop health and safety standards
⢠Maintain safe working conditions and proper use of PPE
⢠Ensure equipment is maintained, certified and safely operated
⢠Coordinate emergency preparedness and first aid readiness
⢠Uphold company policies, procedures and safety regulations
Requirements
⢠Qualified and experienced Vehicle Mechanic with strong technical expertise
⢠Minimum 3â5 years' experience in a Workshop Management role within a similar-sized operation
⢠Extensive knowledge of vehicle maintenance, diagnostics and repairs
⢠Experience managing fleets, generators and workshop operations
⢠Strong administrative and financial management skills
⢠Excellent organisational and planning abilities
⢠Proven leadership and team management experience
⢠Valid South African Driver's Licence with PDP essential
⢠Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
⢠Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines
Key Skills & Competencies
⢠Strong communication and interpersonal skills
⢠Excellent attention to detail
⢠High standards of workmanship and quality control
⢠Strong leadership and people management ability
⢠Proactive and solution-driven mindset
⢠Ability to think laterally and resolve technical challenges
⢠Professional, honest and highly organised
⢠Commitment to exceptional service and operational excellence
Personal Attributes
⢠Energetic and self-motivated
⢠Honest and dependable with strong integrity
⢠Career-driven and ambitious
⢠Team-oriented with strong mentoring abilities
⢠Willing to share knowledge and develop others
⢠Adaptable and resilient under pressure
⢠Passionate about maintaining high operational standards
What's on Offer
⢠Live-in position within a luxury safari lodge environment
⢠Opportunity to manage a diverse fleet and workshop operation
⢠Dynamic and rewarding work environment
⢠Competitive salary package based on experience
⢠Long-term career growth opportunities
To apply, please send your CV
Please note: Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 7 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.
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