Unitrans Malawi Ltd is seeking a qualified and experienced Workshop Foreman to oversee and coordinate the day-to-day operational activities of the workshop and fleet maintenance function, ensuring that work is carried out safely, efficiently, within agreed timelines, and to required quality and cost standards. The role provides effective supervision, leadership, and technical oversight to skilled and semi-skilled artisans while ensuring optimal fleet availability and compliance with SHEQ requirements.

Reference Number: UNI260624-5

Business Unit / Division: Agriculture

Contract Type: Permanent – Normal

Key Responsibilities:

Workshop and Fleet Operations:

• Plan, schedule, and allocate work to workshop personnel in line with operational priorities and fleet availability requirements
• Oversee and implement the fleet maintenance programme to ensure optimal vehicle uptime and compliance with maintenance standards
• Attend to mechanical and operational breakdowns and ensure timely repairs to minimise downtime
• Develop, implement, and monitor preventive and planned maintenance schedules for vehicles and equipment
• Monitor job progress, identify bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions to reduce delays and inefficiencies
• Ensure effective utilisation of labour, tools, equipment, and workshop resources
• Oversee Wearcheck programme and oversee Wearcheck results implementation and feedback
• Oversee Tyre Management programme (Budini) and ensure optimum utilisation and cost-effective use of tyres without compromising safety

Supervision and People Management:

• Lead, manage, and motivate a shift or team of skilled and semi-skilled artisans and support staff
• Allocate tasks based on skill levels, experience, and operational workload requirements
• Manage team performance against operational, safety, and quality targets
• Provide on-the-job training, coaching, and mentoring to enhance technical skills and productivity
• Participate in performance management, discipline, and grievance processes in accordance with company policies and labour legislation

Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (SHEQ):

• Ensure the successful implementation, monitoring, and management of all SHEQ procedures within the workshop
• Enforce compliance with occupational health, safety, and environmental legislation, policies, and standard operating procedures
• Conduct regular toolbox talks, safety meetings, and workplace inspections
• Ensure machinery, tools, vehicles, and equipment are operated safely and maintained to statutory and company standards
• Report, investigate, and implement corrective actions relating to incidents, accidents, and near misses

Quality Control:

• Inspect completed maintenance and repair work to ensure compliance with specifications, quality standards, and workmanship requirements
• Address quality defects or rework issues promptly and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Promote continuous improvement, standardisation, and adherence to SOPs within the workshop and fleet operations

Stock, Cost and Asset Management:

• Manage stock levels of spare parts, consumables, and workshop supplies to ensure availability of critical spares
• Oversee the purchase requisitions and replacement of parts, tools, and equipment in line with operational needs and budget constraints
• Monitor and control vehicle and fleet maintenance costs to acceptable and approved levels
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety, quality, or compliance

Administrative and Reporting Duties:

• Ensure accurate completion and submission of job cards, work orders, breakdown reports, and time records
• Maintain maintenance histories and records for fleet and workshop assets
• Compile and submit operational, cost, and performance reports as required
• Maintain accurate, orderly, and compliant workshop and fleet documentation
• Track fleet availability and breakdown trends

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Liaise with internal departments, suppliers, service providers, and contractors to support workshop and fleet operations
• Provide technical advice and operational feedback to management
• Ensure effective communication between workshop teams, fleet users, and management

Minimum Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Qualified artisan / trade certification (Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, Millwright, or equivalent)
• Must have a Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Supervisory or management qualification (advantageous)

Experience:

• 10 years experience in the maintenance of Bell Equipment with a thorough knowledge of diesel engines, transmissions, hydraulics and general heavy duty plant maintenance
• Technical experience in a workshop or fleet maintenance environment
• At least 2–3 years' experience in a supervisory or foreman role
• Sound hands-on auto-electrical knowledge is also a requirement

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong technical expertise in vehicle, plant, or equipment maintenance
• Sound fault-finding and breakdown management capabilities
• Knowledge of fleet maintenance systems, workshop processes, and safety standards
• Planning, scheduling, cost control, and stock management skills
• People management and leadership capability
• Computer literacy (CMMS/job cards, reporting systems, MS Office)

Competencies:

• Leadership and team facilitation
• Problem-solving and sound decision-making
• Cost awareness and accountability
• Attention to detail and quality orientation
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Ability to work under pressure and manage priorities
• Strong commitment to SHEQ and continuous improvement

Application Procedure:

To apply for this job, please visit: unitrans-africa.erecruit.co

Deadline: 8th July 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.