Workshop Foreman

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

• 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.