Workshop Foreman, Nelspruit

Job Purpose:

• The Working Workshop Foreman is responsible for maximizing service sales and profitability by creating customer confidence in the Dealership by providing quality service.
• He/she needs to ensure that a “fix right first time” standard is maintained by effectively supervising and motivating workshop staff to obtain maximum productivity, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• When taking over and transferring tasks and responsibilities, it is essential to ensure that all information is received and explained directly from the Service Advisor in as detailed a manner as possible, so that subsequent steps in the process can be carried out in the best way possible.
• The Working Workshop Foreman is the expert for diagnosing and repairing malfunctions in defined fields, repairs and services on all current overall vehicle systems in those fields.
• By performing all customer service work (inspection) and defined assembly/maintenance repairs to highest standards of quality and efficiency, and in doing so promotes the brand image with reliable and cost-efficient work. By professionally performing all customer services, defined retrofitting of accessories and maintenance repairs, makes a substantial contribution towards preserving the value of customers’ vehicles.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage and develop Workshop staff

• Manage and record staff leave, training and other “non-billable” time correctly in order to minimize the impact on productivity and revenues – in conjunction with the Workshop Manager.
• Motivate team members using appropriate and approved methods to produce their best results.
• Ensure efficient and correct “loading” of workshop hours.
• Ensure that CSI is consistently above minimum standard at all times.

Manage and maintain Workshop Productivity Standards

• Develop and commit to relevant labour sales and profit targets in relation to the Workshop.
• Manage and monitor labour sales and workshop profitability at all times.
• Conduct effective Workshop Planning.
• Maintain a database recording the mechanics/ technicians time and efficiency analysis.
• Assist technical staff with problems and facilitate on the company job training.
• Ensure that warranty work is done in accordance with standard warranty policies and procedures.

Monitor and improve Customer Service levels

• Ensure that all sundries and controlled wastages of consumables are minimized.
• Ensure customer needs are attended to and actioned according to agreed deadlines and quality standards.
• Monitor and maintain a ‘first time right’ policy for repairs.
• Accurately identify customer needs and ensure that the correct action is taken in accordance to these needs.
• Provide accurate and timely quotations when required.
• Pre-write job cards if necessary.
• Establish authorization for extra work.
• Fill out job cards in full and accurately according to agreed deadlines.
• Protect customers’ property at all times.
• Ensure that vehicles are tested properly after work is complete, i.e. this will involve test driving the vehicle as required.
• Manage and monitor the technical quality of work performed by team members.

Provide efficient and effective internal communication

• Liaise with the Parts Department regularly and according to agreed processes to ensure timeous availability of parts.
• Ensure that all communication with other departments, staff and the company is conducted effectively and in an effort to enhance the Customer Satisfaction Index.
• Ensure that all internal and external communication is open and honest at all times.

Monitor administration processes

• Ensure that all relevant core standards are adhered to at all times.

Monitor quality standards and legal requirements

• Ensure that Technicians supply their own hand tools and have the relevant equipment to perform their daily job functions.
• Ensure that all tools are kept in good working condition and are used correctly.
• Ensure that correct technical information is available and used by Technicians.
• Ensure that all conditions of the OHS Act are adhered to at all times.

Manage and drive personal and professional development

• Ensure that all work areas are clean and tidy at all times.
• Stay abreast of industry developments e.g. new products, warranty, Maintenance.
• Accept responsibility for the transfer of skills to apprentices/learners by teaching, mentoring, coaching to ensure learning outcomes are achieved.

Conduct repair and/or maintenance

• Perform all maintenance services in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and the maintenance schedule.
• Perform all visual inspections, calibration work, adjustments, replaces and tops up service fluids, replaces wearing parts.
• Identify deviations, irregularities and unusual wear and tear and initiate additions to order/feedback to customer.
• During pre-diagnosis, use checklists, on the basis of which the proper execution of each step can be checked and documented correctly.
• Install minor, major and complex components in vehicles and put them into service in an expert manner.
• Inspect, disassembled and dismantled parts and replace them with new or reconditioned parts.
• Record the hours worked and give the workshop order back to the Service Advisor.
• Draw up a parts requisition list accurately according to internal processes and procedures.
• Return used or defective parts or dispose of them according to company policy in a timely manner.

Educational Qualifications:

• Grade 12 Qualification.
• Certified/Qualified as a Diesel Technician.
• Completed apprenticeship
• Cummins Qualified
• Valid code 14 Driver’s licence

Relevant years of Experience:

• 5-10 years on the floor working experience.
• 2-3 years supervisory role of junior technicians/apprentices
• 3-4 years working in the role of workshop management

Competencies:

• Well-honed leadership and management skills; with an ability to motivate others.
• Highly computer literate (Microsoft Office, Enterprise Resource Management, etc).
• Excellent grasp of the English language: verbal and written.
• Sound judgment informed by extensive practical knowledge and experience. Innovative, inventive and analytical, able to pre-empt and resolve problems with ease.
• Agile, responsive and good under pressure.
• Able to handle conflict and resolve differences of opinion.
• Heightened cultural awareness – able to relate and build relationships with all backgrounds