SERVICE MANAGER (Fleet Service Centre)

Recruiter: The Recruitment Guy

Job Ref: TRG 2543 (KZN: North..

Date posted: Friday, August 21, 2026

Location: richards bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Salary: Market Related TCTC – Negotiable According To Qualifications And Experience SUMMARY: An experienced SERVICE MANAGER (FLEET SERVICE CENTRE) is required to take responsibility for the overall operational, technical, financial and customer-service performance of a busy commercial vehicle service centre in KwaZulu Natal (North Coast).

POSITION INFO: Title: SERVICE MANAGER (Fleet Service Centre) Area: KwaZulu Natal Industry: Fleet Service Centre (Workshop) Ref No.: TRG 2543 Salary: Market related TCTC available/negotiable Start Date: As soon as possible / Negotiable Type: Permanent Special Instructions: Experienced commercial vehicle OEM workshop/service management background essential. An experienced SERVICE MANAGER (FLEET SERVICE CENTRE) is required to take responsibility for the overall operational, technical, financial and customer-service performance of a busy commercial vehicle service centre in KwaZulu Natal (North Coast). The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the workshop/service operation, developing a high-performance team and ensuring that productivity, workshop utilisation, profitability, quality, customer satisfaction and operational compliance are consistently achieved. This is a senior operational management position suited to a technically qualified professional with proven experience in a service centre or commercial vehicle or truck OEM environment. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day management and performance of the commercial vehicle workshop/service centre. Lead, manage, motivate and develop workshop and service personnel to achieve operational and financial objectives. Drive workshop productivity, efficiency and technician utilisation . Monitor labour sales, workshop hours, technician efficiency and overall departmental performance. Manage Work in Progress (WIP) and ensure vehicles move efficiently through the workshop from booking through to completion and invoicing. Monitor workshop loading, job allocation, turnaround times and workflow. Ensure service and repair work is completed correctly, efficiently and within agreed customer timeframes. Maintain high standards of technical workmanship, quality control and first-time-fix performance. Drive Customer Service Index (CSI) performance and ensure a consistently high level of customer satisfaction. Deal effectively with customer concerns, complaints, escalations and service-related issues. Ensure accurate job cards, estimates, authorisations, parts requirements and workshop documentation. Monitor and control departmental profitability, revenue, costs and gross profit . Manage workshop budgets and contribute to the achievement of monthly and annual financial targets. Monitor and improve cashflow through effective job completion, invoicing and outstanding-work management. Ensure warranty, service-contract and OEM-related processes are correctly administered. Monitor warranty claims and ensure compliance with applicable OEM requirements. Work closely with Parts, Sales, Administration and Finance to ensure an integrated aftersales operation. Ensure effective parts availability and minimise unnecessary workshop downtime. Monitor workshop consumables, tools, equipment and operating costs. Ensure workshop facilities, equipment and tooling are properly maintained and utilised. Maintain strict compliance with OEM standards, company procedures, health & safety requirements and applicable legislation. Ensure effective housekeeping and a safe, professional and productive workshop environment. Monitor technician performance, training requirements, productivity and development. Identify operational bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve service delivery. Analyse departmental performance reports and implement measurable improvement initiatives. Conduct regular performance reviews and communicate targets and expectations clearly to the team. Maintain strong relationships with fleet customers, transport operators and other commercial clients. Support customer retention and the development of long-term aftersales relationships. Ensure all work is completed in accordance with manufacturer/OEM standards and technical procedures. Provide management with accurate operational, financial, productivity and performance reporting. Take accountability for achieving agreed productivity, utilisation, profitability, CSI, quality, cashflow, compliance and WIP objectives . EDUCATION, QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: Red Seal Trade Certificate - Diesel Mechanic / Diesel Technician essential. Min 5 years'' proven experience as a Workshop Manager, Service Manager or equivalent senior workshop-management position . Management Diploma / Business Management qualification would be advantageous. Strong experience within an OEM commercial vehicle / truck dealership or authorised commercial vehicle service environment . Proven experience managing a workshop/service department with responsibility for technicians, workflow, productivity and profitability. Demonstrable understanding of commercial vehicle workshop operations, diagnostics, servicing, repairs and maintenance. Proven experience managing WIP, workshop utilisation, labour productivity and departmental profitability . Experience with CSI/customer satisfaction measurement and service-quality improvement. Strong understanding of warranty and OEM service processes. Experience in financial and operational reporting. Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word . Strong understanding of health & safety, workshop compliance and operational procedures. Valid driver''s licence. Traceable & contactable references. Local residency or willingness to relocate required. Candidates with experience in commercial trucks, buses, fleet maintenance, heavy vehicles, transport equipment or related OEM aftersales environments will be considered where the required workshop-management experience is demonstrated. Submit CV (Word / PDF) to therecruitmentguy @ outlook .com , Ref # TRG 2543 . SKILLS REQUIRED: Strong workshop and service-management capability. Exceptional leadership and people-management skills. Strong commercial and financial awareness. Ability to manage productivity, utilisation and profitability simultaneously. Strong understanding of workshop KPIs and performance management. Excellent organisational and planning ability. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. Customer-focused approach with strong CSI awareness. Ability to manage pressure and competing operational priorities. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to lead technicians and workshop personnel effectively. High level of accountability, discipline and attention to detail. Strong computer literacy and administrative capability. Ability to analyse operational data and translate it into practical corrective action. Commercially minded with a strong focus on revenue, cost control and profitability. Ability to build productive relationships with customers, suppliers, OEM representatives and internal departments. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Only applications from suitably experienced candidates who meet the requirements of this vacancy will be considered. Interested candidates must submit their updated CV (Word / PDF) via email to therecruitmentguy @ outlook .com , quoting the correct Ref. Number (TRG 2543) in the subject line. Please attach all relevant supporting documentation, including (where applicable): Tertiary and secondary qualifications Professional memberships and/or partnerships Trade, training, and/or in-house certificates Relevant operating, vehicle, hardware, or equipment licences Previous employment references with contactable details Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates who meet the minimum requirements. If you do not receive feedback within three (3) weeks of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful. The Recruitment Guy (Pty) Ltd South Africa CONNECT | LIKE | FOLLOW | SHARE | TAG Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Instagram