Workshop Manager – Mechanical Engineering | Richards Bay

WORKSHOP MANAGER (Fitting & Turning Workshop)

Engineering | Manufacturing | Maintenance

As Workshop Manager, you will lead a workshop team and oversee multiple repair and machining jobs at any given time. You will also step in as Site Manager when required for troubleshooting, issue resolution, or project oversight at customer sites.

• Workshop & Machine Shop Oversight: Manage day-to-day workshop activities, including the machining and repair of mechanical components using lathes, milling machines, grinders, and drilling equipment. Ensure adherence to quality and engineering standards.
  
• On-Site Maintenance Leadership: Lead mechanical installation, shutdowns, and maintenance at customer sites. Oversee dismantling, troubleshooting, fault-finding, and diagnostics to ensure optimal equipment performance.
  
• Team Leadership & People Development: Supervise multiple teams of up to 10 per site (day & night shifts), along with 1 Artisan, 3 Workshop Assistants, and a Storeman. Coach and mentor junior staff, apprentices, and artisans to drive performance and skills development.
  
• Job Costing & Financial Control: Manage and track job costs using Excel (with pre-set costing formulas). Drive efficiency and resource optimization to maintain profitability and reduce waste.
  
• Planning, Documentation & Reporting: Oversee job planning, execution, and reporting. Maintain accurate documentation for compliance, traceability, and internal coordination.
  
• Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance: Enforce permit-to-work systems, risk assessments, and safety procedures. Ensure full compliance with site-specific and national HSE standards.
  
• Client-Facing Communication: Represent the workshop and team professionally in both verbal and written communications with clients. Handle issues proactively to ensure client satisfaction.
  
• Travel (Minimal): Occasional travel to papermills along the coast and inland, only as needed. Proper planning and strong communication can minimize the need for site intervention.
  

Requirements

What We’re Looking For:

• Trade-certified Fitter Machinist / Turner (Section 13 or 26D) + N3–N4 in Mechanical Engineering
  
• Minimum 5 years post-apprenticeship experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role
  
• Strong technical knowledge in machining, plant maintenance, and mechanical fault finding
  
• Able to read engineering drawings and operate a range of workshop machines
  
• Solid leadership, planning, and reporting skills
  
• Computer literate and fluent in English (written and verbal)
  
• Valid driver’s license (Code 08/EB) and medically fit for site work
  
• Willing to travel and respond to urgent call-outs when required
  

Why Apply?

• A leadership role with autonomy and variety
  
• Work with a skilled team in a high-performing engineering environment
  
• Opportunity to step into a senior technical leadership position
  
• Stable and well-established organisation with strong industry presence
  

Benefits

If you’re an experienced Workshop Manager looking for a role that blends leadership, technical expertise, and operational management, we want to hear from you!