Technical Specialist Bloemfontein

PRIMARY PURPOSE

To deliver technical assistance for the region, ensuring that the operational needs of the client base are met. As a specialist leader, provide expert guidance and decision-making for the region, Maintenance Monitoring Unit (MMU), and Vehicle Trade Centre (VTC) regarding technical fleet operations before, during, and after the conclusion of contracts.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT

• Strong technical understanding of vehicles
• Proficient negotiation skills
• Management of third-party suppliers
• Oversee and manage workflow
• Analytical mindset with a keen attention to detail
• Disciplined approach to meeting deadlines
• Resilient in handling pressure and adaptable to changing circumstances
• Incumbent must exercise discretion within established parameters
• Proficient in computer skills
• Solid understanding of FML service, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Capability to manage daily pressure effectively
• Outstanding communication abilities (both verbal and written)

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Matric
• Diploma in Fleet Management/Road Transport Management (Preferred), or
• Higher education qualification in Fleet/Mechanical (Diesel, Petrol, Auto Electrical)

REQUIRED MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE

• 3 – 5 years of experience in the Fleet industry, ideally in a Leasing Environment
• Demonstrated technical experience

KEY PERFORMANCE AREA (KPA)

Customer Centricity

• Communicate with customers regarding technical inquiries or concerns (if necessary)
• Follow up and collaborate with other functions and suppliers to enhance customer satisfaction within the region.

Operational Excellence

Technical service delivery to contract requirements

• Understand the specific contractual obligations of customers and facilitate communication between the region, MMU, suppliers, and customers to achieve desired outcomes.
• Conduct inspections of new vehicles to ensure compliance with vehicle specifications before delivery to customers.
• Oversee maintenance contracts to ensure vehicles are serviced and inspected according to contractual obligations. Manage service due and Certificate of Fitness (COF) reports.
• Ensure Fleet availability and serviceability by coordinating with suppliers to assist the regional operations team in scheduling and executing unscheduled maintenance and accident repairs as per contract specifications.
• Monitor the progress of accident repairs to ensure quality and service standards are met.
• Manage the termination (end of contract) process and compile an End of Contract report (including the physical condition of the vehicle, estimated repair costs, technical report, etc.)
• Participate in resolving incidents, coordinating actions, and tracking the complete resolution process to ensure contractual conditions are fulfilled. All incidents must be managed in accordance with SLA timelines.
• Ensure that all client and supplier inquiries regarding fleet repairs and maintenance are addressed promptly.

Supplier service delivery management

• Collaborate with suppliers in the region to identify appropriate service providers.
• Manage third-party maintenance contracts in alignment with customer contractual obligations.
• Evaluate supplier quotations and negotiate reduced labor rates and parts pricing for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and/or repairs with preferred suppliers.
• Establish quality expectations concerning timeframes, workmanship, and output provided by suppliers, ensuring optimal outcomes for the customer.
• Effectively manage, coordinate, and monitor unscheduled maintenance and accident repairs on vehicles, overseeing the quality of supplier service delivery.
• Conduct vehicle inspections at service providers to monitor the work performed, track delivery timelines, and ensure minimal vehicle downtime.

Information & Record Keeping

• Ensure the completeness of documentation, including inspection sign-off documents (Bidvest and Customer), body builder documents, certificates, etc.
• Maintain complete and accurate records in accordance with relevant electronic or manual processes and filing standards.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Quality Management & Audits

• Inspect vehicles post-repair at panel beaters to ensure quality workmanship.
• Conduct fleet audits for corporate and parastatal customers as needed.
• Manage and address quality control issues during vehicle maintenance or accident repairs, supervising supplier service delivery to ensure that quality standards are upheld.

Compliance, Risk & Control

• Oversee third-party maintenance contracts by reviewing invoices for accuracy (body repairs and mechanical repairs).
• Validate repair quotes to ensure legitimacy (if work is necessary), precision, and fair pricing while meeting quality standards.
• Scrutinize supplier invoices and confirm that work has been completed by performing physical checks on the vehicles.
• Select suppliers in accordance with Retail Motor Industry (RMI) guidelines.
• Adhere to health and safety regulations, processes, and procedures.
• Conduct physical inspections to verify information such as stock counts at service providers and accident damage.
• Follow up on outstanding re-bills to ensure timely receipt of purchase orders.

Stakeholder Management

Collaboration & Supplier Management

• Act as a technical liaison between the region and the Managed Maintenance Unit (MMU), including suppliers and customers.
• Assist with interdepartmental challenges to ensure a well-maintained fleet that meets contract requirements and enhances customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate with vendors and service providers to deliver relevant services, such as panel beating.
• Establish and nurture relationships with suppliers, meeting regularly to set standards and quality expectations while ensuring compliance with service delivery standards.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Responsible for compiling hours for all Material Handling Equipment (MHE) units.
• Prepare operational reports promptly as required, such as end of contract and sale and leaseback reports.
• Compile daily, weekly, and monthly technical reports on vehicle breakdowns, inspections, evaluations, etc.

This position is advertised in alignment with our commitment to Employment Equity.