Job Purpose
The Commercial Foreman will be responsible for supervising and coordinating the daily workshop operations within the Commercial Truck Division. The role requires strong technical knowledge of truck gearboxes and driveline repairs, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to ensure productivity, quality workmanship, and turnaround times are met.
Key Responsibilities
- Workshop Supervision & Workflow Control Supervise daily operations of the commercial workshop.
- Allocate work to technicians and gearbox builders based on skills and workload.
- Ensure jobs are completed within agreed turnaround times.
- Monitor productivity and ensure workshop targets are achieved.
- Conduct daily toolbox talks and ensure workshop discipline is maintained.
- Technical Support & Fault Finding Assist technicians and gearbox builders with diagnostics and fault finding.
- Inspect stripped gearboxes and confirm faults for quoting purposes.
- Provide technical guidance on rebuilding procedures and component replacement.
- Identify root causes of gearbox failures and advise on corrective action.
- Quality Control & Testing Ensure all rebuilt gearboxes meet Mayfair Gearbox quality standards.
- Inspect work in progress and completed jobs to reduce comebacks.
- Ensure proper testing is completed before units are released.
- Handle comeback investigations and implement corrective actions.
- Parts & Tools Management Ensure technicians and builders have correct parts and tools available.
- Assist in identifying parts required for repairs and rebuilds.
- Monitor use of consumables and control wastage.
- Maintain tool register compliance and ensure workshop tools are managed correctly.
- Team Leadership & Staff Management Supervise and guide gearbox builders, technicians, assistants, and apprentices.
- Provide on-the-job training and mentoring to junior staff.
- Report performance issues to the workshop manager and assist with disciplinary processes.
- Promote teamwork and ensure staff follow workshop procedures and standards.
- Administration & Reporting Ensure job cards are updated and technicians report time correctly.
- Provide daily progress updates to the workshop manager and service advisors.
- Assist with reporting on workshop productivity, turnaround times, and quality control.
- Support workshop planning and scheduling requirements.
- Health & Safety Compliance Ensure workshop staff comply with safety regulations and PPE requirements.
- Maintain clean and organised workshop environment (housekeeping). Ensure safe use of lifting equipment, presses, and workshop machinery.
- Report incidents, hazards, and near misses to management.
Minimum Requirements
- Matric / Grade 12 (preferred). Trade Test qualification as a Diesel Mechanic / Motor Mechanic (advantage). Minimum 5–8 years experience in a commercial truck workshop environment.
- Minimum 2–3 years supervisory/foreman experience (essential). Strong knowledge of truck gearbox repairs, rebuilds, and driveline systems.
- Valid driver’s license (advantage). Technical Knowledge Required Manual and heavy-duty truck gearboxes (ZF, Eaton, Fuller, Mercedes, Volvo, Scania, MAN, etc.). Range change and splitter systems.
- Air systems and gearbox pneumatic components.
- Clutch and driveline repairs.
- Bearing, seal, shaft, gear inspection and replacement.
- Workshop repair procedures and quality control processes.
- Key Skills & Competencies Strong leadership and supervision ability.
- Excellent problem-solving and fault-finding skills.
- Ability to manage workflow and meet turnaround deadlines.
- High attention to detail and quality workmanship focus.
- Ability to work under pressure and prioritise tasks.
- Good communication skills (technical and operational). Ability to enforce discipline and workshop standards.
- Good administrative skills and job card control awareness.
