Our client is seeking a Workshop Supervisor who will be responsible for managing the company’s workshop and mechanical facilities, overseeing automotive repair operations, and ensuring maximum fleet reliability and availability. The role focuses on effective preventive maintenance, timely breakdown repairs, proper spare parts management, efficient use of workshop resources, and full compliance with statutory roadworthiness requirements.
Job Summary
- Employer: SmartHR
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Engineering
- Closing Date: 2026-09-31
Key Responsibilities
- Schedule and supervise routine servicing, major overhauls, diagnostic testing, and breakdown repairs.
- Oversee maintenance for bulk tankers, bobtails, flatbeds, utility vehicles, and static handling equipment.
- Develop and monitor preventive maintenance and service schedules.
- Track recurring mechanical faults and implement corrective actions.
- Forecast critical and fast-moving maintenance spares.
- Raise material requests for workshop parts and consumables.
- Assess supplier parts for quality and suitability.
- Maintain appropriate stock levels for critical spare parts.
- Coordinate mobile mechanics and external recovery providers.
- Respond quickly to in-transit vehicle breakdowns.
- Minimise downtime and ensure safe vehicle recovery.
- Complete records of breakdowns and repairs.
- Ensure vehicles meet Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) requirements.
- Ensure compliance with Hazchem requirements.
- Monitor fire extinguisher certification and other statutory vehicle requirements.
- Ensure all vehicles undergo required roadworthiness inspections.
- Ensure tools, hydraulic equipment, lifts, and test rigs are maintained in good working order.
- Enforce workshop safety procedures.
- Ensure hazardous waste (e.g., waste oil, used filters, contaminated materials) is handled and disposed of properly.
- Maintain strong relationships between drivers and the workshop team.
- Keep the workshop clean, safe, and well organised.
Requirements
- Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field.
- 3-5 years relevant experience in fleet maintenance, mechanical workshop operations, or heavy-vehicle maintenance.
- Proven experience supervising mechanics, auto electricians, and workshop assistants.
- Experience maintaining bulk tankers, bobtails, flatbeds, utility vehicles, and LPG-related equipment is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of preventive and corrective maintenance, diagnostics, breakdown recovery, and spare parts management.
- Working knowledge of VID, Hazchem, fire certification, and statutory roadworthiness requirements.
- Ability to manage workshop resources, maintenance schedules, and repair costs.
- Strong leadership, planning, troubleshooting, and record-keeping skills.
How to Apply
Apply by email: jobs@smarthsolutions.co.zw
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a Workshop Supervisor role in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a Diploma or Degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering from institutions like Harare Polytechnic or the University of Zimbabwe. A Trade Test Certificate (Class 1 or Journeyman) plus 5+ years of hands-on workshop experience is often essential. Supervisory or management certifications from ZIM or IPMZ add significant advantage.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Workshop Supervisor in Zimbabwe?
You will oversee technicians and artisans, schedule repairs and maintenance, ensure quality control, and manage inventory of spare parts and tools. Safety compliance with NSSA regulations and maintaining production targets are critical daily priorities. Reporting to management on workshop performance and downtime is also expected.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for supervisors in Zimbabwean engineering firms?
Respect for hierarchy is important; supervisors are expected to lead firmly but fairly, often bridging between management and unionized or informal workers. Punctuality and reliability are highly valued given transport challenges in cities like Harare and Bulawayo. Employers also expect flexibility with overtime during breakdowns or peak agricultural/industrial seasons.
What career progression opportunities exist for Workshop Supervisors in Zimbabwe?
With experience, you can advance to Workshop Manager, Plant Manager, or Operations Manager roles in manufacturing, mining, or agricultural sectors. Some supervisors transition into technical sales, consultancy, or start their own engineering workshops. Further studies like a BEng or MBA can accelerate movement into senior management.
What benefits are typically offered to Workshop Supervisors by Zimbabwean employers?
Benefits vary by employer but commonly include medical aid (often limited to government or large private firms), pension contributions to NSSA or private schemes, and annual leave of 21-30 days. Some mining and manufacturing firms provide housing allowances, transport, or production bonuses. Smaller companies may offer fewer formal benefits.
How should I apply for a Workshop Supervisor position, and what do Zimbabwean employers prioritize in candidates?
Apply through SmartHR's portal or directly to engineering firms, mining companies, and agricultural equipment suppliers with a detailed CV highlighting supervisory experience. Employers prioritize proven leadership of artisan teams, troubleshooting skills, and familiarity with brands like John Deere, Caterpillar, or Mercedes-Benz. Strong references from previous supervisors or managers carry significant weight in the selection process.
