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 do I need to become a Workshop Supervisor in Zimbabwe?

Most employers require a minimum of a National Diploma or Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field from institutions like Harare Polytechnic or Bulawayo Polytechnic. A Class 1 Journeyman certificate and at least 5 years of hands-on workshop experience are typically expected. Additional certifications in occupational health and safety, such as those from NOSA or the Zimbabwe Occupational Safety Council, strengthen your application.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Workshop Supervisor?

You will oversee workshop operations including scheduling maintenance and repairs, supervising technicians and artisans, ensuring quality control of work done, and managing inventory of spare parts and tools. You are also responsible for enforcing safety protocols, liaising with production or operations managers, and preparing reports on workshop efficiency and downtime. Problem-solving equipment breakdowns and coordinating with external service providers are common daily tasks.

How does workplace culture and management style typically work for supervisors in Zimbabwe?

Workplace culture in Zimbabwean engineering firms tends to be hierarchical, with clear respect for authority and formal communication channels between supervisors and senior management. Punctuality and reliability are highly valued due to economic pressures on businesses, and supervisors are expected to lead by example with a hands-on approach. Building strong relationships with your team through fair treatment and mentorship is important, as labour relations can be sensitive given the formalised union environment in many industrial sectors.

What career progression opportunities exist for Workshop Supervisors in Zimbabwe?

With proven performance, you can advance to Workshop Manager, Maintenance Manager, or Plant Engineer roles within manufacturing, mining, or agricultural processing companies. Some supervisors move into operations management or technical consulting, particularly if they pursue further qualifications like a Bachelor of Technology or professional registration with the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers. International opportunities in neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Mozambique, or Botswana are also accessible with strong experience and credentials.

What benefits are typically included in full-time Workshop Supervisor positions in Zimbabwe?

Standard benefits usually include annual leave of 21 to 30 days, depending on company policy and length of service, and some employers provide medical aid through schemes like CIMAS, PSMAS, or private health insurance. Pension contributions through NSSA or occupational pension funds are common, though coverage varies significantly between established companies and smaller firms. Additional benefits may include transport allowances, protective clothing, and performance bonuses, but these are not guaranteed and should be confirmed during offer negotiations.

How should I apply for a Workshop Supervisor role, and what do Zimbabwean employers look for in candidates?

Submit a detailed CV highlighting your technical qualifications, supervisory experience, and specific machinery or systems you have worked with, accompanied by certified copies of academic and professional certificates. Employers value candidates with a proven track record of reducing downtime, managing teams, and working with limited resources under pressure. Prepare for practical assessments or technical interviews, and ensure your references can speak to your leadership abilities and reliability in previous supervisory roles.