Job Description
The Head Mechanic is responsible for overseeing and coordinating maintenance and repair activities within The HALO Trust’s fleet management operations and training and managing the mechanics. The Head Mechanic reports to the Deputy Programme Manager and works closely with the Fleet Manager and Head Driver. As a manager, they are to lead by example and support other staff in the programme. As a member of HALO staff, they will work closely with others and provide as an example of HALO’s good working practice, always working hard to ensure the job is done.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Head Mechanic is responsible for service and repair of all vehicles and machinery. They are the direct line manager for all HALO mechanics and are responsible for the oversight of all work done on HALO’s mechanical equipment.
Mechanic Management:
• Ensure all mechanics conduct their duties as per their job descriptions to a high standard
• Allocating mechanics to jobs, based on priority of job and skill of the mechanic
• Conduct annual mechanic workshops
• Plan and manage the work of all mechanics (both at HQ and in the field)
• Ensure mechanics submit leave requests at the start of the cycle and arrange cover for those on leave or in emergencies.
• Provide technical expertise and manual skill in the inspection, servicing, and repair of programme vehicles and other mechanical equipment. Report vehicle issues to Fleet Manager.
• Ensure all vehicles, strimmers, generators, water pumps and any other mechanical equipment stay up to date and in good working order
• Create monthly workplans to share with Fleet manager.
• Present monthly briefs to senior management and Fleet Manager about work accomplished during standdown and ongoing problems.
Vehicle repair and maintenance
• Prioritising and issuing job cards
• Quality checks of vehicle repair jobs
• Checking and signing off vehicles after all major repairs and before each deployment
• Overseeing the assessment of all vehicles at the end of the cycle
• Assess all safety critical parts (brakes, seatbelts, airbags, tyres, wheels, sirens etc) at the end of cycle.
• Ensure all safety critical faults are repaired urgently throughout the cycle and standdown.
• Prioritise and oversee all jobs during standdown to ensure fleet is fit for the next cycle.
• Improve robustness of systems/processes for tracking, prioritising, and fixing faults
• Schedule regular vehicle maintenance to ensure operational efficiency.
• Ensure strict servicing and maintenance timelines to minimize downtime and maintain schedules.
Workshop Maintenance:
• Equipment maintenance
• Ensure mechanics maintain a clean, tidy, and safe workshop.
• Immediately report any damage to any vehicle or other equipment to the Fleet Manager, DPM and PM
• Conduct work internally whenever possible.
• Outsource work to external suppliers if required.
• Conduct regular audits and serviceability checks of all tools
Stores, Purchasing and Supplier Liaison:
• Lead the assessment and required paperwork of new vehicles before being purchased
• Assess supplier technical ability prior to outsourcing work
• Continually assess competence of suppliers (for both parts and outsourced work), identifying preferred suppliers and suppliers to be avoided
• Liaise with suppliers when needed to discuss technical details of outsourced work
• Check quotes are reasonable for outsourced work
• Ensure parts removed temporarily and permanently during repairs are labelled and stored correctly.
• Assist FM in building spare parts orders by recommending items for purchase
Training:
• Provide ongoing training to mechanics, strimmer operators, and drivers regarding the preventative maintenance and routine care of programme vehicles and mechanical equipment.
Qualifications and Experience
• Ten years of experience in a workshop including at least five years as a senior mechanic, foreman or workshop manager with hands on experience
• Demonstrated strong work ethics
• Ability to manage mechanics
• Technical qualification as apprentice trained class 1 journeyman
• Familiarity with practices, standards, procedures, and tools used in the automotive and truck maintenance industry
• Understanding of maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment, including yellow machines such as Case and Hitachi’s
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
• Awareness of hazards and safety precautions involved in the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and related equipment
How to Apply
1. Open this link on your browser: https://forms.office.com/e/tvQ9jiYkSx to complete application form
2. Submit an application letter and CV highlighting the job title in the subject line to recruitment@halozim.org
