Industrial Unit Manager - Garage & Workshops

About the role

Our client is an international agro‑industrial company operating plantations in Central and West Africa as well as Southeast Asia. Reporting to the Estate General/Technical Manager and the Group Industrial Director, the Industrial Unit Manager – Garage & Workshops oversees workshop operations, fleet maintenance, power generation assets, personnel, budgets, inventory and technical performance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the technical management of workshops, a fleet of ~50 vehicles and diesel generator sets up to 2,000 kVA.
• Manage, coach and develop a team of ~40 employees, including technicians, supervisors and managers.
• Oversee inventory, purchasing and spare‑parts stock control.
• Monitor the operating budget and ensure effective cost control.
• Prepare technical and operational reports.
• Train and develop both local and expatriate staff.

Required profile

• Degree in Automotive/Mechanical Industrial Engineering (or higher technical diploma with extensive experience).
• 5‑10 years managing a workshop or garage, preferably in agriculture, plantations or remote industrial environments.
• Hands‑on, energetic leader comfortable working alongside technicians.
• Strong organisational and people‑management skills, including maintenance planning, inventory management and budgeting.
• Professional proficiency in English and/or French.
• Resilient, adaptable and motivated to live and work at a remote plantation site for an extended period.

Required skills

• Automotive mechanics
• Automotive electrical systems
• Bodywork
• Hydraulics
• Pneumatics
• Light and heavy vehicle maintenance
• Heavy equipment operation (e.g., Caterpillar)
• Diesel generator maintenance