Industrial Unit Manager – Garage & Workshops

About the role

The Industrial Unit Manager will lead the garage and workshop operations for an international agro‑industrial company operating plantations in Central and West Africa and Southeast Asia. Reporting to senior technical management, the role covers fleet maintenance, power generation assets, personnel, budgets and technical performance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead 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 staff including technicians, supervisors and managers.
• Oversee inventory, purchasing and spare‑parts stock control.
• Monitor operating budget and ensure effective cost control.
• Prepare technical and operational reports.
• Train and develop both local and expatriate employees.

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 settings in Africa.
• 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.
• Willingness to live and work at a remote plantation site for an extended period.

Required skills

• Automotive mechanics and automotive electrical systems.
• Bodywork, hydraulics and pneumatics.
• Maintenance of light and heavy vehicles and heavy equipment (e.g., Caterpillar).
• Diesel generator operation and maintenance.