Lead Mechanic Job Opportunity at Hariss International – Uganda

Job Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and perform preventive and corrective maintenance on:
  • Heavy commercial trucks
  • Trailers
  • Light vehicles
• Allocate daily repair and servicing tasks according to workshop priorities.
• Ensure maintenance work follows manufacturer specifications and company standards.
• Diagnose complex faults involving:
  • Diesel engines
  • Transmissions
  • Braking systems
  • Steering systems
  • Suspension systems
  • Hydraulic systems
  • Pneumatic systems
  • Electrical and electronic systems
• Conduct final inspections before releasing vehicles back into operations.
• Respond to vehicle breakdowns and coordinate emergency repairs.

Workshop Supervision and Team Leadership

• Supervise, coach, and mentor mechanics, apprentices, and technicians.
• Monitor daily workshop activities and productivity.
• Conduct toolbox talks and provide technical training.
• Improve technician skills through practical coaching.
• Monitor employee performance and recommend training where required.
• Ensure workshop cleanliness, organization, and safety standards are maintained.

Spare Parts and Workshop Resource Management

• Identify and request required spare parts, tools, and consumables.
• Ensure correct usage and accountability of spare parts during repairs.
• Report defective or obsolete parts.
• Maintain proper storage and handling of workshop equipment.
• Support inventory checks and stock reconciliation exercises.

Quality Assurance and Cost Control

• Ensure repairs are completed correctly the first time.
• Reduce repeat vehicle failures and unnecessary repair costs.
• Monitor labour utilization and repair completion timelines.
• Identify recurring mechanical problems and recommend solutions.
• Support maintenance cost control initiatives.
• Minimize wastage of:
  • Spare parts
  • Lubricants
  • Fuel
  • Workshop materials

Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) policies.
• Ensure workshop personnel use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Report and investigate:
  • Workshop accidents
  • Unsafe conditions
  • Near misses
• Ensure all maintenance work meets legal and safety requirements.
• Maintain a safe and organized workshop environment.

Reporting and Fleet Performance Monitoring

• Maintain accurate:
  • Job cards
  • Maintenance records
  • Repair documentation
• Submit daily updates on:
  • Completed repairs
  • Pending jobs
  • Vehicle status
• Monitor:
  • Vehicle downtime
  • Workshop productivity
  • Repair turnaround times
• Analyze recurring failures and recommend preventive solutions.
• Support maintenance performance reporting and KPI monitoring.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in vehicle breakdown recovery activities.
• Support vehicle inspections, audits, and compliance checks.
• Assist with commissioning new vehicles and disposal of old assets.
• Perform any other duties assigned by management.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A Diploma or Higher Diploma in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, or a related technical field.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering is an added advantage.
• Trade Test Grade I or equivalent professional qualification in Heavy Vehicle Mechanics.

• 5–7 years of experience in commercial fleet maintenance.
• At least 2–3 years’ experience working as a Lead Mechanic, Senior Mechanic, or Workshop Supervisor.
• Experience maintaining heavy commercial vehicles in industries such as:
  • Transport and logistics
  • FMCG
  • Construction
  • Mining
  • Manufacturing

• Scania
• Tata
• Mercedes-Benz Actros
• FAW
• CAT
• Similar heavy-duty truck brands

Technical Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of heavy vehicle preventive and corrective maintenance.
• Advanced fault diagnosis skills.
• Ability to repair and troubleshoot:
  • Diesel engines
  • Gearboxes and transmissions
  • Braking systems
  • Suspension systems
  • Electrical systems
  • Electronic vehicle systems

• Ability to plan workshop activities.
• Experience managing job cards and maintenance schedules.
• Knowledge of quality control procedures.
• Ability to manage technicians and workshop resources.

• Ability to read and interpret:
  • Technical manuals
  • Wiring diagrams
  • Manufacturer service guides

• Working knowledge of:
  • Microsoft Office applications
  • Fleet maintenance management systems
  • Maintenance reporting tools

• Strong leadership and team supervision skills.
• Good communication and coaching abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet repair deadlines.

Salary Expectations

Career Growth Opportunities

• Workshop Manager
• Fleet Maintenance Manager
• Transport Manager
• Automotive Engineering Supervisor
• Maintenance Operations Manager
• Fleet Reliability Manager

How to Apply

Interview Preparation Tips for Lead Mechanic Jobs

• Experience maintaining heavy commercial trucks.
• Diagnosing complex mechanical faults.
• Managing workshop teams.
• Preventive maintenance planning.
• Reducing vehicle downtime.
• Spare parts management.
• Safety procedures in workshops.
• Experience with CMMS systems.

CV Tips for Lead Mechanic Applicants

• Heavy truck maintenance experience.
• Automotive engineering qualifications.
• Workshop supervision experience.
• Vehicle diagnostics skills.
• Fleet maintenance achievements.
• Safety compliance experience.
• Experience with Scania, Mercedes-Benz, Tata, FAW, CAT, or similar vehicles.
• Leadership and team management abilities.