Overview

Our client, an emerging leader in the agricultural sector, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven agricultural workshop manager to take full ownership of the maintenance and operational readiness of a diverse fleet of farm machinery. The workshop manager will be responsible for overseeing and optimizing all aspects of the farm's maintenance facility. The primary goal is to ensure maximum equipment uptime, operational safety, and cost efficiency across all mechanized farm activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the agricultural workshop, including scheduling, workflow, and staff management.
• Oversee all maintenance, repair, and service operations for a diverse fleet of agricultural machinery and equipment., including tractors, harvesters, yellow machines, feed mixers, planters, land preparation equipment, sprayers, and broadcasters.
• Collaborate with other departments to prioritize maintenance and repair needs based on production schedules.
• Develop and enforce rigorous preventive maintenance schedules aimed at maximizing equipment lifespan and achieving minimal corrective repairs.
• Conduct regular inspections of equipment and tools to ensure operational efficiency.
• Create and maintain records of all repairs and maintenance work performed.
• Manage inventory of parts and supplies, ensuring availability and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure that equipment uptime is maintained and that the response time to any in-field breakdown is swift in accordance with the following key performance standards:
• % of machinery uptime (target > 95%).
• Preventive vs. corrective maintenance ratio (75–83% preventive, 17–25% corrective).
• Fuel efficiency variance vs. standard volume for operations and tractor / combined machines.
• Track Workshop cost per hectare / per litre of milk / per ton of meat produced/per pig.
• Response time to breakdowns
• Manage the spare parts inventory and procurement process by driving cost efficiency, focusing on minimizing the workshop cost per hectare/liter of milk/ton of meat produced.
• Ensure strict adherence to SOPs and safety standards within the workshop.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental policies.
• Supervise, coach and manage all workshop staff, including mechanics and drivers, while maintaining accurate resource usage records and compliance.
• Train and mentor workshop staff on best practices, safety protocols, and new technologies.
• Stay updated with industry trends and advancements in agricultural technology.
• Ability to maintain the following equipment:
• 6110 B Tractor
• 5055e Tractor
• 140a Tractor
• Mf 5285
• Feed Mixer
• Disc Harrow
• Ad 1015 Planter
• Boom Sprayer
• Rippers
• Bailers
• Mowers
• Electrical H/Mill
• Bull Dozer Sd 22
• Tlb 315 - 4x4
• 300d Excavators
• Bulldozers
• Sprayer -Advance 2000; 3000;
• Disc Harrow
• Tractor-7205
• Tractor-6150
• Tractor-5503
• Tractor-75 Hp
• Tractor -170 Hp
• Harrows
• Gensets
• Combine Headers / Pivots
• Drills

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Not less than eight years (8+) of hands-on experience in managing a large, complex agricultural or heavy equipment workshops
• Familiarity with operations in established agricultural businesses like Zambeef, Amatheon, Nyimba Farms, Chartonnel, or Silverlands etc is an added advantage.
• Membership with Agricultural Institute of Zambia (AIZ) is preferred.
• Expert computer literacy with excellent Microsoft skills (essential for reporting and data analysis).
• Demonstrated leadership in team management, strong problem-solving and initiative, and clear communication with the Operations Manager / COO role.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and knowledge of agricultural machinery.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse teams.
• Experience with workshop management software and inventory systems.
• Understanding of safety regulations and compliance standards in agricultural operations.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to meet operational demands.
• Valid driver's license and a willingness to travel, as necessary.

• Manage daily operations of the agricultural workshop, including scheduling, workflow, and staff management.
• Oversee all maintenance, repair, and service operations for a diverse fleet of agricultural machinery and equipment., including tractors, harvesters, yellow machines, feed mixers, planters, land preparation equipment, sprayers, and broadcasters.
• Collaborate with other departments to prioritize maintenance and repair needs based on production schedules.
• Develop and enforce rigorous preventive maintenance schedules aimed at maximizing equipment lifespan and achieving minimal corrective repairs.
• Conduct regular inspections of equipment and tools to ensure operational efficiency.
• Create and maintain records of all repairs and maintenance work performed.
• Manage inventory of parts and supplies, ensuring availability and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure that equipment uptime is maintained and that the response time to any in-field breakdown is swift in accordance with the following key performance standards:
• % of machinery uptime (target > 95%).
• Preventive vs. corrective maintenance ratio (75–83% preventive, 17–25% corrective).
• Fuel efficiency variance vs. standard volume for operations and tractor / combined machines.
• Track Workshop cost per hectare / per litre of milk / per ton of meat produced/per pig.
• Response time to breakdowns
• Manage the spare parts inventory and procurement process by driving cost efficiency, focusing on minimizing the workshop cost per hectare/liter of milk/ton of meat produced.
• Ensure strict adherence to SOPs and safety standards within the workshop.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental policies.
• Supervise, coach and manage all workshop staff, including mechanics and drivers, while maintaining accurate resource usage records and compliance.
• Train and mentor workshop staff on best practices, safety protocols, and new technologies.
• Stay updated with industry trends and advancements in agricultural technology.
• Ability to maintain the following equipment:
• 6110 B Tractor
• 5055e Tractor
• 140a Tractor
• Mf 5285
• Feed Mixer
• Disc Harrow
• Ad 1015 Planter
• Boom Sprayer
• Rippers
• Bailers
• Mowers
• Electrical H/Mill
• Bull Dozer Sd 22
• Tlb 315 - 4x4
• 300d Excavators
• Bulldozers
• Sprayer -Advance 2000; 3000;
• Disc Harrow
• Tractor-7205
• Tractor-6150
• Tractor-5503
• Tractor-75 Hp
• Tractor -170 Hp
• Harrows
• Gensets
• Combine Headers / Pivots
• Drills

• Expert computer literacy with excellent Microsoft skills (essential for reporting and data analysis).
• Demonstrated leadership in team management, strong problem-solving and initiative, and clear communication with the Operations Manager / COO role.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and knowledge of agricultural machinery.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse teams.
• Experience with workshop management software and inventory systems.
• Understanding of safety regulations and compliance standards in agricultural operations.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to meet operational demands.
• Valid driver's license and a willingness to travel, as necessary.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Not less than eight years (8+) of hands-on experience in managing a large, complex agricultural or heavy equipment workshops
• Familiarity with operations in established agricultural businesses like Zambeef, Amatheon, Nyimba Farms, Chartonnel, or Silverlands etc is an added advantage.
• Membership with Agricultural Institute of Zambia (AIZ) is preferred.