OVERVIEW

H.E. Jackson Engineering Ltd (HEJ) is one of the leading providers of engineering solutions in Malawi and serves all sectors of the economy including mining, energy, agriculture, construction and manufacturing. The company is seeking a skilled and experienced Mechanical Assistant Workshop Foreman to help manage the operations of their mechanical workshops and heavy plant machinery in Malawi. This is a challenging opportunity for a proactive, focused, and results-orientated person to join a growing and dynamic company.

JOB SUMMARY

To assist the Workshop Foreman in planning, supervising, and coordinating workshop operations to ensure that maintenance, repair, fabrication, and servicing activities are carried out safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards, manufacturer's specifications, and applicable laws and regulations in Malawi.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Workshop Operations

• Assist in planning and coordinating daily workshop activities.
• Allocate work assignments to technicians and artisans under the direction of the Workshop Foreman.
• Monitor work progress and ensure maintenance and repair jobs are completed within agreed timelines.
• Inspect completed work to ensure compliance with quality standards and technical specifications.
• Assist in responding promptly to equipment breakdowns and emergency maintenance requests.

2. Supervision and Team Leadership

• Supervise workshop staff in the absence of the Workshop Foreman.
• Provide technical guidance and on-the-job coaching to technicians and apprentices.
• Monitor employee attendance, punctuality, and productivity.
• Promote teamwork, discipline, and adherence to company policies.
• Participate in staff performance reviews and identify training needs.

3. Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

• Assist in implementing preventive maintenance schedules.
• Ensure routine inspections and servicing of equipment are carried out as planned.
• Support troubleshooting and diagnosis of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fabrication faults.
• Recommend corrective actions to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.

4. Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Promote compliance with occupational health and safety procedures.
• Ensure staff wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Maintain good housekeeping within the workshop.
• Report hazards, incidents, accidents, and near misses.
• Participate in workplace safety inspections and risk assessments.

5. Workshop Tools and Inventory

• Monitor the availability and condition of tools, equipment, and workshop consumables.
• Assist in maintaining inventory records for spare parts and materials.
• Report shortages and prepare requisitions for replacement items.
• Ensure proper storage and accountability of workshop tools and equipment.

6. Administration and Reporting

• Maintain maintenance records, job cards, and service reports.
• Prepare daily and weekly progress reports for the Workshop Foreman.
• Assist in monitoring maintenance costs and efficient utilization of workshop resources.
• Ensure maintenance documentation is accurate and up to date.

7. Customer and Internal Service

• Coordinate with user departments regarding maintenance requests.
• Ensure timely completion of assigned work while maintaining high service standards.
• Respond professionally to operational emergencies affecting business continuity.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Plant Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a related technical field from a recognized institution.
• Trade Test Certificate (Grade I or equivalent) is an added advantage.
• Valid driving licence (where applicable) is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 3–5 years' experience in workshop operations or maintenance.
• Previous experience leading or supervising a maintenance team is an advantage.
• Experience in hospitality, construction, manufacturing, transport, or industrial maintenance is desirable.

Knowledge and Skills

• Sound knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fabrication, or general maintenance systems.
• Good supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to read technical drawings and maintenance manuals.
• Good troubleshooting and fault-finding skills.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Good report writing and record-keeping skills.
• Strong planning and organizational abilities.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Leadership and supervision
• Technical competence
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Planning and organizing
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Integrity and accountability
• Customer service orientation
• Ability to work under pressure

• Assist in planning and coordinating daily workshop activities.
• Allocate work assignments to technicians and artisans under the direction of the Workshop Foreman.
• Monitor work progress and ensure maintenance and repair jobs are completed within agreed timelines.
• Inspect completed work to ensure compliance with quality standards and technical specifications.
• Assist in responding promptly to equipment breakdowns and emergency maintenance requests.
• Supervise workshop staff in the absence of the Workshop Foreman.
• Provide technical guidance and on-the-job coaching to technicians and apprentices.
• Monitor employee attendance, punctuality, and productivity.
• Promote teamwork, discipline, and adherence to company policies.
• Participate in staff performance reviews and identify training needs.
• Assist in implementing preventive maintenance schedules.
• Ensure routine inspections and servicing of equipment are carried out as planned.
• Support troubleshooting and diagnosis of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fabrication faults.
• Recommend corrective actions to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
• Promote compliance with occupational health and safety procedures.
• Ensure staff wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Maintain good housekeeping within the workshop.
• Report hazards, incidents, accidents, and near misses.
• Participate in workplace safety inspections and risk assessments.
• Monitor the availability and condition of tools, equipment, and workshop consumables.
• Assist in maintaining inventory records for spare parts and materials.
• Report shortages and prepare requisitions for replacement items.
• Ensure proper storage and accountability of workshop tools and equipment.
• Maintain maintenance records, job cards, and service reports.
• Prepare daily and weekly progress reports for the Workshop Foreman.
• Assist in monitoring maintenance costs and efficient utilization of workshop resources.
• Ensure maintenance documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Coordinate with user departments regarding maintenance requests.
• Ensure timely completion of assigned work while maintaining high service standards.
• Respond professionally to operational emergencies affecting business continuity.

• Sound knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fabrication, or general maintenance systems.
• Good supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to read technical drawings and maintenance manuals.
• Good troubleshooting and fault-finding skills.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Good report writing and record-keeping skills.
• Strong planning and organizational abilities.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Plant Engineering, Building Services Engineering, or a related technical field from a recognized institution.
• Trade Test Certificate (Grade I or equivalent) is an added advantage.
• Valid driving licence (where applicable) is an added advantage.