Background

Tropha Estates Limited (“Tropha”) is a leading agribusiness in Malawi, specializing in the cultivation, processing, and export of high-quality macadamia nuts, chilli, and paprika. We are a leader in Malawi’s macadamia industry, pioneering the use of irrigation on macadamia and introducing newer, more productive varieties. We are committed to responsible and ethical business practices and positively impacting the local communities and environments in which we work.

Role Context

We are seeking a Workshop Manager who is not only a technical expert but also a strong administrator who is data driven. While technical knowledge of tractors, trucks, and excavators is essential, this role places significant emphasis on the administrative, financial, and digital management of the workshop. The successful candidate will move beyond simple repair and maintenance to implement systems that track costs, analyze fuel consumption, and digitize inventory, ensuring our fleet drives our yield and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute preventive maintenance schedules, ensuring all job cards, service histories, and labor hours are accurately recorded in digital systems
• Rigorously prepare and monitor the annual workshop budget. You will be required to analyze running costs per vehicle/machine and report on variances monthly
• Manage the inventory of spare parts and tools with a focus on integrity. You must maintain accurate stock levels via computerised systems to prevent theft, stock-outs, or over-stocking
• Produce weekly and monthly management reports using Microsoft Excel. You must be able to interpret data to identify trends in breakdowns or fuel usage to think forward and prevent future issues
• Lead and supervise a team of mechanics, ensuring disciplined adherence to administrative workflows e.g., completing job cards correctly
• Ensure all workshop activities comply with the Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Act and Tropha’s internal safety regulations
• Champion the 5S system to ensure a clean, organized, and efficient working environment

Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field
• At least 5 years of proven experience in workshop or operations management, preferably in an agricultural setting
• You must be proficient in MS Excel (formulas, pivot tables, data analysis) and confident using inventory management software/ERPs
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage complex paperwork and procurement flows
• Excellent diagnosis abilities for heavy machinery e.g tractors, trucks, excavators and sprayers

Personal Attributes

• High ethical standards regarding procurement and fuel management
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Willingness to live and work in a rural, quiet environment

• Plan and execute preventive maintenance schedules, ensuring all job cards, service histories, and labor hours are accurately recorded in digital systems
• Rigorously prepare and monitor the annual workshop budget. You will be required to analyze running costs per vehicle/machine and report on variances monthly
• Manage the inventory of spare parts and tools with a focus on integrity. You must maintain accurate stock levels via computerised systems to prevent theft, stock-outs, or over-stocking
• Produce weekly and monthly management reports using Microsoft Excel. You must be able to interpret data to identify trends in breakdowns or fuel usage to think forward and prevent future issues
• Lead and supervise a team of mechanics, ensuring disciplined adherence to administrative workflows e.g., completing job cards correctly
• Ensure all workshop activities comply with the Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Act and Tropha’s internal safety regulations
• Champion the 5S system to ensure a clean, organized, and efficient working environment

• Proficiency in MS Excel (formulas, pivot tables, data analysis)
• Confident using inventory management software/ERPs
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to manage complex paperwork and procurement flows
• Excellent diagnosis abilities for heavy machinery e.g tractors, trucks, excavators and sprayers
• Communication skills
• Time management

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field
• At least 5 years of proven experience in workshop or operations management, preferably in an agricultural setting