Pump Reconditioning Department Manager

Job Summary

Driving Operational Excellence in Pump Repairs and Manufacturing

We are looking for Pump Reconditioning Department Manager role to provide a single point of accountability for a critical operational area. This leader will oversee the complete repair and refurbishment lifecycle, from customer collections, inspections, quotations and rebuilds, through to painting and final delivery. The role is focused on delivering exceptional quality, efficient resource utilisation, strong customer communication and industry-leading turnaround times. We are looking for a hands-on leader with strong technical knowledge**, excellent computer and report-writing skills**, and a proven ability to build high-performing teams, drive continuous improvement and ensure operational excellence across both departments.

Purpose of the Role

To manage the overall performance of the Recons and Paint Shop Departments, ensuring pumps are collected, inspected, stripped, quoted, repaired, painted, delivered and reported on efficiently, safely and profitably.

Key Responsibilities

Recons Department

• Manage the complete pump repair process from collection to final delivery.
• Ensure pumps are collected from customers on time.
• Ensure pumps are booked in, stripped, inspected and quoted within agreed turnaround times.
• Oversee the preparation of professional inspection and repair reports.
• Ensure customer purchase orders are converted into executable job cards.
• Coordinate reusable component preparation and new parts procurement.
• Ensure pumps are built, tested and delivered on time.
• Manage customer communication and repair progress updates.

Planning & Operations

• Coordinate work between Recons, Stores, Procurement, Production and Logistics.
• Remove bottlenecks and improve throughput.
• Prioritise urgent breakdown and customer work.
• Ensure on-time completion and delivery.

Quality Management

• Approve inspection reports.
• Ensure repairs comply with engineering and OEM requirements.
• Manage final quality inspections.
• Reduce warranty claims and customer returns.

Leadership

• Lead and develop both department supervisors.
• Manage departmental performance and productivity.
• Conduct reviews, coaching, training and disciplinary processes where required.

Reporting & Administration

• Strong computer skills required.
• Strong ERP skills required. (Syspro)
• Review and approve professional customer reports.
• Compile weekly and monthly KPI reports.
• Analyse departmental performance data.
• Present management reports and improvement plans.
• Maintain accurate ERP records and documentation.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Trade-tested Fitter/Mechanical Fitter (or similar engineering trade).
• Management or supervisory qualification advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in slurry pump repairs or heavy engineering.
• Minimum 3 years' management experience.
• Strong knowledge of slurry pump refurbishment and repair processes.
• Proficient in ERP systems, Excel and report writing.
• Strong customer service, planning and leadership skills.

Key Success Measures

• Quote turnaround time.
• Repair turnaround time.
• On-time customer deliveries.
• Departmental Performance/Work tracking.
• Produce exceptional failure reports.
• Customer satisfaction.
• Department profitability.
• Inventory control.
• Safety performance.
• Reduction of rework and warranty claims.

Remuneration & Benefits

In one sentence: This role owns the complete operating performance of the department, ensuring that every pump moves efficiently from customer collection through inspection, quotation, repair, painting and delivery, while supporting a planned 50% growth in the Recons business.