Lead – Mechanical Transport

Purpose/Objective

Lead - Mechanical Transport is responsible for managing and guiding the mechanical transport team, ensuring that transport-related activities for airport construction projects are executed effectively, efficiently, and safely. This role is responsible for overseeing daily operations, developing policies and procedures, and ensuring that team members have the necessary resources and support to perform their duties. The Lead establishes safety protocols, maintains compliance with regulatory standards, and ensures that all equipment is well-maintained to minimize downtime and enhance operational efficiency. This position plays a crucial role in achieving project milestones by managing resources, fostering team development, and upholding safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities of Role

Team Leadership and Supervision: Provide clear direction and daily supervision to the mechanical transport team to ensure efficient and effective maintenance and repair of airport ground vehicles, baggage handling systems, runway removal machines and other mechanical transport assets which includes guiding technicians, assigning tasks, and setting priority levels based on operational needs. Conduct regular check-ins with the team to ensure tasks are on schedule and address any issues or delays. Oversee team performance through periodic evaluations and provide ongoing coaching to improve skills, productivity and identify training and development needs within the team, coordinating relevant training sessions to ensure all members are skilled and updated with the latest mechanical and safety standards. Maintenance Oversight: Plan, schedule, and oversee preventive maintenance activities for all mechanical transport assets, ensuring regular service intervals and reducing the likelihood of breakdowns or delays and establish a schedule that minimizes downtime and maximizes vehicle/assets availability, especially during peak operational hours. Review and maintain detailed maintenance logs, service records, and repair histories to track performance and identify recurring issues that may require more extensive investigation and analyze patterns in repair needs to improve scheduling and identify mechanical transport assets that may need replacement or upgrade. Policy Development and Implementation: Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and best practices for the consistent and high-quality maintenance of mechanical transport assets, ensuring team members follow clear protocols for regular inspections, repairs, and handling of emergencies and regularly review these policies to adapt to changes in airport regulations or vehicle technology. Create and communicate detailed emergency protocols for handling equipment malfunctions or breakdowns, especially in critical operational areas and ensure the team is trained on these procedures to allow for quick and effective responses that minimize disruptions to airport operations. Safety and Compliance Management: Establish, monitor, and enforce safety guidelines and protocols for all maintenance activities, conducting regular safety briefings and making sure all team members understand, adhere to safety regulations and regularly review these guidelines to ensure compliance with airport authority standards and industry best practices. Conduct safety audits and inspections of vehicles, tools, and equipment to identify potential hazards and ensure all safety measures are functional and effective. Inventory and Budget Control: Manage inventory levels of all necessary spare parts, tools, and materials, establishing an inventory tracking system that allows for efficient replenishment and regularly review stock levels to ensure there are sufficient resources for routine maintenance without excessive stockpiling, which can tie up resources. Develop and monitor budget allocations for all maintenance-related activities, carefully balancing the need for quality parts and services with the requirement to stay within budget constraints and identify cost-saving opportunities, such as consolidating vendor contracts, without compromising on the safety or quality of maintenance. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability: Lead energy-saving initiatives within mechanical transport systems, ensuring alignment with the airport’s sustainability goals. Implement technologies and best practices that reduce energy consumption and improve environmental impact. Vendor and Stakeholder Coordination: Build and maintain relationships with external vendors, ensuring they supply high-quality mechanical asset parts and services that meet airport standards. Conduct evaluations of vendor performance and establish clear expectations for timely delivery, quality, and adherence to safety standards. Collaborate closely with other departments, such as ground handling, logistics, and operations, to coordinate maintenance activities, prevent service interruptions, and ensure quick resolution of any urgent repair needs. Establish a system for open communication that allows other departments to quickly report any vehicle issues to the mechanical transport team. Key Stakeholders - Internal: Head - Engineering Services Airport Operations Team Ground Handling Team Logistics Department Safety and Compliance Department Procurement Department Maintenance Technicians Key Stakeholders - External: Vehicle Parts Suppliers Equipment Repair Vendors Regulatory Authorities (e.g., Aviation Safety Authority) Contracted Maintenance Service Providers Insurance Providers

Technical Competencies

Budget Management-AAHL,Data Analysis and Interpretation-AAHL,Documentation and Reporting-AAHL,Energy Efficiency Implementation-AAHL,Mechanical Systems Management-AAHL,Preventive Maintenance-AAHL,Quality Assurance-AAHL,Regulatory Compliance-AAHL,Technical Troubleshooting-AAHL,Vendor Management and Negotiation-AAHL

Qualifications and Experience

Educational Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field. Certifications in automotive or mechanical maintenance (e.g., ASE certification) preferred. Training in airport operations or ground handling is an added advantage. Work Experience: 10+ years of experience in mechanical or automotive maintenance, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory or team lead role. Experience in managing maintenance for ground support equipment or airport ground vehicles preferred. Proven experience with safety standards and regulatory compliance in the aviation or transportation industry.