Service Manager - Propulsion & Diesel Engines

The Company

Join a globally recognised engine manufacturer in a senior leadership position where your ability to develop people, improve operational performance and strengthen customer relationships will make a genuine difference.
Supporting critical industries including data centres, rail locomotives, defence and naval vessels, passenger transport and luxury marine, this opportunity combines technical expertise with commercial leadership and business development.

We are seeking a commercially minded leader who can develop a high-performing team, strengthen customer partnerships and deliver measurable improvements in service performance, productivity and profitability.

The Position

Reporting to senior management, you will take responsibility for the leadership, operational performance and commercial success of the service operation.
Your focus will be on motivating and developing employees, maximising workforce utilisation, maintaining strong financial controls and ensuring customer expectations are consistently met.

You will work closely with workshop personnel, technicians, service administration and management to improve service delivery, establish effective processes and identify opportunities to grow service and maintenance revenue.
Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, motivate and develop service teams, building a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear performance expectations and coach employees to achieve their individual and team objectives.
• Identify training requirements, support career development and develop future leaders.
• Manage recruitment and workforce planning to ensure the business has the skills and resources required for future growth.

Financial Management & P&L Accountability

• Take ownership of departmental budgets, forecasting, profitability and financial performance.
• Achieve revenue, gross margin and expense targets through strong financial discipline and cost control.
• Monitor WIP, productivity, efficiency, labour recovery and operational KPIs.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins, reduce inefficiencies and maximise the commercial performance of the service operation.

Workshop Productivity & Operational Excellence

• Coordinate workloads and resources to meet customer requirements and agreed service timeframes.
• Maximise technician utilisation, workforce productivity and labour efficiency.
• Establish structured workflows, consistent processes and effective reporting.
• Ensure quotations, work orders and WIP are managed accurately and efficiently.
• Drive continuous improvement across workshop operations, maintenance planning and service delivery.

Customer Relationships & Business Growth

• Build strong relationships with customers and key industry stakeholders.
• Ensure customer expectations, contractual obligations and service requirements are clearly understood by the team.
• Identify and secure new service and maintenance contracts while expanding existing customer relationships.
• Collaborate with sales and technical teams to develop commercially competitive service solutions.
• Deliver reliable service outcomes that strengthen customer retention and generate long-term revenue opportunities.

Technical Leadership, Safety & Compliance

• Provide technical direction and ensure complex service issues are resolved promptly.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship, maintenance quality and manufacturer compliance.
• Promote a safety-first culture and ensure appropriate training, risk management and workplace procedures are maintained.
• Ensure the team has the technical capability, resources and processes required to deliver safe and efficient service.

Candidate Requirements

You will be an experienced Service Manager or senior service leader who combines strong people leadership with technical credibility and commercial acumen.

Ideally, you will bring:

• Proven experience leading service teams within engine manufacturing, heavy equipment, industrial machinery, power generation, rail, marine or a related technical environment.
• Trade qualifications or a mechanical engineering qualification.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate employees, improve engagement and build high-performing teams.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasts, operating expenses and P&L performance.
• A track record of improving productivity, technician utilisation and operational efficiency.
• Experience managing WIP, service reporting, labour recovery and departmental KPIs.
• Strong customer relationship skills and the ability to identify and develop service contract opportunities.
• Excellent communication, planning, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.

Above all, you will be a leader who understands the relationship between employee engagement, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction and profitable business growth.

Salary Package & Benefits

• Base Salary: $145,000–$150,000 per annum.
• Car Allowance: $20,000 per annum.
• Superannuation: 12.5% employer contribution.
• Company Bonus: Performance-based opportunity linked to business results and the achievement of key financial and operational targets.

Total indicative annual package: $183,125–$188,750, plus company bonus.

This is an opportunity to join a global manufacturer, lead a technically skilled service operation and make a meaningful contribution to business performance, customer relationships and long-term growth.

Apply Now – Confidential Enquiries Welcome

If you are a commercially driven Service Manager who knows how to lead people, improve performance and grow a profitable service operation, we would welcome a confidential discussion.

Please email your CV to Ryan@Cappro.com.au or call Ryan directly on 0406 011 998 for a confidential conversation.

Cappro Pacific specialises in recruitment across the capital equipment, earthmoving, industrial and heavy machinery sectors throughout Australia and New Zealand.