Are you an experienced heavy vehicle tradesperson ready to step into a leadership role? Do you enjoy leading a team on the floor while remaining hands‑on and driving quality, safety and performance in a busy workshop environment?
VDI (Vehicle Dealers International) Australia is a proudly Australian, family‑owned business and the national distributor of Yutong buses and coaches. Yutong is the world’s largest manufacturer of buses, including the world’s number one battery electric city bus, the Yutong E12.
Due to continued growth, we are seeking a Workshop Leading Hand to join our Prestons workshop and support our expanding operations nationwide. This is a hands‑on leadership role, working closely with the Service, Parts and Workshop teams while reporting to the NSW Service Manager. The successful candidate will play a key role in overseeing daily workshop operations while setting the standard for workmanship, safety and team performance.
About the Role
As Workshop Leading Hand, you will be responsible for the effective day‑to‑day operation of the workshop, ensuring scheduled work is completed to a high standard, on time, and in line with OEM and company requirements. You will lead by example on the workshop floor, support technicians and apprentices, and act as a key point of contact between departments to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.
Key Accountabilities are but not limited to:
- Liaise closely with the Service Department to agree on practical and achievable customer delivery timeframes
- Coordinate and conduct warranty repairs in line with OEM requirements and company policies
- Actively identify warranty‑related repairs and ensure correct processes, evidence and documentation are followed
- Manage daily workshop activities to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently and to a high standard
- Effectively supervise workshop staff to ensure compliance with company policy, procedures and WHS requirements
- Work collaboratively with Service and Parts teams to ensure jobs are completed within expected timelines
- Conduct test drives of vehicles as required
- Maintain a clean, safe and well‑presented workshop environment Assist with hands‑on mechanical duties as required
- Strive to meet workshop KPIs and actively implement improvement strategies
- Support the positive development and mentoring of apprentices
- Assist in the development and optimisation of workshop processes, tools and systems
- Ensure all work complies with internal standards, OEM requirements and general company policies
- Perform other duties as required to support workshop operations
Skills and experience
- Automotive trade qualification as a Diesel Fitter / Heavy Vehicle Mechanic (preferred)
- Previous experience in a supervisory or leading hand role within a heavy vehicle workshop
- Strong understanding of warranty processes and OEM requirements
- Proven ability to lead, support and motivate workshop staff
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Ability to work hands‑on while managing competing priorities
- Minimum HR (unrestricted) licence
- Forklift licence
- A proactive, solutions‑focused approach with a strong commitment to safety and quality
Why Join VDI Australia
At VDI Australia, we invest in your growth. Comprehensive in‑house training is provided to ensure you build confidence, expand your technical skills, and stay up to date with evolving vehicle technology.
We are DRIVEN by our company values: Dedication, Responsibility, Innovation, Value, Excellence and Nurture. These values shape the way we support our people, our customers, and our wider community.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a nurturing, respected, and well‑established business that offers ongoing training, genuine career development, and a friendly, inclusive team that truly cares about its people. If you are passionate about delivering exceptional service with honesty and integrity, we want to hear from you!
VDI Australia is an equal opportunity company that encourages and supports diversity and inclusion in all our workplaces. Check us out on our website – www.vdiaustralia.com.au.
