Workshop Leading Hand (Automotive)

About us

At Transdev John Holland Buses, we don't just move people, we connect communities.

Each month, we welcome approximately four million customers across Sydney's eastern, south-eastern and central suburbs, providing safe, reliable and sustainable transport services on some of Australia's busiest bus routes.

As part of our team of Journey Makers, you'll be helping people get to work, education, healthcare, family and leisure activities every day. We are passionate about serving our communities and proud of the essential role we play in keeping Sydney moving.

Your impact

As our Workshop Leading Hand, you will provide hands-on leadership to a diverse maintenance team, ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality and fleet reliability across our operations.

Leading a team of up to 30 employees and contractors across multiple trades, you will play a critical role in maintaining fleet availability and supporting compliance with the Sydney Metropolitan Bus Services Contract (MBSC).

This role involves regular travel between our Port Botany, Randwick and Waverley depots, with the majority of work based at Port Botany.

What you'll do

• Lead and coordinate daily workshop activities to ensure fleet operational requirements are achieved.
• Provide supervision and support to Mechanics, Auto Electricians, Body Repairers, Spray Painters, Trade Assistants, Apprentices, contractors, suppliers and couriers.
• Perform trade-based maintenance and repair work on the Transdev John Holland bus fleet in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Conduct vehicle inspections and functional checks to ensure vehicles are fit for service.
• Undertake fault finding, diagnostics and quality assurance activities to ensure high maintenance standards.
• Support the implementation of maintenance strategies and operational initiatives that improve fleet performance and reliability.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records using administrative and computerised systems.
• Monitor labour utilisation, inventory requirements, quality outcomes and workshop productivity.
• Investigate maintenance-related issues and prepare reports as required.
• Manage and oversee warranty-related activities to ensure compliance with business and manufacturer requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all regulatory, operational and organisational standards.

What you bring

Experience & Qualifications

• Current NSW Motor Vehicle Trade Certificate (MVTC) as a Motor Mechanic (essential).
• Alternatively, a NSW MVTC qualification as a Panel Beater or Auto Electrician with significant bus industry knowledge and relevant experience will be considered.
• Current HC Driver Licence, or a current Class C Licence with willingness to obtain an HC Licence upon commencement.
• Demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience within a maintenance, transport, fleet or workshop environment.
• Strong understanding of vehicle maintenance practices, diagnostics and quality assurance processes.
• Experience working within bus operations, public transport or heavy vehicle maintenance environments highly regarded.
• Senior First Aid Certificate (desirable).

Skills & Attributes

• Strong people leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach and develop teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Strong problem-solving and fault-finding skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to safety and compliance.
• Computer literacy with the ability to maintain accurate maintenance and operational records.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.

Why join Transdev John Holland Buses?

• Excellent earning potential – Annual earnings of approximately $90,000-$120,000 plus superannuation, including shift allowances and overtime opportunities.
• Work-life balance – Enjoy a monthly rostered day off (RDO) and five weeks annual leave.
• Free travel – Receive a complimentary Opal Card for travel on Sydney buses, ferries, trains and light rail services.
• Tools and uniforms provided – Including boots, uniforms and laundering facilities.
• Overtime opportunities – Increase your earning potential through additional shifts and overtime.
• Career development – Access ongoing training and development, including exposure to the latest electric vehicle technology.
• Convenient transport – Free staff bus service available to all three depots from Central and/or Redfern stations.
• Job security – Join a stable organisation operating within an essential public transport service.

Hours of work

This position operates on a rotating roster and includes shift work and weekend work. Additional flexibility may be required to support operational requirements and staff leave coverage.

• Morning Shift: 6:00am to 2:30pm
• Mid Shift: 10:30am to 7:30pm
• Afternoon Shift: 2:00pm to 10:00pm or 2:30pm to 10:30pm

Saturday shifts are paid at time and a half for the entire shift.

Important requirement

Please note that applicants who do not hold a current NSW Motor Vehicle Trade Certificate (MVTC) will not be considered for this position.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Transdev John Holland Buses, we believe diverse perspectives create stronger teams and help us better serve the communities in which we operate.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including First Nations Peoples, people with disability, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

If you require adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know. We're here to support you.

Ready to apply?

If you're an experienced tradesperson with strong leadership capability and a passion for maintaining safe, reliable public transport services, we'd love to hear from you.

Submit your application, including your resume and a brief cover letter outlining why you're the right fit for the role.

Join our team of Journey Makers and help keep Sydney moving.

Applications may close prior to the advertised closing date if a high volume of applications is received.