About Company
Botswana Railways is a state-owned enterprise responsible for operating and maintaining the national railway network in Botswana. For decades, we have been the backbone of the country’s transportation infrastructure, facilitating the movement of freight and passengers across the nation and connecting Botswana to neighboring countries. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and efficient railway services that contribute significantly to the economic development and social well-being of Botswana. We pride ourselves on a rich history of engineering excellence, operational integrity, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. As we continue to modernize our fleet and infrastructure, Botswana Railways remains dedicated to embracing innovation, ensuring environmental sustainability, and fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement for our employees and stakeholders. Joining Botswana Railways means becoming part of a legacy that drives progress and builds the future of transportation in Southern Africa.
Job Description
We are urgently seeking an experienced and highly motivated Maintenance Manager to join our dynamic team in Gaborone, Botswana. This is an immediate start opportunity for a seasoned professional to oversee and optimize the maintenance operations for our critical railway infrastructure and rolling stock. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of our railway systems. You will lead a dedicated team of maintenance professionals, implementing proactive maintenance strategies, managing budgets, and upholding the highest safety standards. This role demands a hands-on leader with a strong technical background, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and a proven track record in a demanding operational environment. The Maintenance Manager will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all maintenance activities, minimizing downtime, and extending the lifespan of our assets. You will drive continuous improvement initiatives, foster a culture of preventative maintenance, and collaborate closely with operational teams to achieve our strategic goals. If you are a results-oriented leader with a passion for railway engineering and the ability to hit the ground running, we invite you to contribute your expertise to a vital national asset.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive preventive and corrective maintenance programs for railway tracks, signaling systems, rolling stock (locomotives and wagons), and associated infrastructure.
- Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of maintenance technicians and engineers, ensuring high levels of performance, adherence to safety protocols, and continuous professional development.
- Manage the maintenance budget, control expenditures, optimize resource allocation, and ensure cost-effective operations without compromising safety or quality.
- Ensure strict compliance with all national and international railway safety regulations, operational standards, and environmental policies.
- Oversee inventory management of spare parts and critical components, ensuring availability to minimize downtime.
- Implement and utilize Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to track maintenance activities, schedule tasks, and analyze performance data.
- Conduct regular inspections, audits, and performance reviews of maintenance operations and assets.
- Prepare detailed reports on maintenance activities, asset performance, and budgetary status for senior management.
- Collaborate with operations, engineering, and procurement departments to integrate maintenance plans with overall railway strategy.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in maintenance processes, technologies, and team capabilities.
- Respond effectively to emergencies and breakdowns, ensuring rapid and safe resolution to minimize service disruption.
- Develop and deliver training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of the maintenance team.
Required Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Engineering, or a related field
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in maintenance management, preferably within the railway, heavy machinery, or transportation industry
- Strong leadership and team management skills with proven ability to motivate and develop a technical team
- In-depth knowledge of railway systems, including tracks, rolling stock, signaling, and communication systems
- Proficiency in CMMS software and maintenance planning tools
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities
- Demonstrated understanding of safety regulations and best practices in industrial environments
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Budget management and financial acumen
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational setting
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, Lean Six Sigma)
- Membership in a recognized engineering professional body
- Experience with condition-based monitoring techniques and predictive maintenance strategies
- Specific experience with railway asset management systems and standards
- Knowledge of Botswana’s regulatory environment for transportation and railways
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package
- Comprehensive medical aid benefits
- Generous pension fund contributions
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Opportunities for career advancement within a vital national enterprise
- Relocation assistance (if applicable)
- Contribution to national infrastructure development
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to click on the application link below to submit their detailed CV and a compelling cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience relevant to this role. Please ensure your application highlights your immediate availability. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.