Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) is a leading vehicle assembly company located in Thika, Kenya. Renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, KVM plays a pivotal role in Kenya’s automotive industry. As part of its continuous effort to enhance efficiency, ensure adherence to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards, and build internal technical capacity, KVM is seeking to recruit a highly qualified, experienced, and results-oriented individual to fill the position of Technical Trainer.
This position sits within the Human Resources – Learning and Development division, under the Technical Training section. It reports directly to the General Manager and is based at the KVM facility in Thika. The Technical Trainer role is central to the development and implementation of technical training strategies that support quality vehicle assembly and the achievement of production excellence.
If you are passionate about automotive engineering, technical training, and capacity building, this opportunity could mark a defining moment in your career.
Position: Technical Trainer
Division: Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers
Department: HR – Learning and Development
Section: Technical Training
Reports to: General Manager
Workstation: Thika, KVM
Direct Reports: None
Indirect Reports: None
Job Purpose
The Technical Trainer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing a comprehensive technical training strategy that ensures KVM has a consistent supply of technically skilled personnel. The trainer will create and manage training programs in alignment with OEM guidelines and in areas such as Logistics, Assembly, Painting, Welding, Maintenance, and Quality Standards.
The primary objective of this role is to ensure that all technicians possess the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver top-tier services and products to KVM’s customers. The trainer will support quality assurance efforts, enhance efficiency on the assembly line, and maintain up-to-date practices in line with evolving technologies and standards.
Main Responsibilities
The role of Technical Trainer is multifaceted and dynamic, covering operational planning, training program execution, quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement. Below is a breakdown of the key responsibilities:
1. Operational Responsibilities
- Conduct technical inspections at multiple stages of the vehicle assembly process to ensure full compliance with OEM and KVM standards.
- Prepare and submit distributor skills map reports on a quarterly basis to the General Manager, Human Resources Manager, and Production Manager, providing insights into skill status across departments.
- Develop and execute a technical training strategy aimed at ensuring all sections of KVM are adequately equipped with relevant technical competencies.
- Draft and manage a detailed technical training budget, ensuring that sufficient resources are allocated for successful program implementation.
- Liaise with OEMs on matters related to training resources and budgeting, to secure necessary materials and financial backing for training programs.
- Develop training policies and procedures that align with manufacturer requirements and internal KVM policies, ensuring consistency and compliance in training delivery.
- Coordinate the development of training programs tailored to the specific needs of all KVM assembly and fabrication models.
- Develop and disseminate training calendars to all departments, ensuring optimal participation and integration into daily operations.
- Conduct comprehensive training needs analyses for all KVM models to align learning objectives with departmental requirements, ensuring that training investments yield tangible improvements in productivity.
- Oversee the training of apprentices with a focus on grooming them into competent technicians capable of supporting KVM’s production goals.
- Collaborate with the Production Manager and section engineers to conduct initial skills evaluations for technicians who have not undergone formal training.
- Analyze results from skills evaluations to identify areas of improvement and propose targeted training solutions to address competency gaps.
- Update technical training materials regularly to reflect the latest changes in technology, tools, processes, and standards.
- Deliver both classroom (theoretical) and hands-on (practical) training sessions to ensure technicians are proficient in core processes such as assembly, welding, painting, and trimming.
- Evaluate technicians and apprentices periodically using TEAM21 guidelines for the purpose of skill certification and career progression.
- Manage the inventory of TEAM21 tools and training equipment, maintaining records and submitting monthly reports to monitor usage, identify wastage, and recommend replacements or repairs.
- Coordinate daily training activities and collaborate with external suppliers and training providers to ensure timely and high-quality training delivery.
- Build apprentice proficiency in technical skills, aiming to transition them to pro-technician level within two years.
- Continuously engage with training materials to strengthen theoretical knowledge and stay updated with evolving trends and techniques in automotive engineering and assembly.
- Submit detailed reports to management on all training activities, including evaluations, challenges, and strategic recommendations for staff skill development.
Working Relationships
The Technical Trainer will work closely with various internal and external stakeholders to ensure that training initiatives align with organizational goals and industry standards.
Internal Customers
- General Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Production Manager
- Logistics Coordinator
- Quality Engineer
- Assembly Engineer
- Welding Engineer
- Paint Engineer
- Finance Manager
External Customers
- KVM Clients and Customers
- Dealers
- Service Providers
- Special Product Developers
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
These relationships are essential for the seamless execution of training programs, acquisition of relevant tools and materials, and monitoring of industry benchmarks and customer expectations.
Key Competencies and Skills
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in delivering both theoretical and practical technical training.
- High-level expertise in MS Office and training-related software.
- Ability to develop and manage budgets for training initiatives.
- In-depth understanding of assembly line processes and OEM requirements.
- Strong instructional and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage trainees and communicate complex technical concepts in an understandable manner.
- Familiarity with national and international technical standards, compliance laws, and industry best practices.
Functional Skills
- Analytical skills to evaluate training effectiveness and technician performance.
- Effective report-writing capabilities.
- Competency in designing and delivering presentations.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
Behavioral Skills
- Business acumen and a thorough understanding of the automotive industry landscape.
- High level of flexibility and adaptability in managing multiple training schedules and department needs.
- Fast learner with a continuous improvement mindset, capable of keeping pace with technological advancements.
- Strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate outcomes and craft training solutions accordingly.
- Strong decision-making capabilities and problem-solving mindset.
- Ability to develop positive relationships across all levels of the organization.
- Awareness of organizational culture and internal dynamics.
- Demonstrated energy and drive, with a commitment to seeing projects through to completion.
- High ethical standards, integrity, and honesty in the delivery of all responsibilities.
Academic and Professional Requirements
To effectively carry out the responsibilities of this role, candidates must possess a degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering, preferably in Automotive, Production, or Manufacturing Engineering. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in the automotive or assembly industry, including at least 3 years in a technical training or training management role.
Conclusion
Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers offers a unique opportunity for a skilled Technical Trainer to play a transformative role in shaping the next generation of automotive technicians. The position combines technical expertise, instructional design, operational execution, and strategic planning. If you are passionate about capacity building, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to contribute to Kenya’s automotive industry growth, then this is the right role for you.
Qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications, detailing their experience and how it aligns with the requirements of the Technical Trainer role.
To apply, please send your application via email to the address provided in the official job advertisement.
