Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM), a pioneering automotive assembly plant located in Thika, is inviting qualified and experienced professionals to apply for the role of Technical Trainer within the Human Resources – Learning and Development Division. As a key contributor to KVM’s growth and operational excellence, this role is instrumental in shaping the technical capabilities of the workforce to align with evolving Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidelines, production technologies, and industry standards.
KVM has earned a strong reputation in the automotive and manufacturing industry by delivering quality, precision, and innovation. The organization remains committed to developing its human capital through strategic training interventions, robust skills development programs, and a culture of continuous learning. The Technical Trainer position is at the heart of these efforts, ensuring that technicians and apprentices are equipped with the necessary skills to meet the demands of modern automotive assembly and fabrication.
This opportunity presents an exciting platform for an individual with technical training experience in the automotive or manufacturing sector to lead transformative change within one of Kenya’s most established assembly plants.
Position Title: Technical Trainer
Division: Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM)
Department: Human Resources – Learning and Development
Section: Technical Training
Workstation: Thika, Kenya
Reports to: General Manager
Direct Reports: None
Indirect Reports: None
Job Purpose
The Technical Trainer is responsible for crafting and implementing a technical training strategy that ensures KVM technicians possess the essential skills and competencies required for high-quality and timely service delivery. This role supports the production teams through targeted training on vehicle assembly, logistics, painting, welding, maintenance, and quality standards, guided by OEM specifications. The trainer plays a crucial role in capacity building and performance improvement across various sections of the production floor.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Responsibilities
- Skills Mapping and Reporting
- Conduct routine inspections at all stages of the vehicle assembly process to ensure alignment with established standards.
- Prepare and submit quarterly distributor skills map reports to the General Manager, Human Resources Manager, and Production Manager to track the current technical competencies of the workforce.
- Technical Training Strategy Development
- Formulate and regularly update a comprehensive technical training strategy to support all KVM departments in achieving excellence in service delivery.
- Identify required skills for each function and plan for the acquisition of these skills through structured training programs.
- Budgeting and Resource Allocation
- Prepare a detailed budget for technical training initiatives to ensure adequate resource allocation for the implementation of strategic training plans.
- Work closely with OEMs to confirm training material needs and incorporate them into the budget planning process.
- Policy and Procedure Formulation
- Develop and implement policies and procedures that align with both KVM’s internal training policies and OEM training requirements.
- Ensure consistent delivery and standardization of training programs across all departments.
- Program Development and Customization
- Design and update training programs specific to KVM’s assembly and fabrication models, incorporating OEM requirements and internal standards.
- Customize content to match technical developments and different levels of trainees.
- Training Calendar Coordination
- Collaborate with user departments to develop training calendars that ensure structured and well-attended sessions across all technical units.
- Communicate schedules early and consistently to ensure full participation from internal teams.
- Training Needs Analysis
- Conduct needs assessments for all current and upcoming vehicle models to ensure that training efforts are aligned with production demands.
- Analyze data to identify knowledge gaps and propose tailored interventions.
- Apprentice Training Oversight
- Oversee the training and development of apprentices with the goal of transitioning them to fully competent technicians within two years.
- Develop learning paths that include both theoretical and practical exposure across various technical domains.
- Initial Skills Evaluation
- Collaborate with Production Managers and Engineers to assess new or non-trained technicians to establish a baseline of their technical skills.
- Analyze evaluation forms and identify specific skill gaps requiring attention.
- Training Material Management
- Continuously update and maintain training content to reflect the latest technological innovations and evolving OEM standards.
- Conduct independent research and review available materials to enhance training delivery.
- Training Delivery
- Conduct classroom (theoretical) and on-the-job (practical) training covering areas such as assembly, welding, painting, and vehicle trimming.
- Ensure that training enables technicians to meet tact time requirements and maintain production efficiency.
- Evaluation and Certification
- Periodically evaluate technicians and apprentices under TEAM21 guidelines for certification and performance tracking.
- Develop and implement evaluation tools to objectively measure training effectiveness.
- Inventory Management
- Manage TEAM21 training tools and equipment inventory, ensuring proper usage, maintenance, and monthly status reporting to reduce wastage and plan replacements.
- Supplier Coordination
- Engage and coordinate with external suppliers involved in technical training programs to ensure high-quality content and timely delivery.
- Documentation and Reporting
- Compile comprehensive training reports with actionable recommendations for ongoing workforce development.
- Present findings and insights to the management team for strategic decision-making on skills development.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Academic and Professional Qualifications
- Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, with a preference for Automotive, Production, or Manufacturing Engineering.
Experience
- At least 8 years of relevant experience in the automotive or vehicle assembly industry, with a minimum of 3 years in a training management role.
Technical Competencies
- Proficiency in planning and implementing technical training operations.
- Solid understanding of automotive assembly standards, technical processes, and quality control.
- Skilled in the use of MS Office and familiar with budgeting processes.
- Capable of instructing both theoretical and practical aspects of technical operations.
- Knowledge of relevant industry laws and professional standards.
Functional Competencies
- Strong analytical abilities with excellent attention to detail.
- Skilled in technical report writing and data interpretation.
- Excellent presentation skills, preferably with Train the Trainer (ToT) certification.
- Effective communication and interpersonal abilities for engaging staff and stakeholders.
Behavioral Competencies
- Strong business acumen with an understanding of automotive industry trends and business drivers.
- Highly adaptable and flexible, able to manage diverse training projects simultaneously.
- Fast learner with the ability to quickly grasp new technical knowledge and industry practices.
- Able to see the broader picture and analyze different aspects of challenges to predict potential outcomes.
- Demonstrates sound judgment and effective decision-making under pressure.
- Adept at solving problems through logical reasoning and providing constructive feedback.
- Self-aware and relatable, fostering positive relationships across departments.
- Understands internal organizational dynamics and can navigate institutional processes effectively.
- Results-oriented, with a proactive attitude toward seizing opportunities and completing tasks.
- Maintains high levels of integrity and builds trust by being honest and dependable.
Working Relationships
Internal Stakeholders
- General Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Production Manager
- Logistics Coordinator
- Quality Engineer
- Assembly Engineer
- Welding Engineer
- Paint Engineer
- Finance Manager
External Stakeholders
- Customers
- Dealers
- Service Providers
- Special Product Developers
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
Why Join KVM
KVM offers a unique opportunity to work in a technically advanced and fast-paced manufacturing environment. As Technical Trainer, you will be a critical change agent helping to build one of Kenya’s most skilled technical workforces. You will influence not only the internal productivity and quality of operations but also contribute directly to KVM’s strategic goal of becoming a leading automotive assembler in the region. KVM values innovation, professionalism, and continuous improvement, and this role aligns perfectly with those values.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about workforce development, possess deep technical knowledge, and have a proven ability to lead and manage training programs in an industrial setting. If you are ready to take your career to the next level by shaping the future of automotive training in Kenya, this is the role for you.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to submit their applications via email to: [Insert Official Email Here]
Ensure that your application includes:
- A detailed CV outlining your experience and qualifications
- A cover letter explaining your motivation for applying and your suitability for the role
- Copies of academic and professional certificates
Applications must be received before the set deadline. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next phase of the recruitment process.
Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
We look forward to welcoming a dedicated Technical Trainer to join our team and contribute to our mission of excellence in vehicle manufacturing and training.
