ABOOBAKER BENNETT
Brakpan
Summary
Results-driven Service Operations and Aftermarket Leader with over 11 years of progressive experience in the heavy equipment and mining industry. Extensive leadership experience across Caterpillar, Hitachi and Liebherr environments, with a proven ability to lead large service operations, improve operational performance and build high-performing teams.
Currently employed as Section Service Manager at Barloworld Equipment (CAT) and serving as Acting Head of Department (Service) since July 2026. Responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team of more than 65 employees, managing operational performance, customer relationships, service budgets, warranty governance and business improvement initiatives.
Commercially focused with a proven track record of delivering an average monthly service turnover of R11.7 million, reducing aged Work in Progress (WIP) by 50% within four months, improving labour utilisation and strengthening customer partnerships across major mining operations.
An authentic leader who develops people, drives accountability and delivers safe, profitable and customer-focused service operations while supporting long-term business growth.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
1
1
year of post-secondary education
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Service section Manager
Barloworld CAT
Kathu
02.2026 - Current
- Managed daily operations to ensure efficient service delivery to customers.
- Implemented safety protocols and procedures to ensure workplace compliance.
- Analyzed operational data to identify trends and recommend improvements.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives to reduce overhead expenses.
- Developed strategies to optimize efficiency, quality, and customer service levels.
- Developed strategic partnerships with external vendors to maximize profits while minimizing costs.
- Recommended process improvements to streamline production workflows.
- Managed the recruitment process for new hires, including interviewing potential candidates.
- Applied lean strategies to implement operational enhancements, promote efficiency and cut costs.
- Provide strategic leadership for field service operations supporting major mining customers across the Northern Cape.
- Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of more than 65 employees, including supervisors, planners, service administrators and field service technicians.
- Manage departmental service budgets, monitor operational expenditure and implement cost control initiatives to improve profitability.
- Drive operational performance through effective workforce planning, labour recovery and resource optimisation.
- Achieve monthly revenue targets while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and service quality.
- Manage customer relationships with key mining accounts, ensuring proactive communication and long-term partnerships.
- Led Work in Progress (WIP) reduction initiatives to improve cash flow and operational efficiency.
- Oversee warranty administration, technical escalations and OEM service campaigns.
- Present operational, financial and KPI performance to senior leadership.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, productivity, quality and business performance.
- Coach and mentor supervisors and future leaders while fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence.
- Collaborate with product support team & major Mining customers to improve fleet performance and optimise maintenance intervals Life cycle cost(LCC).
- Lead the execution and performance of Service Level Agreements (SLAs), ensuring contractual commitments are achieved while maintaining exceptional customer satisfaction.
Field service foreman
Hitachi construction machinery South Africa
Boksburg
12.2022 - 02.2026
- Coordinated and supervised operatives' activities, allocating tasks and enforcing safety procedures to enhance workplace safety.
- Supervised a team of 8-10 service technicians while providing direction, motivation, support, and feedback as needed.
- Supervised daily operations of service team, ensuring effective maintenance of construction machinery.
- Assembled skilled workforce by recommending employment of qualified workers and training of operatives and demonstrating work processes to personnel.
- Trained new technicians on best practices for machinery diagnostics and repairs.
- Coordinated schedules for equipment repairs and servicing for optimal efficiency.
- Monitored service technicians' performance to uphold quality standards and improve service delivery.
- Monitored performance of service technicians to ensure adherence to quality standards.
- Identified cost savings opportunities through regular review of shop supplies usage rates.
- Created work orders based on customer requests and assigned them to appropriate technicians.
- Maintained accurate records of labor hours worked by each technician for payroll purposes.
- Directed a team of 8-10 service technicians, ensuring effective communication and support.
- Reviewed invoices for accuracy prior to submitting them for payment processing.
- Present operational, financial and KPI performance to senior leadership.
- Led Work in Progress (WIP) reduction initiatives to improve cash flow and operational efficiency.
Acting Service & Worksop Manager
Hitachi construction machinery
Boksburg
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Monitored staff performance and developed targeted improvement plans to enhance team effectiveness.
- Managed inventory control to minimize waste and maintain optimal stock levels, supporting operational efficiency.
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training programmes, improving team skills and performance.
- Cultivated work environment focused on personal responsibility, continuous improvement and delivering high-quality results.
- Recruited and hired staff for organisational vacancies and enforced consistent policies across workforce.
- Supervised supply purchases, management and tracking in line with budgetary requirements.
- Coordinated strategic plans for administrative services management and optimisation to best use available resources.
- Advised senior management on facilities needs and delivered ongoing operational support.
- Investigated issues impacting organisational operations and service delivery to understand root causes, prepare detailed reports and recommend corrective actions.
- Drove company growth with proactive mindset and results-oriented plans for business operations.
- Set accurate budgets based on historical data and forecasted trends to keep operations financially sound.
- Drive Work in Progress (WIP) reduction strategies and improve service turnaround times.
- Manage OEM warranty administration, technical escalations and service campaigns.
- Accountable for achieving business objectives through effective management of service operations, customer relationships and financial performance.
- Ensure compliance with Hitachi standards, company policies and SHEQ requirements.
Field Service Technician/man on site
Hitachi construction machinery South Africa
Boksburg
06.2020 - 11.2022
- Performed advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting and repairs on heavy earthmoving and mining equipment at customer sites.
- Executed planned maintenance, preventive maintenance and breakdown repairs in accordance with OEM standards and customer requirements.
- Conducted major component replacements, including engines, transmissions, differentials, hydraulic pumps, final drives, swing drives and undercarriage components.
- Performed fault finding on hydraulic, electrical, electronic, powertrain and engine management systems using OEM diagnostic software and technical manuals.
- Carried out machine commissioning, inspections and condition monitoring to maximise equipment reliability and availability.
- Conducted Root Cause Analysis (RCA) on equipment failures and recommended corrective actions to prevent repeat failures.
- Ensured compliance with OEM warranty policies, quality standards and service procedures.
- Prepared detailed technical service reports, inspection reports and machine health assessments
- Worked closely with Product Support, Engineering and Parts departments to resolve complex technical issues.
- Managed customer relationships by providing technical advice, maintenance recommendations and professional aftersales support.
Diesel Mechanic
Hitachi construction machinery
Mpumalanga
06.2019 - 05.2020
- Provided support and maintenance at Glencore's Mpumalanga location.
- Hitachi machines:EX2500 hydraulic shovel,EX2600 hydraulic shovel,EX3600 hydraulic shovel,EX5500hydraulic shovel,EX1200, EH3500 dumb trucks
- Maintained various mining, industrial and power generation engines to upkeep safe, productive plant environments
- Identified faults using manual and automated diagnostic techniques, enabling quick return to roadworthy condition
- Sourced cost-effective parts for repairs, enhancing service quality and customer satisfaction
- Delivered minor and major repairs to heavy-duty engines, minimizing vehicle off-road time and ensuring timely service restoration
- Updated quality documents, verifying compliance with product safety and operation laws
- Kept business systems updated with completed service works, enabling progress, productivity and performance monitoring
- Communicated breakdown response times to customers, attending promptly to maintain excellent service standards
- Logged timesheets and met agreed working hours for safe, reliable round-the-clock support
- Collaborated with workshop teams to optimize plant productivity and consistently achieve performance targets
- Used excellent troubleshooting and fault-finding abilities to locate mechanical failures and identify good solutions
- Processed warranty claims to enable parts replacement and repair of faulty heavy diesel products
- Diagnosed and repaired industrial engines for productive, safe plant equipment and machinery
- Completed service worksheets, accurately detailing completed repairs to enable parts replenishment
- Analyzed diagnostics data to recognize recurring issues and devised tailored solutions to prevent repeat faults
- Provided support and maintenance at Glencore's Mpumalanga location.
- Calibrated diesel engine control systems to achieve optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Field Service Technician
Liebherr Africa
Springs
04.2018 - 04.2019
- Explained technical solutions to customers, ensuring understanding and confirming satisfaction with repairs
- Used active listening to comprehend customer requirements and find appropriate recommendations and resolutions
- Conducted routine equipment servicing out in field, maintaining equipment to high standards
- Responded to customer callouts and field dispatches promptly and efficiently, meeting and exceeding team targets
- Installed and tested new equipment, establishing regular preventative maintenance schedules to retain full working order
- Inspected and troubleshot equipment failures, finding swift resolutions by repairing or replacing parts
- Recorded and documented all completed work in job reports, submitting promptly to field service foreman
- Delivered exceptional customer service to build positive relationships with customers and increase customer satisfaction
- Maintained well-stocked company vehicle with essential equipment and spare parts to support timely service delivery
Earthmoving apprenticeship
Liebherr Africa
01.2015 - 11.2017
- Managed phone calls and emails for staff, enabling senior members to concentrate on strategic priorities
- Supported meetings by preparing materials, setting up spaces and taking notes
- Handled phone calls and responded to emails on behalf of staff, keeping senior members free to focus on larger issues
- Shadowed daily activities of office staff to gain understanding of scope of work
- Monitored industry news and updates, providing team with relevant information for informed decision-making
- Produced printed materials to support team communication and documentation
- Guided individuals in finding appropriate personnel or resources, ensuring efficient resolution of inquiries
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Buisness Administration
Richfield
(Online) Currently studying Certificate of Higher Education - Buisness Management
Regensys Buisness School
Graduate (Complete) 01.2024 - 01.2025
NQF level N5 completed - Mechanical engineering
Ekurhuleni college
BrakpanCertificate - Project management
Regenesys business school
(online) Completed Skills
- Service Budget Management
- Revenue Growth
- Cost Optimization
- Gross Margin Management
- KPI development
- Workforce Management
- WIP management
- Customer Engagement
- Strategic Leadership
- Operational Leadership
- Organizational Development
- Change Management
- Team leadership
Certification
- Basic hydraulics
- Hydraulic load sensing (Liebherr Germany einchen)
- Electrical load sensing (Liebherr Germany einchen)
- Basic service engineers' part 1 (Liebherr Africa springs)
- Basic service engineers' part 2 (Liebherr Africa springs)
References
- Barloworld CAT -Ernest mtsweni 082 520 1904
- Hitachi Construction Machinery- Kobus Botha -082 591-1951
- Liebherr Africa foreman: Frikkie Dreyer – 072 386 356
Education
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Personal Information
Title: Field Service Foreman
Languages
English
First Language
Afrikaans
Upper Intermediate
B2
Timeline
Service section Manager
Barloworld CAT
02.2026 - Current
Acting Service & Worksop Manager
Hitachi construction machinery
06.2025 - 08.2025
Certificate of Higher Education - Buisness Management
Regensys Buisness School
01.2024 - 01.2025
Field service foreman
Hitachi construction machinery South Africa
12.2022 - 02.2026
Field Service Technician/man on site
Hitachi construction machinery South Africa
06.2020 - 11.2022
Diesel Mechanic
Hitachi construction machinery
06.2019 - 05.2020
Field Service Technician
Liebherr Africa
04.2018 - 04.2019
Earthmoving apprenticeship
Liebherr Africa
01.2015 - 11.2017
Bachelor of Business Administration - Buisness Administration
Richfield
NQF level N5 completed - Mechanical engineering
Ekurhuleni college
Certificate - Project management
Regenesys business school