Wayne Keating

Accomplished executive leader with 31 years' experience in production, engineering, fleet, and operations management across high-demand, safety-critical industries. A proven track record of delivering operational excellence, maximizing asset performance, optimizing cost, and leading multi-site, multi-country operations to measurable business results. Expert in operational strategy, fleet lifecycle management, engineering leadership, technical and procurement strategy, SHEQ governance, cross-border project execution, financial stewardship (P&L, CAPEX/OPEX), and high-performance team development.

Adept at integrating technology and innovation — including precision agriculture, smart-farming systems, and digital fleet management — to drive sustained competitive advantage.

Head of Technical & Procurement, SHEQ and Driver Training at Unifreight Africa (2026-02 – Present)

Senior executive role directing technical strategy, procurement, and SHEQ governance for Unifreight Africa's regional fleet and workshop operations, with full ownership of driver training and safety-competency development.

• Set and direct technical and procurement strategy across the fleet and workshop network, aligning capital investment, parts sourcing, and supplier contracts with operational priorities.
• Own SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment & Quality) governance end-to-end, embedding standards and compliance frameworks across all sites and operations.
• Lead driver training and competency programmes, raising safety performance, reducing incident risk, and building a strong compliance culture.
• Partner with senior leadership and suppliers to align technical, procurement, and safety strategy with broader commercial objectives.

Technical & Operational Consultant — Mining, Agriculture & Transport at Self-Employed (2025-07 – 2025-12)

• Delivered executive consultancy in fleet management, logistics, and engineering operations for clients across mining, agriculture, and transport.
• Advised on large-scale operational optimization, maintenance frameworks, and capital planning.
• Implemented safety and compliance systems aligned with international standards.
• Led project scoping, procurement, equipment selection, and cross-border operational set-up.
• Drove KPI-based performance improvement, cost optimization, and operational excellence.

Director of Engineering Operations — Waste Sector at Dauson Environmental (2025-03 – 2025-07)

• Built and led a high-performing engineering division of 30 staff supporting a 152-unit fleet.
• Held full P&L accountability and operational cost control for the division.
• Optimized asset performance through preventive maintenance, lifecycle management, and capital planning.
• Implemented ISO-aligned HSE and operational protocols across the business.
• Directed end-to-end engineering and operational projects, introducing sustainability initiatives.

Regional Technical Manager — Agriculture at Unitrans Africa (2017-02 – 2025-01)

• Directed a 1,152-unit fleet and 638 staff across multi-country agricultural operations.
• Developed and executed lifecycle asset strategies, improving reliability, efficiency, and operational readiness.
• Integrated precision agriculture technologies (drones, GPS, IoT) to optimize production and operational insight.
• Embedded safety, compliance, and governance frameworks across all sites.
• Managed budgets, capital expenditure, and P&L reporting.
• Led cross-border project delivery and multi-site operational transformation.

Regional Technical Manager — Fuel & Chemical at Unitrans Africa (2015 – 2017)

• Standardized engineering and fleet operations across multiple sites, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
• Managed budgets, KPIs, and resource allocation to deliver operational excellence.
• Directed technical infrastructure upgrades, system rollouts, and compliance initiatives.
• Oversaw a 369-unit fleet and 323 staff.

Contract / Operations Manager — Mining & Road Transport at Unitrans (2012 – 2015)

• Directed mining logistics and road transport operations, overseeing a 60-vehicle cement distribution fleet and 35 units of mining machinery.
• Improved fleet uptime, safety, and cost-efficiency through operational strategy and process optimization.
• Held full P&L responsibility and delivered projects on time and within budget.

Engineering Manager / Senior Technical Roles at Unitrans, Ryder's, MAN/ERF Trucks, Shell (2000 – 2012)

• Led workshops and preventive maintenance operations for heavy vehicles and equipment.
• Implemented operational standards, cost-control measures, and safety programmes.
• Developed technical teams aligned with operational and safety objectives.
• Delivered projects including workshop upgrades and system implementations.

Early Career: Diesel Technician Apprenticeship (HGV), Fleet Supervisor at Nissan Diesel (SA), CA Brand Civil Engineering

Engineering Apprenticeship (HGV) in N3 Trade Theory

Business Management