Arun John Thomas
Port Talbot
Summary
Accomplished automotive engineering professional with over 19 years of experience in managing commercial vehicle service operations, specializing in fleet maintenance, repair, and optimization for buses and trucks. Demonstrated expertise in leading engineering teams, ensuring compliance with Indian safety and environmental regulations, and enhancing vehicle reliability in high-volume transport settings. Proficient in fault diagnosis, workshop management, supply chain logistics, and data-driven cost reduction. Seeking an Engineering Manager role to leverage extensive technical and leadership skills to support advanced fleet operations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Service Manager
Ashok Leyland Ltd.
04.2024 - 10.2025
- Oversee regional service operations for commercial vehicles, including buses for State Transport Undertakings (STUs), managing a team of engineers across multiple territories to optimize fleet performance.
- Enhanced customer fleet availability by 15% through proactive maintenance scheduling and fault diagnosis.
- Managed parts procurement and supply chain logistics, collaborating with multi-site teams to maintain operational efficiency.
- Monitored KPIs for vehicle inspections and repairs, achieving customer satisfaction scores above 95%.
- Developed and implemented service strategies, optimizing resource allocation across multiple locations.
- Trained and mentored service teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
- Managed service budgets, ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Analyzed service performance metrics, identifying trends to drive strategic decision-making.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and improve service delivery timelines.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, enhancing communication and collaboration across regions.
- Enhanced regional service performance by implementing effective management strategies and streamlining processes.
- Developed regional service team''s skills by conducting regular training sessions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Managed customer escalations effectively, ensuring timely resolutions and minimizing negative impacts on client relationships.
- Oversaw inventory control measures within the region, reducing excess stock while maintaining adequate supplies for efficient operations.
- Optimized resource allocation for maximum productivity, achieving consistently high-quality service across the region.
- Collaborated with sales teams to identify upsell opportunities, contributing to increased revenue generation within the region.
- Supported cross-functional teams in the successful execution of large-scale projects, ensuring seamless integration of regional service efforts.
- Served as a liaison between headquarters and field staff, facilitating open communication channels for streamlined decision-making processes.
- Reduced customer complaints and improved satisfaction rates through proactive problem resolution and clear communication.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Hands-on experience in fault diagnosis and troubleshooting of Euro 6 trucks and buses, ensuring compliance with emission standards and minimizing downtime.
Area Service Manager
Ashok Leyland Ltd.
07.2017 - 03.2024
- Directed state-wide service operations for dealerships, ASCs, and STUs, focusing on bus and truck fleet management.
- Improved customer satisfaction through effective fault diagnosis, prompt repairs, and service delivery for bus fleets.
- Organized service campaigns and engagement programs to ensure vehicle uptime and safety compliance with Indian norms.
- Investigated product issues, implemented plant recommendations, and monitored warranty costs.
- Conducted regular visits to key STU customers, maintaining high CSI scores through strategic oversight.
- (Based in Cochin)
Service Engineer
Ashok Leyland Ltd.
01.2012 - 06.2017
- Managed service networks in Mumbai, ensuring dealership profitability and customer satisfaction.
- Optimized profitability of dealerships and ASCs through geographical analysis and promotional campaigns.
- Oversaw training programs, warranty audits, and workshop infrastructure upgrades.
- Evaluated workshop performance via Unified Service Incentive Program (USIP) to enhance service quality.
- Supervised dealer service technicians/ engineers, conducted weekly performance reviews, and addressed operational challenges.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline service processes and improve customer satisfaction.
- Developed detailed reports on service activities, contributing to data-driven decision-making for operational improvements.
- Trained junior engineers and dealer team on best practices and troubleshooting techniques, fostering team development and expertise.
- Implemented quality control measures that reduced error rates in service delivery, increasing overall efficiency.
- Led initiatives to upgrade tools and technologies in dealer outlets ensuring alignment with industry standards and client needs.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing service requests and providing technical solutions.
- Managed customer relationships by addressing inquiries promptly, resulting in enhanced client retention rates.
- Tested and checked performance of hardware and software.
- Boosted service quality by continually updating technical knowledge and staying current with industry trends.
- Analyzed, troubleshot and diagnosed problems and provided prompt repair and solutions.
- Increased client retention, delivering exceptional customer service during on-site visits and remote support sessions.
- Implemented efficient inventory management systems to ensure sufficient stock levels for spare parts at dealerships.
- Contributed to company growth by generating new business leads through positive word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients.
- Proactively identified potential service contract opportunities, driving revenue generation and business growth.
- Collaborated with product development teams to share field insights that contributed towards design improvements and better user experiences.
Service Engineer/ Asst Manager Technical Service
Hino Motors India Pvt Ltd (Toyota Group)
03.2009 - 01.2012
- Served as Senior Technician in the Japanese trucks and buses SKD finishing unit, overseeing final assembly and quality checks for commercial trucks and buses.
- Manages a team of technicians to ensure trucks were prepared in full compliance with Indian CMVR guidelines, while implementing TQBM processes to enhance efficiency and standards in the SKD unit.
- Collaborated closely with truck and bus body manufacturers to facilitate proper integration of components adhering to body building guidelines established by Hino Motors, Japan.
- Provided technical support for commercial vehicle testing, homologation, and dealer development.
- Conducted market surveys, prepared service literature, and supported vehicle performance analysis.
- Organized field trials and monitored competitor activities for buses and trucks.
- Guided dealers on service delivery and customer satisfaction, advising on product selection.
- Analyzed field issues, prepared complaint reports, and coordinated with Japanese teams for improvements.
Service Engineer
Asia MotorWorks Ltd.
05.2006 - 03.2009
- Coordinated state-wide service activities for commercial vehicles.
- Resolved customer, dealer, and product concerns through timely support and training.
- Developed reliable dealer networks and implemented customer-centric processes.
- Managed product trials, warranty/AMC decisions, and spare parts promotion.
- Diagnosed and resolved technical issues in vehicles to ensure optimal performance.
- Developed detailed reports on service activities, contributing to data-driven decision-making for operational improvements.
- Trained dealer team on best practices and troubleshooting techniques, fostering team development and expertise.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Supply Chain Management
Asian International University
Manipur06.2024
Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers (AMIE) - Mechanical Engineering
Indian Institution of Engineers
India03.2007
Diploma - Automobile Engineering
State Board of Technical Education and Training
Chennai01.2004
Skills
- Fleet Management & Maintenance: PCV/HGV repairs, fault diagnosis, vehicle inspections, workshop equipment operation
- Dealer Parts Management: Inventory control, Stock auditing and Supply chain logistics
- Customer Handling: Customer relationship management, Query resolution and Advisory sales
- Technical Expertise: Automotive engineering, supply chain logistics, GIS analytics, SAP, MS Office, data analysis for cost reduction
- Leadership & Operations: Team supervision, KPI monitoring, multi-site management, safety audits, budgetary control
- Regulatory Knowledge: Indian HS&E legislation (eg, Factories Act, 1948; Motor Vehicles Act, 1988), maintenance of HGV/PSVs, defect categorization under Indian standards
- Certifications: Willing to obtain TMCPC; adaptable to new regulatory frameworks with training
Languages
English (Fluent)
Malayalam (Native)
Hindi (Proficient)
Tamil
Religion
Christian Catholic
Hobbies
Long distance driving
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Regional Service Manager
Ashok Leyland Ltd.
04.2024 - 10.2025
Area Service Manager
Ashok Leyland Ltd.
07.2017 - 03.2024
Service Engineer
Ashok Leyland Ltd.
01.2012 - 06.2017
Service Engineer/ Asst Manager Technical Service
Hino Motors India Pvt Ltd (Toyota Group)
03.2009 - 01.2012
Service Engineer
Asia MotorWorks Ltd.
05.2006 - 03.2009
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Supply Chain Management
Asian International University
Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers (AMIE) - Mechanical Engineering
Indian Institution of Engineers
Diploma - Automobile Engineering
State Board of Technical Education and Training