Gauteng: Maintenance Fitter (Shifts) posted by Primeserv Denverdraft

Job Purpose:
To ensure all machinery, utilities, and production equipment operate at optimal performance to sustain a minimum of 90%-line efficiency within a lean FMCG toothpaste manufacturing environment. The Maintenance Fitter is responsible for proactive maintenance, rapid breakdown response, effective changeovers, and continuous improvement to minimize downtime and support production targets.
 
Minimum Requirements:

• Matric (Grade 12).
• Trade Tested Fitter (Red Seal preferred).
• Minimum 7 years’ post-trade experience in FMCG or high-speed production environment.
• Experience in lean manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience in high-speed automated production lines.
• Demonstrated hands-on electrical fault-finding capability on production equipment.
• Forklift license (advantageous or willingness to obtain).
• Sound knowledge of GMP and hygiene standards.
• Computer literate (maintenance systems, check sheets, reporting).

Key Competencies:

• Strong mechanical fault-finding and troubleshooting skills.
• Practical electrical fault finding (not theoretical).
• Pneumatics and hydraulics.
• Knowledge of pumps, compressors, homogenisers, filling machines and packaging lines.
• Understanding of lean principles, OEE, and downtime reduction.
• Ability to work independently under pressure in high-efficiency environments.
• Production-focused mindset.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capability.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings.
• Welding, fitting and turning skills.
• High attention to detail and quality standards.
• Strong safety awareness.

Key Responsibilities:
Planned and Preventative Maintenance:

• Perform planned maintenance according to maintenance schedules and check sheets.
• Accurately complete and update maintenance records.
• Conduct routine inspections to prevent unplanned downtime.
• Identify wear patterns and recommend improvements to increase equipment reliability.

Breakdown and Emergency Repairs:

• Respond immediately to breakdowns to minimise production downtime.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical faults efficiently.
• First-line electrical fault finding on manufacturing equipment
• Ensure equipment is restored in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
• Identify and replace sensors, motors, contactors, relays, photo-eyes, proximity switches.
• Conduct root cause analysis to prevent repeat failures.

Production and Changeover Support:

• Execute fast and effective changeovers to maintain production targets.
• Assist in line start-ups and shutdowns.
• Support production to maintain 90%+ operational efficiency.
• Ensure machinery operates within quality parameters.
• Electrical Support (Essential).
• Assist with VSD resets and PLC I/O tracing (no programming required).

Utilities and Services Maintenance:

• Maintain and repair:
• Pumps
• Compressors
• Tanks
• Water treatment plant
• Homogenisers
• Pallet jacks
• Structural components (doors, railings)
• Start up and shut down services and utilities as required.

Spares and Contractor Management:

• Identify and communicate spares requirements.
• Assist in maintaining optimal spare parts inventory levels.
• Oversee contractors when required and ensure work meets engineering standards.

Compliance and Hygiene:

• Maintain clean and hygienic work practices aligned with GMP.
• Safe isolation and lock-out of equipment.
• Ensure all work complies with safety, quality and food manufacturing standards.
• Follow all SHE and company procedures.

Working Conditions:
FMCG production environment (toothpaste manufacturing)
Shift work will be required
Current Day Shift – Monday to Thursday: 07h00 – 17h00 and Friday: 07h00 – 13h00
Current Night Shift – Monday to Thursday: 18h00 – 06h00
 
Standby and overtime as operationally required.
Physically demanding role involving lifting and machine work.