Port Elizabeth: Utilities Technician with Boilers Experience

The Utilities Foreman is responsible for the efficient operation, maintenance, and optimisation of all plant utilities systems to ensure uninterrupted production. This role oversees the maintenance team, utilities infrastructure, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives across boilers, refrigeration, compressed air, water treatment, and energy systems. Key Responsibilities Utilities Operations & Maintenance Oversee the operation and maintenance of: Steam boilers and combustion systems Ammonia refrigeration plants and chillers Air compressors and compressed air systems Water treatment and filtration systems Generators and backup power systems Ensure maximum uptime and reliability of all utilities equipment Monitor system performance and implement corrective actions where required Preventative & Planned Maintenance Develop and execute preventative maintenance schedules Ensure all maintenance work is: Planned Tracked Completed within deadlines Maintain accurate maintenance records and service logs Manage calibration schedules for instrumentation Team Leadership & Supervision Supervise and lead a team of artisans, technicians, and maintenance staff Allocate daily maintenance tasks and ensure completion Manage: Overtime Attendance Performance Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members Budget & Cost Control Manage and control maintenance budgets Track and approve purchase orders for maintenance activities Ensure availability and control of critical spares Drive cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or safety Continuous Improvement & Projects Identify and implement plant improvement projects Conduct root cause analysis (e.g. 5 Whys, failure analysis) Reduce downtime and improve plant efficiency Support installation, commissioning, and optimisation of new equipment Compliance, Safety & Quality Ensure full compliance with: OHSA and safety regulations Boiler and pressure vessel regulations Electrical and hazardous area standards Maintain audit-ready documentation and compliance records Enforce: Lock-out procedures Safe work permits Confined space protocols Participate in quality and production meetings to resolve plant issues Technical Support & Troubleshooting Provide hands-on support for: Mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation faults PLC, HMI, and automation systems Troubleshoot complex plant issues under pressure Maintain backups of PLC and automation systems Minimum Requirements Qualifications Trade Tested Instrumentation Mechanician (Essential) or Millwright or Mechanical Fitter or ND or Btech Mechanical Engineer N3 N4 Technical Qualification (or equivalent) Additional training in: PLC Programming (e.g. Siemens S7) Boilers / Thermoprocessing Pneumatics / Hydraulics Experience Minimum 515 years experience in: Utilities and plant maintenance FMCG / Dairy / Beverage / Manufacturing environments Proven experience managing: Boilers, refrigeration, compressors, and water systems Previous experience in a supervisory or management role Technical Competencies Strong knowledge of: Instrumentation calibration (flow, pressure, temperature, level) Hydraulic and pneumatic systems Experience with high-speed production lines and utilities integration Understanding of electrical standards and hazardous environments Behavioural Competencies Strong leadership and team management skills Excellent problem-solving and analytical ability Ability to work under pressure in high-demand production environments Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills Detail-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Utilities uptime and reliability Reduction in plant downtime Maintenance schedule adherence Budget control and cost savings Compliance and audit outcomes Team performance and productivity Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is a hands-on, technically strong Utilities Specialist with extensive experience in FMCG or processing environments, capable of leading teams, managing complex utilities systems, and driving operational excellence.