South Africa: Maintenance Department Manager posted by Greys Recruitment

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Maintenance Department Manager to lead and oversee all maintenance operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring maximum equipment reliability, minimising downtime, improving maintenance processes, and managing a skilled maintenance team to support continuous production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the maintenance department, including mechanical, electrical, and maintenance personnel.
• Develop, implement, and monitor preventative and predictive maintenance programmes.
• Ensure all production equipment and machinery operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns and coordinate timely repairs to minimise production downtime.
• Plan and manage maintenance schedules to maximise plant availability.
• Monitor maintenance performance through KPIs and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Manage maintenance budgets, spare parts inventory, and procurement of maintenance materials.
• Liaise with production, engineering, and management teams to coordinate maintenance activities.
• Supervise contractors and external service providers where required.
• Conduct root cause analysis on equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, reports, and documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve plant efficiency, equipment reliability, and operational performance.
• Drive a culture of preventative maintenance, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Trade Test qualification (Mechanical or Electrical) will be advantageous.
• Minimum 8–10 years’ maintenance experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• At least 3–5 years’ experience in a maintenance management or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of preventative and predictive maintenance principles.
• Experience working with automated manufacturing equipment, production machinery, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Valid driver’s licence.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent fault-finding and problem-solving abilities.
• Sound understanding of mechanical and electrical maintenance.
• Knowledge of PLC-controlled equipment and automation systems.
• Budget management and cost control experience.
• Strong planning, scheduling, and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet production deadlines.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
• Commitment to workplace safety and quality standards.

Personal Attributes

• Results-driven and proactive.
• Strong leadership and mentoring ability.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Hands-on approach to maintenance management.
• Ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Adaptable and able to perform effectively in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

Advantageous

• Experience within a composites, plastics, chemical, automotive, or continuous manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing maintenance projects, plant upgrades, and equipment installations.

What We Offer

• Competitive contract remuneration.
• Opportunity to work in a technologically advanced manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to modern automated production systems.
• A challenging role focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.