South Africa: MANAGER – SUPPORT AND SYSTEMS – Zambia Based posted by Ad Talent Africa

Who are we:

We are a dynamic and fast-growing FMCG company based in Lusaka, Zambia, operating across multiple beverage categories. Our business is built on innovation, agility and a deep understanding of consumer needs. We take pride in building powerful brands that resonate with customers and deliver strong commercial performance across Africa.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR:

A Manager Support and Systems, who will lead the technical support structure for all key packaging machinery. This role acts as the central machine specialist responsible for strengthening in-house capability, ensuring knowledge transfer to artisans and operators, reducing OEM dependency and improving equipment reliability across the full value chain.

This position plays a pivotal role in bridging technical gaps, building sustainable in-house service capability, improving machine uptime and reducing OEM intervention costs. The role strengthens operational reliability and long-term asset care.

You will be based in Lusaka, Zambia.

WHAT WILL YOU DO:

1. Technical leadership and knowledge transfer:
   – Serve as the subject-matter expert for all major OEM equipment (Krones, KHS, SIPA, etc.)
   – Drive structured knowledge transfer programmes to artisans, operators and service unit managers
   – Build in-house capabilities for troubleshooting, maintenance and machine optimisation
   – Ensure continuous skill enhancement through OEM-led training and internal coaching
2. Equipment reliability and performance:
   – Lead the technical oversight of fillers, blowers, stretch wrappers, labellers and palletisers
   – Ensure preventive and predictive maintenance practices are consistently applied
   – Support the engineering team in RCA and long-term corrective actions
   – Improve MTBF, reduce MTTR and strengthen reliability across the packaging lines
3. Overhauling and cost optimisation:
   – Participate actively in machine overhauls and major interventions
   – Develop in-house competencies to reduce reliance on OEM services
   – Validate service quality and ensure compliance with OEM standards
4. People leadership and structure management:
   – Lead four Service Unit Managers and ensure strong technical accountability
   – Coach and guide the team to elevate technical capability and drive excellence
   – Promote a culture of ownership, discipline and continuous improvement
   5. Systems, reporting and compliance:
   – Establish standards for technical documentation and reporting
   – Ensure timely reporting on machine KPIs, downtime and maintenance plans
   – Maintain compliance with safety, quality and equipment standards

WHAT DO YOU NEED:

– 15+ years of hands-on experience in maintenance and packaging machinery reliability
– Strong background with Krones systems; advantage with KHS, SIPA, etc
– Proven experience in overhauls and machine optimisation
– Experience leading technical teams in manufacturing (FMCG/Beverages preferred)
– Technical diploma or degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering

KEY COMPETENCIES
– Advanced technical troubleshooting skills
– Strong leadership and coaching ability
– Deep understanding of packaging line machinery
– Data-driven mindset and reporting discipline
– Effective stakeholder communication
– Capability building and reducing external dependency
– Proactive reliability improvement approach