Asset Engineering Manager

Africa Health Research Institute; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Africa Health Research Institute in Durban is seeking an Asset Engineering Manager to lead the facilities engineering function, aligning asset management with AHRI’s objectives and safety standards. You will oversee plant equipment, drive preventative maintenance, manage engineers and technicians, and develop policies to maximize reliability and lifecycle value while ensuring compliance with the OHS Act.

This role requires strong planning, communication, and technical oversight across HVAC,

Qualifications

• Degree or National Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• GCC for Factories.
• 5–10 years in plant/maintenance engineering with 5 years in supervision.
• Experience with chillers, boilers, HVAC plant and pumps.
• Experience with building automation systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction by aligning asset management with organizational objectives.
• Oversee maintenance of plant equipment, utilities, and engineering systems.
• Lead troubleshooting, failure analysis and optimization to improve performance.
• Develop asset management policies and plans to maximize lifecycle value.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations including the OHS Act.

Skills

Strategic direction

Team leadership

Communication

Planning

Electrical/HVAC knowledge

Education

Bachelors or Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

GCC for Factories

Tools

Building management systems

Job description

The application closing date:

2 Sept 2026

Description:

The Asset Engineering Manager serves as a key technical resource within Facilities management unit, providing expert guidance and support to ensure the efficient operation of facilities and associated infrastructure.

This role oversees the maintenance and repair of plant equipment, leads troubleshooting efforts, and drives optimization initiatives to enhance equipment efficiency, reliability, and overall safety.

Brief overview of duties

• Provide strategic direction by interpreting the organization’s objectives, identifying stakeholder requirements, and establishing the purpose of asset management.
• This includes guiding the development and implementation of the asset management policy, asset management plan, and strategic infrastructure asset management objectives.
• Oversee plant machinery, engineering systems, and utilities to ensure smooth operations, aligning with asset engineering principles to maximize equipment performance, lifecycle value, and operational reliability. Implement preventative maintenance programs in line with asset engineering best practices to minimize equipment downtime, extend asset life, and ensure operational efficiency Ensuring compliance with safety regulations such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act).
• Managing engineering teams, including technicians and general assistants.
• Conducting failure analysis and problem-solving to improve plant performance.
• Developing asset management systems, design specifications to enhance equipment reliability.
• Communicate and explain complex products, services, or concepts to internal and external customers or clients in an understandable and effective manner.

Requirements of the Job

Minimum Qualifications

• Matric
• Degree or National Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) for Factories.

Minimum Experience

• At least 5–10 years of experience in a plant or maintenance engineering role, with at least 5 years at a supervisory position.
• Experience in working with chillers, boilers, HVAC plant, pumps, etc.
• Experience in the selection, installation, operation, and repair of various building automation systems preferred.

Skills Required

• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Technical expertise.
• High computer literacy.
• Planning and organizing skills.
• Knowledge of building management systems and electrical systems preferred.
• Knowledge of negative pressure ventilation systems would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of applicable Mechanical, Electrical and HVAC codes.
• Knowledge of Duct Construction Standards
• Ability to read and interpret wiring schematics, and manufacturers’ literature.

Worker Type:

Employee

AHRI is a values-driven organisation. As an employer we are committed to staff engagement and development. Our culture is one of high performance and partnership.

Our values
The successful candidate will be expected to live by AHRI’s values, including collaboration, ubuntu, leadership, innovation, transformation, and excellence.
Employment equity
AHRI is fully compliant with South African labour law and is committed to employment equity. This position is primarily open to South African or other African applicants, with a valid work permit desirable. AHRI reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date to facilitate further searches. Furthermore, AHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.