Building Maintenance Supervisor

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

The CSIR in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Building Maintenance Supervisor to oversee day-to-day facilities maintenance across electrical, HVAC, plumbing and structural systems. You will lead maintenance teams and contractors, ensure safety, compliance with SANS and PFMA guidelines, and manage preventative maintenance plans.

Reporting to the Site Support Manager, you will plan, cost, and execute upgrades, monitor service levels, and maintain CMMS records to ensure reliable and

Qualifications

• National Diploma or Degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Building Services.
• At least 3–5 years in a supervisory role managing maintenance staff.

Responsibilities

• Supervise on-site maintenance and coordinate day-to-day operations.
• Ensure safety, quality and contract compliance for maintenance work.
• Prepare scopes of work and provide technical input for procurement.
• Maintain maintenance documentation and compliance records.
• Lead and mentor direct reports and monitor performance.
• Oversee contractor performance and sign-off completed works.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Project planning

Maintenance management

EHS compliance

Contractor management

Archibus system

SANS knowledge

Electrical switching

Budgeting

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or Building Services

Valid Red Seal Electrical Qualification

Trade test (Electrical/Mechanical)

Wireman's license (advantageous)

Tools

Archibus System or other facility management software

Job description

Building Maintenance Supervisor

Skilled Technical / Junior Management

About The Job

The CSIR has a vacancy for Building Maintenance Supervisor in the Facilities Management and Security Services (FM & SS) portfolio. The incumbent will supervise and coordinate day-to-day facilities maintenance operations, ensuring buildings, plant, equipment, and infrastructure are maintained in a safe, reliable, and cost-effective condition. The role ensures compliance with statutory requirements, service level agreements, and organisational standards while leading maintenance teams and contractors to deliver high-quality facilities services. This position is based in Western Cape.

This position reports to Site Support Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Operations

• Provide building maintenance services at the designated site through repairs, installations, and upkeep across electrical, mechanical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and structural systems.
• Perform maintenance and repair on site infrastructure including electrical reticulation such as Low Voltage (LV) Networks, Medium Voltage (MV) Networks, High Voltage (HV) Networks, switches, transformers, power circuit breakers, cables, plumbing systems, HVAC equipment, lifts, fire safety systems, and other essential building services.
• Initiate, plan, and manage maintenance projects at the site from conception to completion, ensuring alignment with local operational needs, budgetary constraints, and compliance with safety and building regulations.
• Schedule and assign job cards to direct reports to ensure timeous execution of tasks and adherence to Service Level Agreement (SLA) timelines.
• Verify and sign off completed works to confirm quality, compliance, and completion against job card requirements.
• Ensure timely response to breakdowns and emergencies.
• Monitor maintenance backlogs and prioritise work orders.
• Conduct routine inspections to identify defects, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure maintenance records are accurately captured in the CMMS / job card system.
• Perform operational switching and isolation of building systems (electrical, HVAC, water supply) to safely de‑energise equipment, transfer loads, or conduct repairs.
• Prepare and deliver deficiency reports and direct preventative maintenance requirements across all building systems to ensure reliability and safety.
• Plan, cost, and execute new installations or upgrades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structural modifications) as per client or site requirements.
• Schedule and assign tasks required to meet preventative/predictive maintenance needs of CSIR facilities, utilising the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for tracking and reporting.

Contractor and Service Provider Management

• Supervise on-site contractors performing maintenance and repair work.
• Ensure contractor compliance with safety, quality, and site rules.
• Verify work completion before authorising payments.
• Support procurement of goods and services by preparing scopes of work and technical inputs.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in contractor oversight.
• Prevent unauthorised engineering or construction modifications

Facilities Management Support

• Support space, asset, and infrastructure management activities.
• Assist with condition assessments and asset lifecycle planning.
• Contribute to budgeting and forecasting for maintenance expenditure.
• Support energy, water, and utilities monitoring initiatives.

Procurement & Compliance Responsibilities

• Prepare technical specifications for maintenance-related goods, services, and projects to ensure clarity, compliance with South African National Standards (SANS), and alignment with site requirements.
• Participate in procurement processes by providing technical input, evaluating supplier proposals, and ensuring that selected contractors or service providers meet operational and compliance standards.
• Serve on tender committees as a technical representative, contributing to bid evaluations, adjudication processes, and recommendations in line with organisational procurement policies and legislative requirements.
• Ensure procurement compliance with organisational policies, Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), and other relevant procurement regulations.
• Monitor supplier and contractor performance against specifications, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and project deliverables, recommending corrective actions where necessary.
• Procure goods and services related to site maintenance needs, including tools, spare parts, and contractor services, while ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with procurement policies.
• Uphold organisational governance and public-sector procurement controls.
• Support cost-effectiveness and efficiency initiatives by identifying opportunities for improved procurement practices, resource optimisation, and sustainable sourcing.
• Maintain maintenance documentation suitable for PFMA-compliant audit trails.
• Ensure verification of completed works before authorising payments.

Compliance with Environment, Health and Safety Standards and legislations

• Ensure that all maintenance activities and contractor works comply with applicable South African legislation, regulations, and technical standards, including but not limited to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and its Regulations, with ECSA Guidelines on Professional Responsibility and Engineering Work, SANS and Built Environment Standards and Statutory Certification and Inspection Oversight.
• Plan, direct, and record periodic testing and inspections of building systems (electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, lifts, fire safety, and structural components), recommending or initiating modification or replacement of equipment which fails to meet acceptable operating standards and efficiency initiatives.
• Inspect and evaluate the condition of building equipment and infrastructure, including electrical networks, HVAC systems, plumbing, lifts, and fire safety installations, and recommend corrective action. Implement repairs or revisions, including reviewing and recommending design modifications to improve safety, reliability, and sustainability.
• Ensure all installations, repairs, and maintenance activities are performed in accordance with South African National Standards (SANS) codes, relevant building regulations, and organisational safety policies.
• Conduct health and risk assessments to identify hazards, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with occupational health and safety legislation.
• Provide a safe working environment for staff, contractors, and clients by enforcing safe work practices, implementing safety protocols, and ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Carry out task observations to monitor staff performance, verify adherence to safety procedures, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain accurate records and reports of inspections, corrective actions, and compliance audits to demonstrate adherence to statutory requirements and organisational standards.
• Identify infrastructure-related SHE risks and elevate for mitigation.
• Support internal and external audits (OHSACT, engineering, financial, AGSA). Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and engineering integrity.

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Engage building users to understand service issues.
• Provide progress updates on maintenance requests.
• Promote a customer-service‑oriented facilities environment.
• Receive, handle and solve internal and external customer complaints in effective and efficient manner.
• Redirect customer complaints where necessary to the relevant CSIR departments or staff members for speedy resolution.
• Ensure liaison and maintain good relationships with stakeholders.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise artisans, technicians, handyman and general workers.
• Allocate daily tasks and monitor performance.
• Mentor, coach, guide and train direct reports whilst providing timeous performance feedback.
• Foster a culture of accountability, service excellence, and teamwork.
• Conduct performance management e.g. contracting and reviews for all staff at the recommended periods.
• Recommend and draw up developmental plans to encourage further studies and growth.

Reporting and Administration

• Compile maintenance reports, KPI dashboards, and compliance records.
• Track spare parts, tools, and materials usage.
• Track staff productivity and time management.
• Support audits and management reviews.
• Manage fleet assigned to the team

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• National Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Building Services.
• Minimum 5 - 7 years' experience in building maintenance, covering electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, lifts, and fire safety systems.
• At least 3 - 5 years in a supervisory or team leader role, managing maintenance staff, assigning job cards, and ensuring adherence to Service Level Agreement (SLA) timelines.
• Valid Red Seal Electrical Qualification.
• Trade test (Electrical / Mechanical).
• Wireman's license is advantageous.
• Be available and prepared to perform stand by and overtime duties
• Proven ability to perform repairs, installations, and preventative maintenance.
• Electrical switching experience.
• Experience in contractor management and verification/sign-off of completed works.
• Demonstrated experience in Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) compliance, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring statutory adherence.
• Familiarity with South African National Standards (SANS) codes and building regulations.
• Proven track record of managing multiple projects within budget and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Archibus System or other facility management software.
• Works planning, scheduling and coordination.
• Valid Driver's Licence.
• Medical Fitness, candidate must be medically fit to perform physical tasks; baseline medical assessment required before appointment, with periodic medical assessments thereafter to ensure ongoing fitness for duty.
• Shift Flexibility, ability to work extended hours, weekends, or public holidays when required.
• Awareness of sustainability and efficiency initiatives in building operations (e.g., energy efficiency, resource optimization).
• General knowledge of renewables and sustainable building practices (advantageous).
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Maintenance and repair of building systems and equipment across multiple disciplines.
• Procurement and specifications writing for goods, services, and projects.
• Project planning, costing, and execution within time and budget.
• Risk assessment, health and safety compliance, and emergency response readiness.
• Effective communication, reporting, and documentation (deficiency reports, compliance records, maintenance logs).
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

What's in it for you?

The CSIR Offers

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.

Closing date: 23 October 2026

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the Employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from Designated Groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicant's educational qualification and employment history.

The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.