Lead Maintenance Engineer

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance may be provided

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Lead Maintenance Engineer to oversee maintenance operations in George, Western Cape. This senior role requires hands-on leadership, deep knowledge of industrial machinery, and a focus on reliability, safety, and efficiency of plant equipment.

The successful candidate will develop preventative and predictive maintenance programs, manage a team of technicians, and drive continuous improvement within the maintenance department, ensuring uptime and cost

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in ME, EE, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years in industrial maintenance with 3+ in leadership.
• Experience developing PM and PdM strategies.
• Experience with CMMS and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs for all plant equipment.
• Lead and mentor a team of maintenance technicians.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, hydraulic issues.
• Plan inspections to identify failures and improvements.
• Manage spare parts inventory and control costs.
• Develop departmental budget and monitor expenditures.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate with production to minimize downtime.
• Analyze maintenance data to identify trends and actions.
• Maintain equipment history and work orders.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Budget management

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

CMMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Lead Maintenance Engineer to oversee and direct maintenance operations in George, Western Cape . This senior position is pivotal in ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of all plant and equipment. The Lead Maintenance Engineer will be responsible for developing and implementing preventative maintenance strategies, managing a team of technicians, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within the maintenance department. This is a hands‑on role requiring a deep understanding of industrial machinery and systems, coupled with strong leadership qualities. The successful candidate will play a critical role in optimizing operational uptime and minimizing costly breakdowns.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance programs for all plant equipment.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of maintenance technicians, ensuring high performance and adherence to schedules.
• Oversee the diagnosis and repair of complex mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits of equipment to identify potential failures and areas for improvement.
• Manage spare parts inventory, ensuring availability of critical components while controlling costs.
• Develop and manage the departmental budget, controlling expenditure on parts, labor, and external services.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to minimize downtime and optimize operational efficiency.
• Analyze maintenance data to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, work orders, and equipment history.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in industrial maintenance, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in developing and implementing maintenance strategies (PM, PdM).
• Strong knowledge of industrial machinery, control systems, and safety protocols.
• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and control costs effectively.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practices.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or industrial plant environment.
• Must reside in or be willing to relocate to the George, Western Cape area.

Benefits

• Attractive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based incentives and potential for bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund contributions.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and advanced technical training.
• Generous leave allowance.
• A challenging and rewarding role in a stable industry.
• Access to modern maintenance technologies and equipment.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for the right candidate.