Maintenance Foreman

Sovereign Foods Ltd; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A national chicken product supplier in Gqeberha is seeking a committed individual for the role of Maintenance Foreman. This position mandates technical maintenance of plant equipment to maximize production availability. The ideal candidate must hold a trade certificate in Electrical or Mechanical fields, possess 5-10 years' technical maintenance experience in a poultry-abattoir setting, and have at least 3 years of experience managing a maintenance team. Applicants must demonstrate strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• 5 to 10 years post‑qualification hands‑on technical maintenance experience, preferably in a poultry‑abattoir environment.
• 3 years’ experience in managing a maintenance team.

Responsibilities

• Less than 3% plant downtime to ensure targeted throughput.
• 100% execution of job cards allocated.
• Adhere to CMMS & manufacturer’s service schedules.
• Eliminate wastage through zero reworks.
• Effective shift handover to maintain momentum.

Skills

Knowledge of FMCG equipment operation and maintenance

Good interpersonal skills

Good planning and organisational skills

Attention to detail

Stress Tolerance

Adaptability

Education

Trade certificate (Electrical/Mechanical)

Job description

Job Description

Sovereign, a national supplier of chicken products to various markets with operations in five provinces, is seeking a thorough and committed individual for the position of Maintenance Foreman in the Commercial division. The Maintenance Foreman is responsible for technically maintaining plant and equipment to ensure maximum availability and throughput for production. This position reports to the Services Engineer GMR2 and carries a TASK Grade T11. The ideal candidate will be in possession of a trade certificate (Electrical/Mechanical) with significant experience in managing shift personnel in an FMCG environment is a requirement. A minimum of 5 to 10 years post‑qualification hands‑on technical maintenance experience, preferably in a poultry‑abattoir environment and 3 years’ experience in managing a maintenance team.

Responsibilities

• < 3% plant downtime to ensure targeted throughput
• 100% execution of job cards allocated
• 100% accurate job card administration
• Adhere to CMMS & manufacturer’s service schedules
• Adhere to GMP required in terms of HACCP which includes all SOPs which are related to Maintenance and the operations thereof
• Eliminate wastage through, Zero (0%) reworks, 100% adherence to the Time and Attendance procedure and job planning in order to eliminate excessive issuing of spare parts
• Effective shift handover to the next shift that comes on duty in order to keep the momentum going
• Adhering to general manufacturing practices for the food environment

Qualifications

• Knowledge of FMCG equipment operation and maintenance
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good planning and organisational skills
• Attention to detail
• Stress Tolerance
• Adaptability

Closing Date: 19 December 2025

As Sovereign is an equal opportunity employer, preference will be given to applicants of designated groups, as defined by the Employment Equity Act.