Maintenance Manager

SET Recruitment Consultants

Kathu

On-site

ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000

Full time

48 hours ago

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Job summary

SET Recruitment Consultants seeks a Maintenance Manager for mining operations in the Northern Cape. You will ensure reliable operation of surface and underground assets, drive maintenance strategy, and collaborate with operations to minimize downtime.

You will lead a team, manage the maintenance budget, implement safety standards, and drive continuous improvement through TPM, predictive maintenance, and data analytics.

Qualifications

Minimum 5 years in a maintenance management role.
Experience with heavy machinery and plants.
Strong knowledge of safety, health, environmental and quality standards.
Experience in mining/explosives manufacturing is advantageous.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement maintenance plans to maximize uptime.
Lead maintenance team and external contractors.
Ensure safety and regulatory compliance across assets.
Manage annual maintenance budget and cost controls.
Track KPIs (MTBF/MTTR) to improve reliability.

Skills

Maintenance management

Leadership

Budgeting

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Red seal Millwright

Job description

MAINTANANCE MANAGER

Location: Northern Cape Kathu, South Africa

Business Unit: Southern Africa Operations: Surface

Reports To: Regional Manager

Join and shape the future of mining.

A leading global provider of blasting and mining solutions, partnering with customers to improve safety, productivity and sustainability across the mining value chain. Combining advanced blasting technology, digital innovation, explosives and technical expertise, we help mining operations solve complex challenges, optimise performance and unlock value. From open-pit mines to underground operations, our solutions support responsible, efficient mining and enable the critical resources needed to power modern economies.

You'll join a global, diversified business operating across the agriculture, mining and chemicals sectors. With operations in 23 countries, customers in more than 40 countries, over 70 distribution centres, and approximately 3,800 employees worldwide, the company develops innovative products, technologies and services that support food security, responsible mining and sustainable industrial development. Through science, innovation and collaboration, we help customers use resources more efficiently, solve complex operational challenges and create lasting value for a changing world.

At the company, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside industry experts, contribute to meaningful challenges, and grow your career in a purpose-led organisation committed to innovation, learning and sustainable impact.

Innovating to enhance life, together creating a greener future.

Role Impact

The Maintenance Manager's role is to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of all physical assets and equipment, including both surface and underground operations. This involves minimizing downtime and implementing effective maintenance practices to ensure continuous operations.Additionally, the Maintenance Manager must ensure that all maintenance activities are conducted safely, adhere to budget constraints, and comply with regulatory requirements and organizational standards.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Strategy Development and Execution

Develop and implement maintenance plans that ensure equipment reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.
Ensure the maintenance strategy aligns with the overall operational and business goals.
Develop effective workshop operational schedule to ensure delivery of effective maintenance and increased availability of assets
Continuously review and improve maintenance procedures to reflect technological advancements and operational needs.
Create and track key performance indicators (KPIs) like Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) to assess the effectiveness of the maintenance strategy.

Equipment and Asset Reliability

Ensure all equipment is regularly inspected, serviced, and repaired to maximize uptime and reduce the risk of breakdowns.
Implement predictive maintenance techniques by leveraging data analysis, condition monitoring, and diagnostics.
Ensure proper calibration, lubrication, and adjustment of all machinery to maintain optimal performance.
Reduce failure rates by addressing root causes of malfunctions, optimizing repair times, and minimizing stoppages.

Cost Management and Budget Control

Develop, monitor, and manage the annual maintenance budget, including labour, spare parts, equipment, and contract costs.
Implement cost-saving measures such as bulk purchasing, vendor negotiations, and optimizing resource usage (parts, materials, and energy).
Control overtime and unnecessary expenses by optimizing shift coverage, scheduling, and resource allocation.
Verify financial reports on maintenance costs, justifying expenditures and identifying opportunities for cost improvements.

Compliance with Safety, Health, Environmental, and Quality Standards

Ensure that all maintenance activities follow health, safety, environmental, and quality standards to reduce risks and avoid legal issues.
Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments, addressing any potential hazards.
Implement and enforce safety procedures and protocols to prevent workplace accidents and ensure a safe working environment.
Ensure compliance with Process Safety Management (PSM) to minimize process-related incidents in equipment handling.
Maintain an up-to-date safety record, documenting all incidents and corrective actions taken.
ISO requirements and company standards compliance

Plant and Equipment Optimization

Implement lean maintenance techniques and methodologies, such as Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), to reduce waste and improve equipment reliability and efficiency.
Analyze equipment performance data and trends to optimize asset usage, enhance operational processes, and extend equipment lifespan.
Introduce automation, predictive analytics, and condition-based monitoring technologies to ensure more accurate and timely interventions.
Propose and implement equipment upgrades and modernization initiatives when necessary to improve overall plant efficiency.

Maintenance Scheduling and Execution

Develop detailed maintenance schedules, ensuring preventive maintenance occurs at optimal intervals to minimize equipment failures and unscheduled downtime.
Coordinate closely with operations teams to schedule maintenance during non-peak hours or planned outages to avoid operational disruptions.
Ensure timely response to equipment failures and prioritize urgent repairs to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
Manage and oversee maintenance activities performed by in-house teams and external contractors to ensure work is completed on time and within scope.

Team Leadership and Development

Lead, train, and mentor the maintenance team, ensuring they possess the required technical skills and certifications.
Conduct performance reviews, set individual and team goals, and provide continuous feedback to ensure alignment with business objectives.
Ensure the maintenance team adheres to safety and operational standards, providing ongoing training as necessary.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the team, encouraging innovative ideas and problem-solving approaches.

Vendor and Contractor Management

Establish relationships with key vendors and contractors, ensuring that external services meet quality, safety, and cost standards.
Negotiate service agreements and contracts, ensuring the company receives the best value for outsourced maintenance work.
Manage the performance of contractors during specialized maintenance projects, ensuring timely completion and compliance with safety and quality standards.
Continuously assess vendor and contractor performance, adjusting partnerships to improve outcomes.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

Continuously evaluate maintenance procedures and practices to identify areas for improvement and increase operational efficiency.
Explore and implement new technologies and methodologies that enhance maintenance effectiveness and productivity.
Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging team members to propose new ideas and solutions to optimize maintenance activities.
Participate in industry benchmarking and incorporate best practices from leading organizations to improve internal processes

Maintenance Reporting and Documentation

Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, including inspections, repairs, parts replacements, and equipment performance data.
Prepare regular reports for senior management on maintenance KPIs, budget performance, and equipment reliability.
Ensure that all maintenance documentation complies with legal, safety, and quality standards and is readily available for audits or regulatory inspections.
Use maintenance management software to track and analyze data, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
Assist in the development process of the maintenance management system in D365

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering
Mechanical / Millwright red seal

Experience

5 years demonstrated experience in a Maintenance management role
5 years demonstrated understanding of the principles and applications associated with manufacturing operations, maintenance and quality
Demonstrated experience on trucks and heavy machinery
Experience in Explosives manufacturing will be an added advantage

Key Competencies