Job Specification : Maintenance Manager – FMCG
Location : Johannesburg
Salary : R70 000 – R80 000 CTC per month, depending on skills and experience
Reporting To : Factory Manager
Purpose of the Role
To manage all aspects of the maintenance department within a high-paced FMCG environment. This includes leadership of plant maintenance teams, cost management, execution of preventative maintenance systems, and support for project engineering – ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant plant operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the maintenance team, ensuring optimal use of resources and minimal plant downtime through effective planning and scheduling.
- Conduct all maintenance operations safely, in compliance with Health & Safety, Food Safety, Hygiene, and Environmental standards.
- Promote and maintain a strong food safety culture.
- Ensure compliance with plant safety regulations and standards of maintenance work, including coordination of permit-to-work systems.
- Manage maintenance budgets and control operational costs.
- Oversee utilities usage (water and electricity) to support cost-saving initiatives.
- Manage supplier relationships to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of spares and services.
- Implement and oversee a preventative maintenance programme to maximise equipment uptime and reliability.
- Provide input on and support the execution of engineering projects with a focus on safety, scheduling, budgeting, and best practices.
- Contribute to lean manufacturing initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency.
- Manage spare parts inventory, stock control, and purchasing for maintenance stores.
- Establish and maintain a centralised maintenance store.
- Actively participate in Manufacturing / Operations and cross-functional team meetings.
- Foster strong communication and collaboration with health & safety, engineering, and facilities teams.
Formal Qualifications & Experience Requirements
- Minimum NQF Level 6 qualification in a relevant field.
- A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline will be highly advantageous.
- Minimum of 5 years' relevant experience in a similar role within the FMCG or manufacturing industry.
- Proven supervisory or management experience in a maintenance environment.
- A working knowledge of industrial refrigeration (ammonia systems) is preferred.
- Strong experience with equipment automation; appropriate qualifications and hands-on experience are essential.
- Capex and project management experience, including exposure to project management principles and tools.
- Practical experience in Lean Manufacturing is highly advantageous.
- Sound business knowledge and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional departments.
- Excellent leadership, planning, and communication skills.