Maintenance Supervisor

University of Fort Hare; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare is seeking a Maintenance Supervisor to join our Vereeniging facility. You will oversee plant equipment, perform mechanical and electrical fault-finding, and reduce downtime through proactive maintenance.

The ideal candidate has 2–4 years in a similar role, an N4 qualification, and aTrade Certificate is advantageous. The role involves PLC checks, MCC troubleshooting, and strict safety adherence.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years experience in a similar role.
• N4 Qualification.
• Trade Certificate will be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily inspections of plant equipment and identify potential failures before breakdowns occur.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns and perform mechanical and electrical repairs.
• Carry out preventative maintenance and equipment servicing to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical faults, including motors, contactors, relays, overloads, sensors and other control components.
• Maintain and repair mechanical components such as bearings, shafts, pulleys, chains, couplings and drive systems.
• Assist with PLC panel checks, MCC troubleshooting, hydraulic and pneumatic maintenance, and equipment alignment inspections.
• Develop knowledge of plant equipment and processes, including material handling and utility systems.
• Accurately record inspections, breakdowns, repairs, spare parts usage, and maintenance activities using Asset Pool system.
• Support production by responding promptly to maintenance issues and communicating equipment reliability concerns.
• Adhere to safety requirements, including lock-out/isolation procedures and PPE usage.

Skills

Fault-finding

Maintenance experience

Independent worker

Teamwork

Safety compliance

Education

N4 Qualification

Trade Certificate

Job description

My client, an established manufacturer with the agricultural industry is looking for a Maintenance Supervisor to join their team. Millwright experience coupled with an N4 qualification and 2 - 4 year relevant experience essential. A Trade Certificate will be advantageous.

The Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for maintaining, inspecting, repairing, and improving plant equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient production. The individual must support production by reducing equipment downtime through effective fault-finding preventative maintenance, repairs, and accurate reporting of all maintenance activities. The role requires a hands‑on approach with a basic understanding of both mechanical and electrical systems, including industrial machinery, processing equipment, and plant services.

Experience and Qualification:

• 2 – 4 years’ experience in a similar role
• N4 Qualification
• Trade Certificate will be advantageous

Key Skills:

• Sound mechanical and electrical fault‑finding and problem‑solving skills.
• Practical hands‑on maintenance experience in an industrial environment.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure during breakdown situations.
• Good proactive communication and teamwork skills.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance practices and maintenance reporting systems.
• Commitment to safety, quality workmanship, and continuous improvement.
• Effective planning and time management.
• Detail‑orientated.
• Computer literate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct daily inspections of plant equipment and identify potential failures before breakdowns occur.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns and perform mechanical and electrical repairs.
• Carry out preventative maintenance and equipment servicing to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical faults, including testing and replacing motors, contactors, relays, overloads, sensors, and other control components.
• Maintain and repair mechanical components such as bearings, shafts, pulleys, chains, couplings, and drive systems.
• Assist with PLC panel checks, MCC troubleshooting, hydraulic and pneumatic maintenance, and equipment alignment inspections.
• Develop a working knowledge of plant equipment and processes, including material handling, processing, and supporting utility systems.
• Accurately record inspections, breakdowns, repairs, spare parts usage, and maintenance activities using the Asset Pool system.
• Support production by responding promptly to maintenance issues and communicating equipment reliability concerns.
• Adhere to all safety requirements, including lock‑out/isolation procedures, hazard identification, PPE usage, and housekeeping standards.