Mechanical & Maintenance Foreman

Assign Services (Pty) Ltd - JHB; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tissue manufacturing company seeks a Mechanical & Maintenance Foreman in Kempton Park. You will minimize plant downtime, improve machinery lifespan, and lead a maintenance team. Ideal candidates have 5 years of supervisory experience in heavy engineering and knowledge of WCM tools. Strong leadership and analytical skills are essential. This role offers a challenging environment with emphasis on safety and team development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of maintenance supervisory experience in heavy engineering and continuous manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of WCM tools, processes, and systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and present solutions quickly in a pressurized environment.

Responsibilities

• Minimize plant downtime and improve equipment reliability.
• Lead the mechanical and maintenance team.
• Implement world-class maintenance best practices.
• Conduct bi-annual performance appraisals of artisans.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership skills

Problem-solving

Computer applications proficiency

Education

Matric or equivalent qualification

Mechanical Trade Test passed

National Diploma or B.Tech (advantageous)

Tools

ERP / MRO / CMMS

MS Office

Job description

SUMMARY : POSITION INFO :

A Tissue manufacturing company in Kempton Park is seeking a highly capable Mechanical & Maintenance Foreman with a minimum of 5-10 years of heavy & maintenance experience, preferably in a continuous manufacturing process environment, with training & practical experience in preventive maintenance principles.

The incumbent will be responsible for minimizing plant downtime, improving equipment reliability, and extending machinery lifespan through effective execution of all mechanical maintenance activities at Picknik Factory (Converting site).

THE POSITION : The position reports to the Technical Manager.

The incumbent must collaborate effectively with Line Engineers, Production Managers / Supervisors, Maintenance Planner, and Artisans to maximize plant and equipment availability. Provide strong leadership to the mechanical and maintenance team, and implement world-class maintenance best practices.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS :

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

Deliverables :

• Attend Daily Operations Meetings and coordinate with production personnel to ensure the 24-hour operating window by addressing priority equipment repairs.
• Plan and execute all breakdown repairs promptly.
• Identify causes of equipment failures and repetitive repairs by completing RCFA pages 1 and 2 for all mechanical failures. Agree on corrective actions with plant engineers.
• Champion proactive maintenance and eliminate reactive maintenance by implementing preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Develop, review, and agree on weekly maintenance plans with the Maintenance Planner, ensuring effective execution.
• Plan, prepare, and oversee monthly maintenance shutdowns, ensuring no overruns.
• Reduce reaction times (MTTR) and increase mean time between failures (MTBF) through best maintenance practices, systems, and procedures.
• Meet with suppliers, contractors, and third-party inspectors as required.
• Perform daily administrative tasks and prepare weekly/monthly reports.
• Perform standby duties when required and assist with after-hours breakdowns.
• Perform any additional work assigned by the engineering leadership team.

Quality :

• Ensure no maintenance rework by ensuring work performed by artisans and external service providers meets standards.
• Regularly review and maintain the maintenance system (task lists and PM schedules).
• Develop work instructions to standardize tasks and spares requirements following World Class Manufacturing (WCM) principles.

Cost :

• Control maintenance costs effectively and prevent over-expenditure.
• Identify critical spare requirements and ensure their availability.
• Coordinate with store personnel regarding spares holding, storage, and stock requirements.
• Display maintenance team performance metrics (costs, effectiveness, productivity) visually with graphics.

Health, Safety and Environmental :

• Participate in onsite Safety Programs, conduct safety talks, toolbox inspections, and ensure lifting equipment is regularly inspected.
• Ensure all maintenance work is performed safely and efficiently.
• Maintain high safety and work standards in the area of responsibility.
• Implement 5S principles to maintain high plant housekeeping standards.

People :

• Manage maintenance personnel through guidance, supervision, inspection, and discipline.
• Assist with training, coaching, and development of subordinates.
• Maintain open communication through daily meetings for feedback.
• Conduct bi-annual performance appraisals of artisans.
• Enforce WCM principles among subordinates and use WCM tools daily.
• Maintain high standards of time management for self and team.

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE :

• Matric or equivalent qualification.
• Mechanical Trade Test passed.
• National Diploma or B.Tech would be advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years of maintenance supervisory experience in heavy engineering and continuous manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of WCM tools, processes, and systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and present solutions quickly in a pressurized environment.
• Knowledge of legal requirements such as OHS Act, BCEA, LRA.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES :

• Self-motivated, energetic, with strong analytical skills and problem-solving desire.
• Highly proficient in computer applications (ERP / MRO / CMMS / MS Office).
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Able to visualize and deploy maintenance improvement solutions.
• High integrity, decision-making under pressure.
• Willing to work outside normal hours and standby duties.
• Effective delegator, empowering team members with responsibility and authority.
• Neat, organized, and disciplined.