Mechanical Maintenance Foreman

ZA01 Innovative Water Care SA Holding (Pty) Ltd; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 560,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

As per Innovative Water Care policy

Medical, dental and vision insurance (

401(k) plan

Job summary

Solenis is seeking a Mechanical Maintenance Foreman at the Kempton Park Calcium Hypochlorite facility. You will lead mechanical maintenance, manage contractors, and ensure reliable plant operation while prioritizing safety and cost-effectiveness.

The role reports to the Engineering Manager and requires a strong trade background with leadership experience. Responsibilities include supervising maintenance activities, implementing maintenance programs, and driving continuous improvement in

Qualifications

• Trade-tested mechanical trade is required (Fitter/Turner/Millwright/Mechanical Artisan).
• Supervisory management qualification or experience is advantageous.
• Matric/Grade 12/N3 minimum; additional engineering degree/qualification is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate all mechanical maintenance activities across the production facility.
• Lead and supervise maintenance personnel and contractors to ensure safe, efficient work and adherence to standards.
• Ensure preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs are effectively executed.
• Manage plant breakdowns and lead troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
• Develop and implement maintenance SOPs and work instructions with safety in mind.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Reading drawings

CAD software

Problem solving

Education

Trade qualification: Fitter/Turner/Millwright/Mechanical Artisan

Matric/Grade 12/N3

Supervisory Management qualification

Tools

MS Office

CAD software

SAP maintenance

Job description

LOCATION

Kempton Park, Gauteng

DEPARTMENT

Maintenance and Engineering

VACANCY

Mechanical Maintenance Foreman

REPORTING TO

Engineering Manager

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

Trade Tested Fitter, Fitter & Turner, Millwright, or Mechanical Artisan. Proven Supervisory Management qualification and/or experience will be advantageous. Additional Engineering Degree or Qualification may be advantageous Matric/Grade 12/N3 minimum.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Mechanical Foreman is responsible for the safe, reliable, and cost-effective maintenance of all mechanical equipment, plant infrastructure, utilities, and buildings within the Kempton Park Calcium Hypochlorite manufacturing facility. The incumbent will lead maintenance personnel and contractors to ensure maximum equipment availability, regulatory compliance, plant reliability, and continuous improvement of maintenance practices. The role is critical in supporting uninterrupted production through proactive maintenance planning, breakdown management, asset care, and execution of capital improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate all mechanical maintenance activities across the production facility.
• Lead and supervise maintenance personnel and contractors to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the required standard.
• Ensure preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs are effectively executed.
• Manage plant breakdowns and lead troubleshooting activities to minimize downtime.
• Ensure equipment reliability and availability meet production requirements.
• Prioritize maintenance work based on risk, operational impact, and safety considerations.
• Monitor equipment performance and implement reliability improvement initiatives.
• Perform root cause failure analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Liaise and communicate with other departments, customers, suppliers, and other service providers.
• Manage the maintenance budget effectively to ensure plant equipment, buildings, and infrastructure are maintained safely, reliably, and cost-effectively.
• Prioritize expenditure based on asset criticality, operational requirements, and plant reliability.
• Monitor costs and implement cost‑saving initiatives without compromising safety or performance.
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOPs, maintenance procedures, inspection check sheets, and work instructions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Self-Management

Assertive, optimistic, resilient, and adaptable to change. Able to engage and motivate others through a collaborative leadership style. Self-confident, self-motivated, and results-driven. Demonstrates accountability and ownership of responsibilities.

Skills and Attributes

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Working knowledge of CAD software.
• Strong leadership and relationship management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Results and target-oriented.
• Quality-conscious with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Good presentation and communication skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

MINIMUM CRITICAL REQUIREMENTS, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Trade Tested Fitter, Fitter & Turner, Millwright, or Mechanical Artisan. Minimum 5 years' post-trade experience in an industrial manufacturing environment. Supervisory management qualification and/or experience. Valid driver's licence and own transport. Strong computer literacy, including MS Office and CAD software. Project management experience will be advantageous. Industrial plant maintenance experience is essential. Experience in Calcium Hypochlorite or chemical manufacturing will be highly advantageous. Standby duties and overtime as per IWC policies. Working knowledge of SAP maintenance modules will be advantageous. Note: The role involves work in a chemical manufacturing environment with potential exposure to hazardous chemical agents and airborne particulates. The successful candidate must be able to perform the inherent requirements of the role safely and will complete a role-specific occupational health assessment in accordance with applicable law.

ATTITUDE

Positive and enthusiastic attitude. Eagerness to learn and develop new skills. Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond professionally. Strong initiative, creativity, and attention to detail. Commitment to safety, teamwork, and achieving results.

BENEFITS

• As per Innovative Water Care policy
• At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people.
• That is why we offer competitive compensation; comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance and a 401(k) plan; and numerous opportunities for professional growth and development.
• So, if you are interested in working for a world-class company and enjoy solving complex challenges, whether in the lab or in the field, consider joining our team.

Solenis is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Not seeing a role that best fits your career goals? Introduce yourself to our Talent Acquisition team with a brief note on how you believe you can best apply your skills and bring value to Solenis.

Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state‑of‑the‑art monitoring, control and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 78 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over ~23000 professionals in >160 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2025 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree.

For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com or follow us on social media.