Mechanical Team Leader

Clariant SE; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 80 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading specialty chemicals company is seeking an experienced Mechanical Team Leader in Richards Bay. The role involves managing a mechanical maintenance team to ensure optimal plant availability through strategic maintenance execution. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years in a heavy industry environment and possess a valid N6 qualification with a Trade Test Certificate. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAP is required, alongside a strong commitment to safety and compliance standards. Opportunities for training and career advancement are offered.

Benefits

Comprehensive training programs

Career advancement opportunities

Work with cutting-edge technologies

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of maintenance experience in a heavy industry environment.
• Strong mechanical and boiler making technical knowledge.
• Demonstrated chemical plant safety knowledge and technical expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage the mechanical maintenance team.
• Supervise mechanical maintenance activities across the site.
• Optimize maintenance activities to reduce downtime and maximize efficiency.

Skills

Mechanical knowledge

Safety compliance

Team leadership

Root cause analysis

SAP systems proficiency

Education

N6 qualification (Mechanical) with valid Trade Test Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Microsoft Projects

Job description

Clariant is a globally leading specialty chemicals company committed to creating value through innovation and sustainability. We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Team Leader to manage our mechanical maintenance team and critical site assets within our Business Unit Catalysis and Energy. This role is essential to ensuring optimal plant availability through strategic maintenance execution and team leadership.

Responsibilities

Safety Leadership & Compliance

• Champion adherence to all site PPE requirements, safety protocols, safe operating procedures, and work instructions
• Lead safety training initiatives, committee meetings, inductions, and ensure team compliance with OHSA regulations
• Conduct planned job observations and complete non-conformance investigations with corrective actions
• Ensure artisans and contractors maintain strict compliance with site safety standards

Maintenance Operations & Technical Excellence

• Supervise mechanical and boiler making maintenance activities across the site
• Optimize maintenance activities through failure investigations and root cause analysis
• Plan and execute shutdown activities to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency
• Identify and allocate appropriate spares and tasks for each work order
• Perform acting duties and coordinate standby/overtime coverage as required

Team & Resource Management

• Lead, develop, and manage the mechanical maintenance team to achieve performance excellence
• Control maintenance costs within allocated budget parameters
• Manage maintenance tools, equipment inventory, and contractor relationships
• Oversee time and attendance management and complete performance reviews
• Drive training and development initiatives to build team capabilities
• Manage all legal documentation, compliance reports, and required certificates
• Ensure accurate work order management with complete feedback capture
• Contribute to planning and production meetings with data-driven insights
• Maintain workplace cleanliness and organization through 5S methodologies
• Provide mentorship and guidance to team members for professional growth
• Pursue self-development opportunities and implement new technologies

Requirements

• N6 qualification (Mechanical) with valid Trade Test Certificate (required)
• Minimum 5 years of maintenance experience in a heavy industry environment
• Demonstrated chemical plant safety knowledge and technical expertise
• Clariant experience highly advantageous
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Projects, and SAP systems
• Strong mechanical and boiler making technical knowledge
• Understanding of maintenance KPIs including breakdown ratios, MTBF, and plant availability metrics

Our Offer

• Access to comprehensive training programs and career advancement opportunities within a global organization
• Work with cutting-edge technologies in the specialty chemicals industry while implementing continuous improvement initiatives
• Join a team that values integrity, accountability, and teamwork in achieving operational excellence

Your Contact

#LI-RW1

Clariant is a Swiss-based global specialty chemicals company, which is concentrated and developed in three business units: Care Chemicals, Catalysts and Adsorbents & Additives. Our purpose as a company is reflected in our tagline "Greater chemistry - between people and planet", which considers the principles of customer, innovation and people orientation, as well as a focus on creating solutions to foster sustainability in different industries by offering high-value and high-performance chemical specialties.

At Clariant, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to our success. We strive to cultivate a workplace where all employees feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Our diverse workforce allows us to tap into a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and capabilities that drive innovation. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement across all levels of the organization, based on objective criteria and regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, protected veteran status, age, disability, sexual orientation or other aspects of diversity in accordance with the relevant governing laws. By bringing together talented individuals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, we gain the agility to meet the evolving needs of our global customers and communities. Join our team to help advance our mission of fostering a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive.

• Read more about our commitment for people -download our Employment Standards Brochure

We at Clariant are aware of our responsibility. Our purpose »Greater chemistry – between people and planet« describes the role we can play in the world if we align our thinking and all future decisions with it.