Senior Maintenance Engineer - Heavy Machinery

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based bonus

Relocation assistance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, seeks a Senior Maintenance Engineer to lead maintenance of a large heavy machinery fleet on-site. You will develop strategies, mentor technicians, and align maintenance with production demands in a demanding industrial environment.

The role requires a Mechanical Engineering degree, 10+ years in maintenance with 5+ in leadership, CMMS proficiency, and strong budgeting and safety leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in maintenance engineering with 5+ years in leadership.
• Experience with heavy construction equipment, diesel engines, hydraulics and electrical systems.
• Proficient in CMMS and inventory control.
• Strong leadership and budgeting skills.
• Willingness to work on-site in Pietermaritzburg.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage maintenance strategies for heavy machinery.
• Lead maintenance technicians and create a safety-focused culture.
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance per schedules.
• Conduct inspections and analyses to prevent failures.
• Manage spare parts inventory and procurement costs.
• Prepare maintenance reports and performance metrics for senior management.
• Identify process improvements and technology opportunities in Pietermaritzburg.

Skills

Maintenance leadership

CMMS

Budget management

Safety leadership

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CMMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the mining and construction sector, is looking for an experienced Senior Maintenance Engineer to oversee and manage the maintenance operations for their extensive fleet of heavy machinery in **Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal**. This is a critical on-site role, responsible for ensuring the optimal condition and operational readiness of all equipment, thereby minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. You will lead a team of technicians and mechanics, implement best practices in maintenance strategies, and work closely with operational departments to align maintenance schedules with production demands. This position requires a deep understanding of heavy machinery, robust leadership capabilities, and a proactive approach to asset management within a demanding industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive maintenance strategies and programs for heavy machinery, including excavators, dozers, trucks, and crushers.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of maintenance technicians and mechanics, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee all aspects of preventative and corrective maintenance, ensuring adherence to schedules and quality standards.
• Conduct regular inspections and performance analyses of machinery to identify potential failures and implement proactive solutions.
• Manage spare parts inventory, ensuring adequate stock levels and cost-effective procurement.
• Collaborate with site management and operational teams to minimize equipment downtime and optimize production schedules.
• Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations on-site.
• Investigate equipment failures, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Prepare detailed maintenance reports, budgets, and performance metrics for senior management.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and technological advancements in maintenance practices within **Pietermaritzburg**.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is essential.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in maintenance engineering, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or leadership role within the heavy machinery, mining, or construction industries.
• In-depth knowledge of heavy construction equipment, diesel engines, hydraulics, and electrical systems.
• Proven experience in developing and executing predictive and preventative maintenance programs.
• Strong understanding of maintenance management systems (CMMS) and inventory control.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and control maintenance costs effectively.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in safety management systems and regulatory compliance.
• Strong communication and reporting skills, with the ability to liaunt with diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness to work on-site in **Pietermaritzburg**.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary of R .
• Significant responsibility and leadership opportunity within a major industrial operation.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.
• Performance-based annual bonus.
• Relocation assistance may be available for candidates relocating to **Pietermaritzburg**.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and maintenance technologies.
• A secure and stable working environment.