Maintenance/Fitters Manager

About the role

We are seeking a detail-oriented, process-driven, and dedicated individual to lead and manage the Fitters team. This role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced, demanding, and pressurized environment. The Fitters Manager ensures all mechanical equipment, machinery, and the plant operate efficiently, safely, and reliably by overseeing preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities while minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Responsibilities

• Implement and manage routine, planned, and preventative maintenance programs for all machinery and equipment.
• Monitor the quality and efficiency of the team’s work and report issues or improvements to the Engineering Manager and/or Directors.
• Manage mechanical inspections on all production machinery as required.
• Ensure compliance and adherence to the Company’s in-house maintenance program and procedures.
• Manage and assist with critical breakdowns on production machinery, including breakdown investigation and forecasting.
• Assist employees with fault finding and provide input on diagnostics.
• Oversee the servicing of mechanical components.
• Ensure critical parts kept in stores are updated regularly.
• Liaise with suppliers to source quality parts and spares.
• Estimate costs and time required for repair or maintenance of machinery.
• Ensure compliance with timekeeping, productive output, discipline, and work programs within the Fitters department, with support from Engineering management.
• Lead and manage the productivity and efficiency of all workshop activities, with support from Engineering management.
• Ensure machinery, equipment, and tools are regularly checked as per the department’s Safety File.
• Ensure compliance with legal requirements, Company policies, and Health & Safety regulations.
• Plan department needs with the Engineering Manager and/or Directors and execute said planning effectively.
• Manage attendance, timekeeping, and administrative processes (e.g., time sheets, leave, daily attendance registers).
• Distribute overtime among the team.
• Liaise with HR on staff concerns, issues, or disciplinary matters.
• Manage and implement KPIs set by the engineering team, tracked via CMMS.
• Abide by regulations outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Perform any other tasks agreed upon with the Engineering Manager and/or Directors.

Requirements

• Minimum Grade 12 education or equivalent.
• Qualified Mechanical Fitter with a Red Seal Trade Test certificate or higher qualification.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a similar or heavy industry.
• At least 5 years of proven management experience.
• Physically fit and able to work at heights and in confined spaces.
• Hydraulic background is an advantage.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Extensive knowledge of power tools.
• Computer literate (MS Word, MS Excel).
• Strong administrative ability.
• Experience working with an Electronic Maintenance system.
• Experience with compliance to the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
• Sound communication skills (ability to understand, read, and write English).
• Prepared to work overtime when required.

Qualifying Attributes

• Physically fit with the strength to handle materials and tools.
• Sober habits.
• Hands-on, practical approach to the job.
• Hardworking and self-motivated.
• Good interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Professional work approach.
• Logical and detail-oriented.
• Result-driven with excellent execution standards.
• Commitment to strong business ethics and integrity.
• Excellent priority management.
• Strong communication skills at all levels.
• Ability to lead by example.
• Critical thinking and conflict resolution ability.

Benefits

• Provident fund.
• Life cover at 4X annual salary.
• Funeral cover.
• Medical aid – Hospital Plan with Discovery Health.
• 15 paid leave days per annum.
• Long service leave after five years of employment.

Schedule

• Standard hours: 07h30–17h00 Monday to Thursday, 07h30–16h00 Friday.
• May be required to work overtime as per operational requirements.

Salary is highly competitive and commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.