Maintenance & Programming Manager

Introduction Maintenance & Programming ManagerPretoria | Automotive Manufacturing | Monthly travel to Eastern CapeAutomotive Component Manufacturing Company is looking for an experienced Maintenance & Programming Manager to lead the Engineering – Maintenance & Automation Department. This is a senior-level role suited to a hands‑on leader with deep technical expertise in Siemens PLC programming, press tooling, and high-volume automotive manufacturing. Minimum Requirements National Diploma or BTech in Electrical Engineering (Light Current / Electronics), Mechatronics or equivalent. Minimum 10 years' experience in maintenance / automation in automotive manufacturing. At least 5 years' management experience leading multidisciplinary teams. Expert knowledge of: Siemens S7 PLC programming (TIA Portal & Step 7); Press tooling maintenance & repair; Pneumatic & hydraulic systems (FESTO / SMC, HYDAC / Besko); Electrical fault finding and wiring; Strong mechanical aptitude (conveyors, rollers, pulleys, gears). Advantageous: Industrial robotics, Simotion Scout. Willingness to travel monthly to Eastern Cape plant and ad hoc during breakdowns / shutdowns. Competencies Strong leadership with a hands‑on, shop‑floor approach. Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills. Proven budgeting and cost management expertise. Ability to work under pressure and make fast, informed decisions. Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on uptime and productivity. Excellent communication across all levels of the business. Purpose of the Role You will be responsible for driving equipment uptime, automation performance, and maintenance strategies across multiple plants. The role requires advanced Siemens S7 PLC skills, strong press shop knowledge, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams to ensure production targets are consistently met. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Strategy: Lead the Maintenance & Automation Department to ensure 24 / 7 equipment availability. Manage and develop artisans and technicians (including shift-based personnel). Control departmental budgets, resources, and strategic allocation. Pile and report on key maintenance KPIs (downtime, MTTR, MTBF, RCA). Maintenance Management: Oversee preventative and reactive maintenance of production assets. Implement structured Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to reduce recurring failures. Plan and manage shutdown maintenance activities. Develop and implement a critical spares management program to minimise downtime risks. Automation & Programming: Programming, optimisation, and fault‑finding of Siemens S7 PLCs using TIA Portal. Manage software backups and documentation for all PLC‑controlled systems. Support transition from Step 7 to TIA Portal mission and modify new automation systems. Technical Support: Provide hands‑on support during breakdowns, ensuring rapid analysis and sustainable solutions. Work closely with production teams to implement corrective actions. Maintain and repair press tooling and mechanical press shop equipment. Manage and maintain FESTO / SMC pneumatic valve systems and hydraulic systems (HYDAC / Besko). Interpret and work with hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical schematics. Support conveyor, roller, pulley, and gear systems. Experience with industrial robotics and Simotion Scout will be an advantage. Collaboration & Compliance: Liaise with Production teams to minimise downtime. Work with Procurement and suppliers to optimise spare parts and reduce lead times. Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards. Only Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews #J-18808-Ljbffr