Maintenance Officer

**PRole summary**:
The Maintenance Officer is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of all machinery, equipment, and infrastructure in the production plant, particularly in the manufacturing process. The role includes performing routine inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs to prevent breakdowns, as well as coordinating and implementing maintenance schedules to ensure mínimal downtime and maximum productivity.

**Routine Maintenance & Repairs**:

- Execute scheduled and unscheduled mechanical and electrical repairs.
- Carry out daily maintenance activities across plant equipment and infrastructure.

**Preventative Maintenance and Repairs**:

- Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting of production machinery, packaging lines, and other equipment used in the manufacturing processes.
- Arrange replacing or repair defective components such as motors, belts, conveyors, and electrical wiring.
- Maintain accurate records of repairs, parts used, and labour hours involved.
- Manage and recommend safe disposal of old equipment, tools or other from site.
- Assist in the execution of preventative maintenance schedules.
- Identify and report wear and tear or potential failure points.

**Equipment and Facility Inspections**:

- Perform Routine Inspections of Buildings, warehouses and other parts of the facility to ensure compliance and excellent state.
- Co-ordinate and arrange for repairs of Buildings, perimeter, warehousing and offices where necessary.
- Facilitate, Co-ordinate and Manage the on site processes carried out by suppliers, contractors or service providers
- Act as the point of communication for suppliers and managers.
- Document and report on Maintenance quotes, tracker of expenses and repairs done on site.
- Co-ordinate and mange the Insurance Reviews and the closing of gaps and reviewing of improvements to be made.

**Troubleshooting and Problem Solving**:

- Troubleshoot and identify issues in machinery or systems that may impact production efficiency and quality.
- Work with production teams to minimize operational disruptions during troubleshooting.
- Investigate root causes of recurrent faults and implement long-term solutions to prevent recurrence.

**Production Support**:

- Assist production in troubleshooting and restarting equipment during breakdowns.
- Minimize production disruption through prompt response.

**Health & Safety and Compliance**:

- Ensure that all maintenance activities comply with health and safety regulations, quality standards, and company policies.
- Perform regular safety checks on equipment and machinery to ensure they meet safety standards. Participate in toolbox talks and hazard identification.
- Housekeeping and General State of Facility

**Inventory Management and Parts Ordering**:

- Maintain an inventory of spare parts, tools, and materials required for maintenance where necessary.
- Liaise with suppliers and the procurement team to order spare parts as need
- Notify management of stock shortages or equipment needs.

**Team Collaboration and Support**:

- Work closely with production team to ensure optimal machine setup and smooth operations.
- Provide technical support and training to the production team when required.
- Assist with stock counting process and any production processes.
- Participate in cross-departmental meetings to ensure maintenance activities align with production schedules and goals.

**Maintenance Recordkeeping**:

- Complete job cards and update maintenance logs accurately.
- Record time, parts used, and work done on each task.

**Project Support and Training**:

- Assist with small CAPEX projects, machinery installations, and relocations.
- Follow instructions from senior staff during project execution.
- Attend relevant training on maintenance and safety topics.

**Skills and Competencies**:

- Strong mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic troubleshooting skills.
- Basic knowledge of diagnostic tools and maintenance software.
- Knowledge of food manufacturing standards, safety regulations, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
- Excellent problem-solving abilities with a focus on preventive solutions.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to work under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively.

**Qualification and Experience**:

- Education equal to a matric qualification is required.
- A National Certificate or NQF Level 4 in a Technical Trade (Mechanical or Electrical) is required
- At least 3 years of experience in an industrial maintenance environment
- Good understanding of mechanical and electrical maintenance practices
- Certification in health and safety (e.g., First Aid, Fire Safety) is preferred and familiar with basic safety and compliance standards (OHS Act)
- Computer literate (basic MS Excel; ERP system exposure advantageous)
- Willingness to work shifts or overtime when required
- Valid driver’s