About this role
An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Maintenance Manager to lead maintenance operations within a high-performing industrial environment in KwaZulu-Natal. This full-time role is ideal for a skilled maintenance professional with extensive experience in equipment reliability, preventative maintenance, team leadership, and operational excellence.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring plant equipment operates safely, efficiently, and reliably while supporting a zero-harm workplace culture and minimizing downtime across all facilities.
Job Overview
Position: Maintenance Manager
Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Engineering & Technical
Position Purpose
The Maintenance Manager is responsible for overseeing all maintenance activities across the facility, ensuring equipment, machinery, workshops, buildings, and operational assets remain safe, functional, and operating at optimal performance levels.
This leadership role includes managing maintenance teams, vehicle workshops, facility maintenance functions, and external contractors while driving continuous improvement initiatives to maximize operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Health, Safety and Compliance
Promote and maintain a strong workplace safety culture.
Drive compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Ensure plant equipment meets industry standards and safety requirements.
Implement and enforce Zero Harm policies and procedures.
Conduct routine safety inspections, audits, and risk assessments.
Identify, manage, and eliminate operational hazards.
Ensure adherence to company operating procedures and safety protocols.
Maintenance Strategy and Planning
Develop and implement an effective maintenance strategy.
Establish preventative maintenance programs to reduce equipment failures.
Create maintenance schedules that improve equipment lifespan and reliability.
Manage maintenance planning systems and job card processes.
Utilize Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to track maintenance activities.
Plan equipment upgrades, replacements, and asset lifecycle improvements.
Monitor equipment condition and maintenance history for informed decision-making.
Prepare and manage maintenance budgets effectively.
Operational Management
Lead daily maintenance operations and activities.
Respond quickly to equipment breakdowns to minimize production downtime.
Develop standardized maintenance procedures for routine tasks.
Collaborate closely with production teams to improve operational efficiency.
Implement maintenance tracking systems to identify recurring equipment issues.
Develop long-term solutions to reduce maintenance-related disruptions.
Oversee machinery, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and facility maintenance.
Maintain accurate inspection records and compliance documentation.
Manage spare parts inventory to ensure availability of critical components.
Coordinate statutory inspections, calibrations, and asset documentation.
Source maintenance equipment and spare parts as required.
Ensure quality standards are maintained throughout all maintenance activities.
Achieve operational performance targets and project deadlines.
Leadership and Team Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary maintenance team.
Manage teams including:
Millwrights
Electricians
Fitters
Boilermakers
Diesel Mechanics
Auto Electricians
Cleaning Personnel
Allocate resources and workloads effectively.
Conduct employee performance evaluations.
Promote continuous learning and technical skills development.
Maintain training records and competency matrices.
Support succession planning for key technical and leadership roles.
Manage a maintenance workforce of approximately 22 employees.
Contractor Management
Ensure contractors comply with company safety standards.
Monitor contractor performance and service delivery.
Verify work quality and project completion standards.
Coordinate site access and work schedules to minimize operational disruptions.
Manage contractor budgets, timelines, and project scope requirements.
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
National Diploma in Engineering or related field
Trade Tested Millwright or Electrician qualification
PLC Programming experience
Experience
Minimum 8 to 10 years of maintenance leadership experience
Proven experience within a sawmill or manufacturing environment preferred
Extensive knowledge of preventative maintenance programs
Strong background in equipment reliability improvement
Experience with breakdown analysis and root cause investigations
Conveyor belt maintenance experience
Required Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should possess:
Technical Skills
Maintenance management and leadership expertise
Preventative and predictive maintenance knowledge
PLC programming capabilities
Reliability engineering principles
Asset management experience
CMMS proficiency
Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act)
Microsoft Office proficiency
Leadership Skills
Team leadership and employee development
Effective communication skills
Negotiation and influencing abilities
Cross-functional collaboration
Workforce planning and coordination
Personal Attributes
Strong analytical thinking
Excellent problem-solving abilities
Ability to perform under pressure
Self-motivated and results-driven
Adaptability and resilience
Strong work ethic
Commitment to organizational goals
Ability to prioritize business success over personal objectives
Why Apply for This Maintenance Manager Role?
This position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced maintenance professional to take ownership of plant reliability, operational performance, and team development within a dynamic industrial environment.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to drive continuous improvement initiatives, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute directly to long-term business success while leading a skilled technical team.
Application Deadline
16 July 2026
