The Maintenance Manager is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of all equipment, machinery, and systems in the cold storage facility. This includes refrigeration units, electrical systems, lighting, MHE and any other machinery critical to the efficient operation of the facility. The Maintenance Manager will lead a small team of technicians, ensure preventive maintenance schedules are adhered to, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Maintenance Operations Management
- Oversee and manage all maintenance activities within the cold storage facility, including scheduled preventative maintenance, emergency repairs, and equipment overhauls.
- Ensure that all machinery and equipment, especially refrigeration systems, forklifts, conveyor belts, and other critical assets, are in good working condition to minimize downtime.
- Develop, implement, and monitor preventative maintenance programs to extend the lifespan of equipment and reduce the likelihood of breakdowns.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of maintenance technicians and staff.
- Ensure that all team members are properly trained and equipped to perform their duties, including safe operation of tools and machinery.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback, coaching, and additional training as required to ensure team competency.
Equipment & Facility Monitoring
- Regularly inspect refrigeration units, electrical systems, mobile racking and other racking systems, and general facility infrastructure to identify potential issues and ensure systems are functioning at optimal levels.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of key systems, including energy efficiency, and propose improvements to reduce energy consumption and costs.
- Ensure the proper calibration of systems to maintain consistent temperature levels in line with fruit storage requirements.
Budget and Resource Management
- Manage the maintenance budget, ensuring that expenses remain within allocated limits while meeting the facility’s operational needs.
- Procure and maintain inventory of essential spare parts, tools, and equipment to minimize downtime during repairs.
- Negotiate with suppliers and contractors to obtain best pricing and quality for repair materials and services.
Compliance & Safety Management
- Ensure compliance with all local, national, and industry-specific health, safety, and environmental regulations, particularly those relevant to food storage and CO2 refrigeration.
- Implement and enforce safe working practices to ensure that all maintenance work is carried out without risk to the team or facility operations.
- Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, including repairs, replacements, inspections, and safety checks, in line with regulatory requirements.
Emergency Response & Troubleshooting
- Lead the response to emergency breakdowns, minimizing downtime and ensuring prompt, efficient repairs to avoid disruptions to operations.
- Troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical problems and determine the most effective course of action.
- Coordinate with the Operations Manager and other departments to schedule repairs and minimize impact on facility operations.
Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization
- Evaluate existing maintenance processes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement in both performance and cost efficiency.
- Lead initiatives to enhance reliability, reduce downtime, and improve the overall efficiency of maintenance operations.
- Implement new technologies or techniques that can improve the performance and longevity of equipment.
Record Keeping & Reporting
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all maintenance activities, including preventive maintenance schedules, repair logs, and service history.
- Prepare regular reports on maintenance operations, including issues encountered, repairs completed, and cost tracking.
- Provide recommendations and updates to the senior management team on equipment performance and capital expenditure requirements.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
Education :
- Relevant technical certifications or diplomas in industrial maintenance, HVAC, refrigeration systems, or electrical engineering are highly desirable.
- Refrigeration trade test certificate
Experience :
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a maintenance management role, ideally in a cold storage, food production, or warehouse environment.
- Proven experience in managing maintenance teams and overseeing large-scale mechanical and electrical systems, including refrigeration and HVAC.
- In-depth knowledge of facility maintenance, repair, and diagnostic techniques.
Skills :
- Strong leadership, management, and communication skills.
- Expertise in the maintenance and operation of refrigeration and cooling systems, electrical systems, and industrial equipment.
- Proficient with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and general maintenance software.
- Knowledge of relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations in the cold storage or food industry.
- Ability to manage budgets, schedule maintenance tasks, and prioritize work effectively.
Certifications (preferred but not required):
- Refrigeration Technician Certification relating to CO2 plants
- SAQCC gas handling licence (Cat. A)
- Experience with Danfoss refrigeration controls.
- Electrical Systems, Wiremans license or HVAC Certification
- Safety Certifications (e.g., OSHA, First Aid/CPR)
- SANS 10147
Personal Attributes
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical issues.
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Proactive and hands-on approach to maintenance tasks.
- Ability to work under pressure and respond to emergencies with a calm and effective demeanor.
- Flexibility to work outside normal working hours in case of emergency repairs or urgent maintenance needs.
Working Conditions
- The role requires working in a cold storage environment and often at heights up to 10m.
- Ability to perform manual labour and work with heavy equipment.
- Some flexibility in working hours may be needed to accommodate emergency repairs or project deadlines.
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