Factory Engineer (Pietermaritzburg) at Belgotex Floors

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & OUTPUTS

• Lead the various engineering teams.
• Develop and execute a proactive maintenance and repair program, in conjunction with relevant Operations teams, to keep all Belgotex production equipment, systems, utilities and facilities at a high level of serviceability.  

Such a program must:

• improve availability and reliability of the equipment.
• minimize downtime.
• reduce and stabilises the overall cost of production.

Lead and manage Engineering Projects:

• Plan and direct the installation, testing, operation, maintenance, and repair of facilities and equipment.
• Develop cost estimates for projects and maintenance work.
• Draw up project specifications.
• Check technical accuracy of completed work.
• Ensure OEM standards are adhered to on all machinery.
• Select outsourced services carefully to retain skills and competency in house and to compress costs.
• Ensure detailed records are kept of all maintenance and repair work that is performed.
• Monitor energy usage continuously to ensure energy consumption targets are maintained.
• Ensure utilities meter readings are accurately recorded.
• Identify and address excessive consumers of energy.
• Implement programs to continuously reduce energy load and consumption and that speak to sustainability aspirations.
• Oversee the outsourced Security, Cleaning and Gardening functions to ensure that the Pietermaritzburg facility is kept clean, presentable and secure at all times.
• Be the point of contact for these outsourced functions on a day-to-day basis.
• Define the scope of work for security, cleaning and gardening.
• Perform regular site inspections to ensure work is being performed to the required standard.
• Develop and update quarterly an Engineering Strategy that outlines the key focus areas of the function for the current financial year, and longer-term considerations.
•  Content and format to align to the agreed Operations Strategy Framework.
• Document all planned major maintenance and repairs interventions and projects by quarter and year and monitor progress to this plan.
• Report against agreed KPI’s including financial metrics to reflect the department’s performance and expenditure.
• Develop clear short- and long-term action plans to address variances to achieve strategic business goals by using leading indicators and short interval control, monitoring and re correct techniques.
• Ensure team members follow the most up to date SOPs and transactional documentation to ensure consistency of process.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement processes to improve output, reduce variability and manage operational constraints.
• Develop and update the financial budget for the function on an annual and quarterly basis.
• Authorise expenditure and ensure adherence to Procurement policies.
• Continuously seek financial optimisation opportunities and demonstrate an entrepreneurial outlook.
• Analyse monthly financial performance, with corrective actions and commentary to support over and under spend.
• Direct activities that ensure compliance with applicable safety, health and environment legislation and audit requirements.
• Ensure General Machinery Regulations (GMR) are in place and adhered to.
• Ensure waste management and recycling programs are in place for the engineering workshop and stores.
• Ensure good housekeeping.
• Proactively manage performance and team dynamics to ensure that a fair, professional, and high-performance environment, aligned to the company values is maintained. 
• Develop individual and organisation capabilities to build bench strength while delivering results now and in the future.
• Select, train, coach, develop, motivate, and measure the work performance of individuals within the department to encourage accountability and promote employee engagement.
• Manage employees in a manner that maintains a healthy Industrial Relations climate exemplifies the Belgotex values and ensures a fair, productive climate that is engaging.
• Ensure that all employees are conversant/compliant with relevant business information, policies, processes and procedures.
• Stay abreast and relevant of current industry best practices to ensure processes are aligned to industry trends, legislative requirement and strategic business goals to ensure sustainability of Belgotex.

REQUIREMENTS

• System and application knowledge e.g. CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)
• Significant technical knowledge and experience (minimum 8 years) in an engineering management role.
• Previous experience managing a large team across 3 or more departments is also essential.
• Analytical thinking / data interrogation with the ability to interpret and apply production-based data-driven decisions and to measure and analyze trends.
• Experience working in a production/manufacturing environment.
• Must have reliable means of transport.
• Must be willing to work after hours.
• Must live within proximity of the factory in Pietermaritzburg.

QUALIFICATIONS:                                  

• Grade 12 / Matric with a pass park for mathematics/literacy and English.
• Proficient in MS Office applications.
• Valid Driver’s License is essential.
• Bachelors/Honors Degree with a Govt certification/ticket in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering is essential.
• At least 8 years relevant experience in engineering management.