Maintenance Manager - VKB Milling, Christiana at VKB Group

Why This Role Matters

• The Maintenance Manager is central to the long-term success and sustainability of the milling operation. This role ensures that critical equipment, facilities, and engineering systems remain reliable, safe, and efficient, enabling uninterrupted production and optimal plant performance.
• This opportunity is ideal for a technically strong leader who enjoys combining strategic planning with hands-on problem-solving. The successful candidate will influence operational efficiency, manage engineering resources, drive preventative maintenance initiatives, and build a high-performing maintenance team that supports the future growth of the business.

Why Join VKB?

At VKB, you become part of a business that is deeply connected to agriculture, food production, and the communities we serve.

We offer an environment where individuals are encouraged to take ownership, continuously improve, and contribute to meaningful outcomes. You will collaborate with experienced professionals, gain exposure to complex operational challenges, and help shape the future of a business committed to excellence across the food value chain.

If you are motivated by leadership, technical innovation, continuous improvement, and making a tangible impact, this is an opportunity to grow your career within a stable and values-driven organisation.

What Success Looks Like

• Leads a proactive maintenance culture that minimizes downtime and improves operational reliability.
• Develops a high-performing maintenance team that consistently delivers against business objectives.
• Drives preventative and predictive maintenance programmes that extend equipment lifespan and reduce breakdowns.
• Improves plant availability through effective troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and engineering solutions.
• Builds strong supplier partnerships that ensure the timely availability of critical spare parts and engineering resources.
• Coordinates maintenance activities effectively with operational teams to support production targets.
• Delivers compliance with health, safety, environmental, and legal requirements at all times.
• Supports sound financial management through effective maintenance budgeting and resource optimisation.

Who We Are Looking For

• We are looking for a technically capable and people-focused leader who thrives in a manufacturing environment where reliability, safety, and continuous improvement are essential.
• The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver who takes ownership, remains calm under pressure, and has the confidence to make informed decisions. They are passionate about developing people, building strong working relationships, and creating systems that drive long-term operational performance.
• Success in this role requires someone who demonstrates the VKB values of being Humble, Hungry, Smart, Bold, and One Team, while maintaining high standards of accountability, professionalism, and technical excellence.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Relevant Technical Diploma (Mechanical or Electrical) or a Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
• GCC Accreditation/Registration will be advantageous.

Essential Experience

• Minimum of 5 years' experience within the silo industry, milling environment, FMCG, or a related processing industry.
• Experience leading and managing maintenance teams.
• Experience in engineering spares and inventory management.
• Proven experience managing plant breakdowns and equipment reliability initiatives.
• Experience working with maintenance management systems, preferably Pragma.

Competencies

• Leadership and people management
• Problem solving and analytical thinking
• Planning and organising
• Decision making
• Accountability and ownership
• Communication and interpersonal effectiveness
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability and resilience
• Safety and compliance focus

Skills Required

• Preventative and predictive maintenance management
• Plant troubleshooting and fault-finding
• Maintenance planning and scheduling
• Engineering spares and inventory management
• Budget management and cost control
• Project management
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety legislation
• Production and manufacturing process understanding
• Technical report writing and record management
• Computer literacy with strong working knowledge of the Pragma maintenance management system
• Technical interpretation of equipment manuals and documentation

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement proactive maintenance strategies to maximise equipment reliability.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the maintenance team to achieve departmental objectives.
• Plan and coordinate maintenance schedules with minimal impact on production activities.
• Oversee equipment repairs, fault-finding, and breakdown investigations.
• Drive preventative and predictive maintenance programmes across the operation.
• Monitor and manage engineering spare parts inventory and supplier relationships.
• Conduct regular equipment and facility inspections to identify risks and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and legal requirements.
• Collaborate with operational teams to support production efficiency and continuity.
• Manage departmental budgets and optimise maintenance expenditure.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, equipment histories, and engineering documentation.
• Recommend and support capital improvement and equipment upgrade initiatives.
• Promote continuous improvement within maintenance systems, processes, and team performance

Closing Date 26 October 2026