Engineering Manager; FMCG

Our client is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to join the Coega, Port Elizabeth team.

• Develop and implement preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance strategies.
• Ensure maximum plant availability, reliability, and performance of production equipment.
• Manage maintenance budgets, costs, and capital expenditure.
• Oversee breakdown analysis and root cause investigations with corrective actions.
• Ensure availability of critical spares and effective inventory control.
• Lead, coach, and develop engineering and maintenance teams (artisans, technicians, planners).
• Ensure compliance with labour legislation, company policies, and union agreements where applicable.
• Drive a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Manage contractor performance and service level agreements.
• Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and related regulations.
• Ensure plant, equipment, and utilities meet statutory and audit requirements.
• Support food safety, quality, and hygiene standards (e.g. FSSC 22000, ISO, HACCP, GMP).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (TPM, Lean, Six Sigma).
• Lead or support engineering‑related capital projects and plant upgrades.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimise energy usage.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and supply chain teams to meet operational targets.

• Grade 12.
• BEng / BSc / BTech in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering.
• Trade test or additional technical qualifications – advantageous.
• Minimum 7–10 years’ engineering experience in an FMCG manufacturing environment.
• At least 3–5 years’ experience in an engineering or maintenance management role.
• Proven experience in high‑speed production lines and automated equipment.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong knowledge of FMCG production processes and utilities (boilers, compressors, refrigeration, HVAC).
• Understanding of PLCs, automation, and control systems.
• Solid knowledge of maintenance best practices and reliability engineering.
• Budgeting, capex planning, and project management experience.