UTILITIES ENGINEER

Manufacturing

Job Purpose

To optimize the performance, safety, and efficiency of utility systems in the manufacturing process, ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential services such as power, water, and CO2. Supporting overall plant operations by minimizing downtime, reducing energy consumption, and upholding environmental and regulatory requirements, ultimately contributing to high-quality beverage production and cost-effective manufacturing.

Key Accountabilities and Outputs

Plant Reliability:

• Ensure quality execution of Routine, Corrective, Preventative and Predictive maintenance
• Lead the development of maintenance standard work instructions for utilities plant
• Ensure problem solving tools are used by the team and take part in problem solving sessions
• Lead the development of the reliability plan for utilities plant and ensure maintenance team has the required competencies

Plant Optimisation:

• Analyses plant performance data to identify opportunities for improvement to the plant performance
• Implement cost saving projects in utilities. Evaluate and implement performance improvement suggestion projects in the area
• Evaluate and sign off new equipment and all plant modifications

• Identify opportunities for energy conservation, implement upgrades, and monitor consumption to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

• Drives productivity initiatives across the system (bottlers, suppliers, FU), identifies opportunities in the system to lower our supply chain cost and influences in the implementation of practices to improve the affordability of our products.
• Utilizing tools like World Class Manufacturing (WCM) or similar methodologies to optimize plant performance. 

Utility Systems Management:

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and optimization of plant utilities including boilers, chillers, water treatment plants, air compressors, and electrical distribution systems to ensure 24/7 availability and efficiency.

CO2 Plant Oversight:

• Manage the CO2 production and storage plant, including monitoring CO2 levels, performing routine inspections, and executing start-up and shutdown procedures when the plant is not operational.
• Ensure CO2 quality meets standards for carbonation in soft drink production, and coordinate with production teams to align supply with demand.

Preventive and Reactive Maintenance:

• Develop and implement maintenance schedules for all utility equipment, conduct root cause analysis for breakdowns, and lead repairs to minimize production disruptions. Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as energy usage, uptime, and cost savings.

Team Collaboration and Reporting:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, quality assurance, and maintenance.
• Provide regular reports to the Maintenance Manager on utility performance, incidents, and improvement projects.

• Leads technical aspects in the evaluation, troubleshooting and implementation of new products and packages, working with market development team and bottlers. 
• Collaboratives with technical teams in the execution of new technologies, processes, and innovative solutions and products in the market and provides technical operations support in the implementation of promotions and line extensions.
• Involved in the development of the business plan objectives and works collaboratively to assure the timely execution of the technical supporting activities. 

 Adherence to the Quality, Food Safety, Health, Safety and Environmental Standards

• Enforce health, safety, and environmental protocols in utility operations, including handling of hazardous materials like CO2. Conduct risk assessments, ensure compliance with local regulations (e.g., OSHA equivalents), and participate in audits.
• Adherence to Standards: Ensure strict adherence to Quality, Food, Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards.
• Enforcement: Enforce all food safety and health regulations, policies, and requirements at all times to guarantee a secure work environment.
• Personal Hygiene: Maintain exceptional personal hygiene as per the organization’s code of conduct.
• Contamination Control: Raise awareness about potential physical product contamination and implement control measures to prevent it.
• Health and Safety Measures: Take reasonable precautions to prevent health and safety hazards. Follow the prescribed incident reporting procedure in case of accidents.
• Knowledge and Compliance: Stay updated with relevant business information, policies, processes, and procedures. Enforce compliance with legislative and statutory requirements, as well as GMP’s (Good Manufacturing Practices).
• Training: Attend and enforce the implementation of learnings from training sessions related to Quality, Food Safety, and Health and Safety.
• Housekeeping: Maintain high levels of cleanliness and orderliness within the work environment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) Factories in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• Minimum of 5 years in utilities engineering within an FMCG or manufacturing environment, preferably in beverage or food processing.
• Hands-on experience with CO2 systems, carbonation processes, and plant utilities (e.g., boilers, refrigeration, and compressed air) is essential.
• Proven track record in managing start-up/shutdown operations and troubleshooting industrial equipment.

• Ability to write concise technical and engineering reports

Key Qualities and Behavioural Competencies

• Technical Expertise:
• Strong knowledge of utility systems, process engineering, and CO2 handling in food-grade applications. Proficient in using diagnostic tools, PLC systems, and maintenance software.
• Problem-Solving Skills:
• Analytical mindset with the ability to quickly diagnose and resolve complex issues under pressure, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Leadership and Communication:
• Effective communicator capable of leading teams, training staff, and reporting to senior management. Ability to foster collaboration across departments.
• Attention to Detail and Safety Focus:
• Meticulous in adhering to protocols, with a proactive approach to risk management and continuous improvement.
• Adaptability and Initiative:
• Flexible in a fast-paced environment, with the drive to innovate and implement efficiency enhancements.
• Integrity and Accountability:
• Committed to ethical practices, taking ownership of outcomes, and prioritizing plant safety and sustainability.

Contact information

Busisiwe Mlobeli