Key Responsibilities

1. Planned and Preventative Maintenance

• Carry out scheduled inspections, lubrication, and preventative maintenance on mechanical and electrical equipment in accordance with the maintenance plan and asset register.
• Identify and report wear, defects, and potential failures prior to breakdowns occurring.
• Complete job cards, checklists and maintenance records accurately and promptly.

2. Breakdown Maintenance and Fault Finding

• Respond promptly to breakdowns and production stoppages to minimise downtime.
• Diagnose mechanical and electrical faults on motors, gearboxes, bearings, conveyors, elevators, mixers, hammer mills, pellet mills, pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Repair, replace or overhaul faulty components following correct trade procedures and tolerances.
• Troubleshoot electrical control circuits, starters, motor control centres (MCCs), PLC-driven equipment and instrumentation, escalating specialist electrical or PLC issues as necessary.
• Conduct root-cause analysis on recurring breakdowns and recommend appropriate corrective actions.

3. Installations, Modifications and Projects

• Install new plant, machinery and equipment in line with engineering drawings and specifications.
• Align, level and set machinery to fine tolerances, commissioning equipment following installation or repair.
• Support plant modifications, upgrades and capital projects as directed by the Engineering Foreman.
• Fabricate, machine or modify components within trade competency where required.
  • Respond to queries, enquiries or requests for information regarding specific tests, procedures and regulations.

4. Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ)

• Complete risk assessments prior to commencing work and consistently apply Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) and other safety procedures.
• Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Machinery Regulations, and relevant sections of the Meat Safety Act / Act 36 of 1947 (Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act) as applicable to feed manufacturing.
• Report unsafe conditions, near misses and incidents to immediate supervisors without delay.

5. Administration and Reporting

• Communicate effectively with the immediate supervisor to determine materials and resources required for specific work orders.
• Refer to work schedules and registers, addressing deviations and discrepancies identified during processing.
• Maintain accurate maintenance history, spares usage and downtime records using the CMMS or maintenance system.
• Address and correct deviations promptly, reporting serious breaches to the immediate supervisor.

Qualifications, Experience and Personal Qualities/Skills

• Grade 12 / Matric (essential). Trade Test Certificate – Millwright (essential). N4/N6 Engineering Studies or equivalent qualification is advantageous.
• Exposure to or training in PLC systems (Siemens/Allen-Bradley) is desirable. Demonstrated ability to take initiative.
• Minimum of 3–5 years post-trade experience as a Millwright within heavy industry, manufacturing, FMCG, or milling/feed environments. Proven expertise in both mechanical and electrical fault finding and repair.
• Experience working with conveyors, elevators, augers, hammer mills, pellet mills, mixers, and bulk material handling equipment is advantageous. Excellent communication skills, able to clearly articulate views and provide explanations.
• Sound working knowledge of mechanical and electrical trade theory and practise. Ability to read and interpret engineering, mechanical and electrical drawings. Strong fault-finding, diagnostic and problem-solving capabilities. Physically fit and able-bodied, with good hand-eye coordination. Fluent in reading, writing and speaking English.