Electrical Maintenance Foreman

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Purpose of the Role:
To lead and supervise the electrical maintenance team in ensuring the efficient operation, installation, and repair of all electrical systems and equipment in a cheese processing plant. The role focuses on maintaining uptime, ensuring safety, and upholding food industry standards for hygiene and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise, coordinate, and support the daily activities of the electrical maintenance team.

• Oversee maintenance, fault-finding, and repairs on electrical equipment including motors, panels, control systems, and production machinery.

• Ensure preventive and predictive maintenance schedules are executed effectively.

• Maintain and troubleshoot plant automation systems, including PLCs, VSDs, HMIs, and sensors.

• Monitor and maintain energy usage systems, lighting, backup power, and refrigeration-related electrical systems.

• Ensure compliance with all health & safety, electrical, and food industry standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP, OHSA).

• Plan and coordinate installation of new electrical systems or plant modifications.

• Maintain detailed maintenance records and ensure accurate reporting of all work performed.

• Liaise with production, quality, and engineering teams to minimize downtime and optimize plant efficiency.

• Provide hands-on support during breakdowns and critical maintenance events.

• Train and mentor electrical staff and apprentices.

• Conduct safety checks, risk assessments, and ensure proper use of PPE and lockout/tagout procedures.

Qualifications Required:

• Trade Test Certificate: Electrician (Red Seal).

• National Diploma or N6 in Electrical Engineering (advantageous).

• Matric (Grade 12) with Maths and Science.

Experience:

• 5–8 years of experience in electrical maintenance, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or foreman role.

• Experience in cheese or dairy production environments preferred.

• Solid understanding of food-grade equipment and clean-in-place (CIP) systems.

• Experience with industrial automation systems, PLC troubleshooting, and motor control systems.