Maintenance Fitter (Shifts)

SUMMARY:
Skilled and efficient Maintenance Fitter required for FMCG (personal care products) required for our established Client.  The successful Candidate will be responsible for ensuring all machinery, utilities and production equipment operate at optimal performance to sustain a min of 90% line efficiency.  Demonstrated electrical fault-finding experience combined with sound knowledge of GMP and hygiene standards are essential for the role.

POSITION INFO:
Job Purpose:
To ensure all machinery, utilities, and production equipment operate at optimal performance to sustain a minimum of 90%-line efficiency within a lean FMCG toothpaste manufacturing environment. The Maintenance Fitter is responsible for proactive maintenance, rapid breakdown response, effective changeovers, and continuous improvement to minimize downtime and support production targets.

Minimum Requirements:

• Matric (Grade 12).
• Trade Tested Fitter (Red Seal preferred).
• Minimum 7 years’ post-trade experience in FMCG or high-speed production environment.
• Experience in lean manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience in high-speed automated production lines.
• Demonstrated hands-on electrical fault-finding capability on production equipment.
• Forklift license (advantageous or willingness to obtain).
• Sound knowledge of GMP and hygiene standards.
• Computer literate (maintenance systems, check sheets, reporting).

• Strong mechanical fault-finding and troubleshooting skills.
• Practical electrical fault finding (not theoretical).
• Pneumatics and hydraulics.
• Knowledge of pumps, compressors, homogenisers, filling machines and packaging lines.
• Understanding of lean principles, OEE, and downtime reduction.
• Ability to work independently under pressure in high-efficiency environments.
• Production-focused mindset.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capability.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings.
• Welding, fitting and turning skills.
• High attention to detail and quality standards.
• Strong safety awareness.

• Perform planned maintenance according to maintenance schedules and check sheets.
• Accurately complete and update maintenance records.
• Conduct routine inspections to prevent unplanned downtime.
• Identify wear patterns and recommend improvements to increase equipment reliability.

• Respond immediately to breakdowns to minimise production downtime.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical faults efficiently.
• First-line electrical fault finding on manufacturing equipment
• Ensure equipment is restored in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
• Identify and replace sensors, motors, contactors, relays, photo-eyes, proximity switches.
• Conduct root cause analysis to prevent repeat failures.

• Execute fast and effective changeovers to maintain production targets.
• Assist in line start-ups and shutdowns.
• Support production to maintain 90%+ operational efficiency.
• Ensure machinery operates within quality parameters.
• Electrical Support (Essential).
• Assist with VSD resets and PLC I/O tracing (no programming required).

• Maintain and repair:
• Pumps
• Compressors
• Tanks
• Water treatment plant
• Homogenisers
• Pallet jacks
• Structural components (doors, railings)
• Start up and shut down services and utilities as required.

• Identify and communicate spares requirements.
• Assist in maintaining optimal spare parts inventory levels.
• Oversee contractors when required and ensure work meets engineering standards.

• Maintain clean and hygienic work practices aligned with GMP.
• Safe isolation and lock-out of equipment.
• Ensure all work complies with safety, quality and food manufacturing standards.
• Follow all SHE and company procedures.