Senior Mechanical Technician/Mechanical Supervisor

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Job Title: Senior Mechanical Technician / Mechanical Supervisor – Textile Manufacturing

Reporting to: Factory Manager / Operations Manager

Subordinates: Mechanical Support Team (Mechanics & Fitters)

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Technician / Mechanical Supervisor to lead the mechanical maintenance department in our textile manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for overseeing and performing maintenance on a wide range of textile machinery, while managing a team of mechanics. The ideal candidate will ensure all equipment runs efficiently, safely, and reliably to support uninterrupted production operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Oversight:

• Oversee mechanical maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of the following machinery:
  • Carding machines
  • Cutting machines
  • Sewing machines
  • Pinsonic (ultrasonic) machines
  • Pillow stuffing/filling machines
  • Quilting machines
  • Flatbed machines
• Lead and assist in complex mechanical fault-finding and problem-solving.
• Ensure optimal machine settings for different product lines and materials.

Team Leadership:

• Supervise a team of mechanics and mechanical assistants.
• Allocate work, manage daily priorities, and ensure timely response to breakdowns.
• Train, mentor, and upskill junior mechanics on machine maintenance and best practices.
• Monitor team performance and uphold quality and safety standards.

Preventive Maintenance & Planning:

• Develop, implement, and monitor a robust preventive maintenance schedule.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping for all machine services, repairs, and inspections.
• Liaise with production and planning teams to align maintenance with operational needs.

Operational & Safety Compliance:

• Enforce strict adherence to health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Conduct routine safety inspections and risk assessments on all machinery.
• Lead by example in creating a culture of mechanical discipline and safety awareness.

Minimum Requirements:

• Matric plus a recognised mechanical qualification (Trade Test, NTC/N6 or equivalent)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a head mechanic in a production facility (any industry).
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Mechanical fault diagnosis and preventive maintenance
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and technical schematics

Key Competencies:

• Effective leadership and team management skills
• High level of mechanical problem-solving ability
• Proactive, well-organised, and safety-conscious
• Able to manage pressure and meet production deadlines