Engineering Manager (FMCG)

Our client is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to join the Coega, Port Elizabeth team,

• Develop and implement preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance strategies
• Ensure maximum plant availability, reliability, and performance of production equipment
• Manage maintenance budgets, costs, and capital expenditure
• Oversee breakdown analysis and root cause investigations with corrective actions
• Ensure availability of critical spares and effective inventory control
• Lead, coach, and develop engineering and maintenance teams (artisans, technicians, planners)
• Ensure compliance with labour legislation, company policies, and union agreements where applicable
• Drive a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Manage contractor performance and service level agreements
• Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and related regulations
• Ensure plant, equipment, and utilities meet statutory and audit requirements
• Support food safety, quality, and hygiene standards (e.g. FSSC 22000, ISO, HACCP, GMP)
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (TPM, Lean, Six Sigma)
• Lead or support engineering-related capital projects and plant upgrades
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimise energy usage
• Collaborate with production, quality, and supply chain teams to meet operational targets Requirements
• Grade 12
• BEng / BSc / BTech in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering
• Trade test or additional technical qualifications – advantageous
• Minimum 7–10 years’ engineering experience in an FMCG manufacturing environment
• At least 3–5 years’ experience in an engineering or maintenance management role
• Proven experience in high-speed production lines and automated equipment
• Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Strong knowledge of FMCG production processes and utilities (boilers, compressors, refrigeration, HVAC)
• Understanding of PLCs, automation, and control systems
• Solid knowledge of maintenance best practices and reliability engineering
• Budgeting, capex planning, and project management experience