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

· 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

See also