Engineering Manager

SUMMARY:
Position Level: Executive Committee (Exco)
Salary Budget: Up to R1,700,000 per annum
Location: Mpumalanga – Balfour

1. Job Overview

Our client is seeking a highly experienced, hands-on Engineering Manager to lead the engineering and maintenance function within a demanding industrial environment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for maximising plant uptime, minimising breakdowns, improving equipment reliability and leading a high-performing team of engineers and artisans.
This is an Exco-level position requiring strong technical expertise, practical engineering management experience and strategic leadership. The candidate must be comfortable working on the plant floor and resolving complex technical problems. A rigorous technical interview with the UK-based team will form part of the selection process.

POSITION INFO:
2. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage the engineering and maintenance team, including engineers and artisans. Develop and implement preventative and predictive maintenance strategies to minimise breakdowns and downtime. Ensure optimal plant uptime, equipment reliability and operational efficiency. Provide hands-on technical support with mechanical, electrical and PLC-related faults. Oversee the maintenance of pumps, compressors, mills, boilers and other critical equipment. Manage engineering projects, budgets, resources and maintenance expenditure. Establish and monitor engineering KPIs and drive continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with safety regulations, statutory requirements and engineering standards. Develop team capabilities through mentoring, performance management and succession planning. Contribute to business strategy and operational decisions as a member of Exco. 3. Minimum Requirements Relevant engineering degree or recognised equivalent qualification. Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) - essential. GMR 2 knowledge and compliance experience - essential. Proven senior engineering and maintenance management experience in a similar industrial environment. Strong hands-on technical and team management experience. Minimum 2 years' PLC knowledge and practical experience. Proven experience with pumps, compressors, mills and boilers. Demonstrated ability to improve plant uptime and reduce unplanned breakdowns. Experience managing engineering budgets, maintenance strategies and departmental performance. Advantageous: Red Seal Millwright qualification. Professional Engineer registration (Pr Eng). Master's degree in Engineering or a related field. 4. Behavioural Competencies Strong leadership and decision-making abilities. Hands-on, practical and results-driven approach. Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. Ability to coach, motivate and develop high-performing teams. Strong communication and conflict-management skills. Proactive approach to continuous improvement and breakdown prevention. Willingness to work alternate weekends and public holidays when required. 5. Key Performance Areas Performance will be measured against plant uptime, breakdown reduction, equipment reliability, maintenance costs, safety compliance, project delivery and team performance. 6. Employment Details Salary: Up to R1,700,000 per annum Benefits: Medical Aid, Provident Fund and Group Life Cover Position Level: Exco Location: Mpumalanga - Balfour Important: This role requires a technically strong, hands-on Engineering Manager with substantial practical engineering and maintenance management experience. Candidates with purely strategic or office-based management experience will not be suitable.