Maintenance Manager (Fruit Cold Storage Facility)

SUMMARY:
Location: Coega, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

POSITION INFO:
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Maintenance Manager to oversee the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of machinery, equipment, infrastructure, and facilities within a large fruit cold storage and warehouse environment. The successful candidate will have broad technical maintenance knowledge and the ability to carry out and coordinate a variety of maintenance tasks, including welding, basic mechanical work, electrical maintenance, and general repairs. In addition to practical technical expertise, the role requires strong administrative and organisational skills to manage maintenance schedules, stock control, inventory, equipment servicing, and preventative maintenance activities. The ideal candidate will be proactive, practical, resourceful, and capable of identifying and resolving maintenance issues to ensure minimal operational downtime. Key Responsibilities 1. General Maintenance and Repairs Oversee and perform routine maintenance and repairs throughout the facility. Carry out welding, basic mechanical repairs, electrical maintenance, and general handyman duties where competent and appropriately qualified. Identify faults and breakdowns in machinery, equipment, and infrastructure, ensuring that repairs are completed promptly. Maintain warehouse and cold storage infrastructure, including doors, loading bays, ramps, fixtures, and other operational areas. Ensure forklifts, pallet-handling equipment, and other machinery are maintained and serviced as required. Investigate recurring maintenance issues and implement preventative solutions. Coordinate external contractors and specialist service providers when required. Ensure maintenance work is completed safely and in accordance with relevant procedures. 2. Preventative Maintenance and Equipment Management Develop, implement, and maintain preventative maintenance schedules for machinery, equipment, and infrastructure. Conduct regular inspections to identify potential faults before they result in breakdowns. Monitor the condition and performance of equipment used in warehouse and cold storage operations. Coordinate routine servicing, repairs, and replacement of faulty components. Maintain accurate maintenance records, service histories, and equipment documentation. Prioritise maintenance activities according to operational requirements and urgency. Minimise equipment downtime and ensure that critical machinery remains operational. 3. Cold Storage and Facility Maintenance Assist with maintaining the physical condition and operational readiness of cold rooms, loading bays, and warehouse facilities. Monitor and report faults affecting cold room operations, refrigeration systems, temperature control, and associated equipment. Coordinate specialist refrigeration or electrical contractors where work falls outside the scope of the role or the individual's qualifications. Ensure facility infrastructure is maintained to support safe and efficient fruit storage, handling, and dispatch operations. Respond promptly to maintenance emergencies that may affect stock, equipment, or operational continuity. 4. Stock Control and Inventory Management Manage maintenance stock, tools, spare parts, consumables, and equipment. Maintain accurate inventory records and monitor stock levels. Ensure critical spare parts and maintenance supplies are available when needed. Monitor the issuing and usage of maintenance materials to prevent unnecessary wastage. Identify replenishment requirements and arrange the timely procurement of maintenance supplies. Ensure tools and equipment are stored securely and maintained in good working condition. Monitor maintenance expenditure and identify opportunities for cost-effective repairs and resource utilisation. 5. Administration and Reporting Maintain accurate maintenance schedules, job cards, service records, and repair reports. Record breakdowns, completed repairs, outstanding work, and recurring maintenance issues. Prepare maintenance reports and communicate operational risks or equipment failures to management. Coordinate maintenance priorities with warehouse and operational teams to minimise disruption. Maintain supplier and contractor records, service documentation, and relevant maintenance files. Assist with budgeting for maintenance materials, equipment, repairs, and servicing. 6. Health, Safety and Compliance Ensure maintenance activities are conducted in accordance with applicable health and safety requirements. Identify and report workplace hazards, unsafe equipment, and infrastructure defects. Ensure appropriate tools, protective equipment, and safe working procedures are used. Maintain good housekeeping within maintenance workshops, storage areas, and work sites. Ensure maintenance work is carried out by suitably competent and authorised personnel. Follow applicable procedures when working with electrical systems, machinery, and other potentially hazardous equipment. Minimum Requirements Proven experience in a hands-on maintenance role, preferably within a large warehouse, industrial facility, or cold storage environment. Broad practical knowledge of general maintenance, welding, basic mechanical repairs, and electrical maintenance. Experience maintaining machinery, warehouse equipment, and facility infrastructure. Strong understanding of preventative maintenance and fault-finding procedures. Experience with maintenance stock control, inventory management, and spare parts. Good administrative skills, including maintaining records, schedules, and reports. Strong organisational and time-management abilities. Ability to prioritise urgent repairs and work effectively under pressure. A proactive, practical approach to troubleshooting and problem-solving. Good communication skills and the ability to coordinate with operational teams and external contractors. Relevant technical qualifications or trade-related training will be advantageous. Candidates must hold the appropriate qualifications and authorisations for any regulated technical work undertaken. Key Competencies Hands-on technical and maintenance expertise Mechanical and electrical fault-finding Welding and general repair skills Preventative maintenance planning Stock control and inventory management Strong administration and organisation Problem-solving and decision-making Attention to detail Safety awareness and compliance Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities Salary Negotiable , depending on experience, technical skills, and suitability for the role. If you are a practical, technically minded maintenance professional with broad maintenance experience and strong organisational skills, we invite you to submit your CV for consideration. Experience in a large warehouse, industrial, or cold storage environment will be highly advantageous. Candidates should be comfortable balancing hands-on maintenance duties with the administrative responsibilities required to keep machinery, equipment, and facilities operating efficiently.