Job Description

Introduction
Grain Field Chickens, a subsidiary of VKB Agriculture (PTY)Ltd, is a dynamic role player in the integrated broiler industry with an abattoir in Reitz in the North Eastern Free State. We offer you the opportunity to establish yourself within a professional, corporate environment in the countryside.

To manage and lead the engineering and maintenance team, which will include capital and process development projects in the plant as well as providing specialist technical support to the team. Also responsible for installation, maintenance and improvement of production lines as well as full budgetary responsibility for the department.
Job requirements

• Grade 12 / NQF 4 Equivalent.
• Diploma or degree in Electrical/ Mechanical Engineering.
• Industrial GCC (Government Competency Certificate).
• Minimum 10 years of engineering within a plant process / utility / maintenance function, of which 2 must be at management level.
• A thorough understanding of mechanical systems and working knowledge of electrical systems.
• High level of expertise in plant engineering methods, theory, and principles from a design, construction, and compliance perspective.
• People management experience with skills leading, developing, and training a technically diverse team.
• Practical knowledge and application of GMR 2.1 and OHS Act regulations and experience with regulatory investigations.
• Strong background in Abattoir maintenance best practices and equipment reliability.
• Practical Knowledge of On-key, Allen Bradley PLCs, P&ID's, and SOPs.
• A willingness to work shifts/ overtime incl. on weekends where required.

Duties and Responsibilities
Team Leadership

• Management of the Engineering/ Maintenance teams with regards to HR and IR issues.
• Management of the day-to-day activities and out-puts of all team members across all shifts.
• Train and mentor his team to improve performance / efficiencies.
• Utilize skills matrix to assess capability gaps within the Engineering/ Maintenance teams and to develop a training plan in conjunction with HR development specialist to address skills gaps.
• Be available on call-out and work on weekends or when necessary to ensure optimal performance of team and effective running of the plant.
• Organizes daily meetings and utilize information from all department to make management decisions on.
• Manages the Engineering/ Maintenance staff to facilitate attainment of KPI's and monitor performance of individuals in attaining KPI's and institute corrective action if necessary.
• Drive company culture and morale within the team.
• Partners with HR to recruit the staff who are technically capable and fit in with company culture to ensure that Engineering/ Maintenance team have the correct resources to maintain the facility.
• Supports and advises Engineering/ Maintenance staff on the execution of their tasks.
• Performs work inspections and checks for completeness of tasks.
• Plan and manage leave roster and register.
• Key role between GFC / Municipality and all external service providers to ensure no interruptions with regards to any electricity/ water or services rendered to the abattoir.
• Be available on call-out and work on weekends or when necessary to insure optimal performance of team and effective running of the plant.
• Implement ongoing shop-floor system and measurement of all departments against set standards.
• Optimize labour and supervision to ensure all personnel are utilized effectively and adjust needs as plant requirements change.
• Sales / Marketing / Processing / Finance/ Farm Services partnerships to optimize communication / service level agreements and potential of all internal departments contribution towards success of the business.
• Capex requirements and planning in conjunction with the Abattoir Manager.
• Ensure best practices are implemented across all shifts.

Budgets and Administration

• Prepare and administer department budget within established guidelines for maintenance and repair of building and equipment.
• Management of the Engineering/ Maintenance spend against budget through daily review of budget vs. actual financial reports.
• Provide input to the Abattoir Manager to co-create and commit to an appropriate budget during the annual budgeting process.
• Authorize stores requisitions and provide initial sign off of invoices prior to submission to the Abattoir Manager.
• Work with the Administration department to ensure accurate reporting.
• Co-ordinate and sign off on processing submission of all required documentation for inclusion in the information systems.
• Ensures that all Engineering/ Maintenance staff, keep timecards and other routine records (Leave planning etc.) and all relative documentation is submitted and authorized as per procedures.
• Organizes meetings with all staff, prepare month end reports to Abattoir Manager.

Planned throughput

• Design, implement and maintain preventive as well as predictive maintenance programs.
• Oversee full wastewater treatment and refrigeration systems.
• Manage all municipal & legal compliance issues i.e., lock out/tag out, confined space, etc.
• Maintain plant quality performance standards.
• Responsible for all of the engineering department safety related matters.
• Provide on and off-hour emergency response including equipment repair, damage control, and assignment of support personnel as needed.
• Facilitates waste disposal programs from the abattoir.
• Keeps up on technological changes such as retrofitting machinery to meet today's new laws and efficiency standards.

Project Management

• Oversees Capital Expenditure items including equipment purchases, contracted labour and in-house construction and fabrication projects.
• Gives input to the Abattoir Manager on the feasibility of projects by analysing technology, resource needs and market demands to ensure that project is feasible.
• Works with the Abattoir Manager to ensure that the requirements of internal customers are met and to prepare accurate project specification for implementation of projects.
• Ensure necessary manpower is available to smoothly implement projects on time and within the agreed budget.

Repairs and Renovations

• Assist with the renovations of existing equipment and the construction of new facilities as part of the project team.
• Present any new technologies or best practices within the Poultry Industry.

Other

• Any other duties as may be required by management.

Skills Required

• Computer literate (Advanced Microsoft Office, incl. Advanced Excel).
• Ability to provide expertise, advice, and guidance around the operation of abattoir machinery.
• Technical-minded.
• People Management skills.
• Excellent planning skills.
• Strong administration and reporting skills.
• Must be a Team player.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Good communication skills.
• Analytical thinking.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Be self-motivated, enthusiastic, and trustworthy.

The company can expire jobs at any time at their own discretion. Should you do not hear from us within one month of the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful. Correspondence will only be limited to short listed candidates.