Technical & Maintenance Manager - Cookhouse Creamery

Reference: ECT000135-Lyn-1

Join a Leading Dairy Manufacturing Operation

Cookhouse Creamery is seeking an experienced and results-driven Technical & Maintenance Manager to lead all maintenance activities across our dairy processing facility. Reporting to the Operations Manager, this role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of production equipment, utilities, facilities, and refrigeration systems.

This is an excellent opportunity for a maintenance professional with strong leadership capabilities and experience within the dairy, food processing, FMCG, or manufacturing sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all maintenance activities across the plant.

• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programmes.

• Ensure optimal performance and reliability of production, utility, and refrigeration equipment.

• Manage maintenance schedules to minimise production downtime.

• Supervise maintenance teams, contractors, and service providers.

• Manage maintenance budgets, spare parts inventory, and maintenance expenditure.

• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health & Safety requirements and food safety standards.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability and operational efficiency.

• Support facility maintenance, capital projects, equipment upgrades, and installations.

Duties & Responsibilities

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric).

• National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

• Trade Test qualification will be advantageous

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' maintenance experience within a dairy, food processing, FMCG, or manufacturing environment.

• Minimum 3 years' supervisory or management experience.

Knowledge & Skills

The successful candidate will demonstrate

• Strong knowledge of dairy processing equipment and refrigeration systems.

• Sound understanding of HACCP, GMP, food safety, and quality standards.

• Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.

• Experience with maintenance planning and CMMS systems.

• Strong leadership and people management abilities.

• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.

• Budgeting and cost-control experience.

• Effective communication and report-writing skills.

Competencies

• Leadership

• Planning and Organising

• Accountability

• Teamwork

• Attention to Detail

• Results Orientation

• Continuous Improvement Mindset

• Safety Awareness

Package & Remuneration

R35 000 - R55 000 - Monthly