• Valid grade 12 qualification (or equivalent) with proof thereof required;
• Formal Electrical and/or Mechanical Trade Test certification and/or Diploma / Degree in Electrical / Mechanical Engineering (NQF Level 7) and/or Equivalent.
• Fluency in English required (Reading, writing & speaking) (Fluency in additional official language/s advantageous);
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required (Excel, Outlook and Word);
• Minimum 3 to 5 years’ relevant experience Engineering Foreman or similar Position with contactable references (experience in a Sawmill advantageous).
• Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa advantageous.
• Membership of the South African Engineering Association advantageous
• Sound knowledge of and technical aptitude for sawmilling and timber value-adding equipment and machinery advantageous.
• Sound knowledge of relevant safety legislation and systems (Safety & Risk Management Course advantageous);
• Innovative mindset with a willingness to explore new means to convert equipment to be more efficient and productive at least cost.
• Strong emphasis on driving a culture of preventative maintenance as opposed to reactive maintenance.
• Good interpersonal skills (need to liaise with seniors, peers and subordinates);
• Good People management skills, technical skills, and observational skills.
• Good team player.
• Effective communication skills;
• Experience working in high pressure production environment.
• A passion to succeed in a challenging environment.
• Ability to solve problems and deliver solutions.
• Ability to work independently as a initiative-taker

Job Purpose:

The Technical manager oversees the upkeep and maintenance of the company’s equipment and facilities, including company accommodation.

Duties

• Manage, lead, and control all aspects of a maintenance team of 20-30 employees, including Artisans, Semi-skilled employees and artisan assistants.
• Maintain and improve current maintenance systems (Strong on preventative maintenance) to assure target up-time is achieved.
• Constantly explore equipment/machines and find ways to improve safety and efficiency.
• The role is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of plans to manage all Engineering Assets, Resources, and Infrastructure – availability of machinery/equipment as well as managing resources and people to assist in achieving planned production targets.
• Maintain and manage Mechanical Systems and Electrical Reticulation Systems.
• The role oversees the manufacturing, constructing, assembling, and fitting of components by his/her technical team for machinery, vehicles, installations and other apparatus or articles and is also responsible to ensure proper maintenance and repair of such equipment (both preventative and reactive maintenance);
• The Technical manager should direct and coordinate the activities of his/her team, ensure their skills remain up to standard, they have a future skills development plan, they stay motivated, their performances are continuously evaluated (with necessary actions where required) and that his/her team works safely and productively at both the mill and surrounding areas, which includes the company accommodation and other areas of responsibility.