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Maintenance Shift Leader/Mechanical Shift Leader

The Individual Touch
1 day ago
Full-time
On-site
Johannesburg, South Africa
Mechanic

Introduction

To lead, supervise, and coordinate a designated manufacturing or engineering shift team. The Shift Leader is accountable for achieving daily production targets, maintaining the highest standards of Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC), and developing team members to ensure operational excellence within a dynamic engineering environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE):
* Act as the safety champion for the shift, ensuring full compliance with all company HSE policies, procedures, and legal regulations.
* Conduct and document daily safety briefings (toolbox talks), risk assessments, and audits.
* Proactively identify and eliminate hazards, driving a 'Zero Harm' culture.
* Ensure immediate and effective response to any incidents, including investigation and corrective action implementation.
* Promote and enforce strict adherence to PPE requirements and safe working practices (e.g., LOTO, safe systems of work).
Production & Operational Delivery:
* Achieve or exceed daily/weekly production schedules, throughput, and efficiency (OEE) targets.
* Allocate resources effectively (people, equipment, materials) to meet production demands.
* Monitor production processes and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in real-time, taking corrective action to address deviations.
* Ensure shift handovers are comprehensive and effective, maintaining continuity across all shifts.
* Manage material availability and logistics to prevent production stoppages.
Quality Assurance:
* Ensure all products are manufactured to exact engineering specifications and quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001).
* Uphold quality control procedures, including First-Off and In-Process inspections.
* Lead root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions for quality non-conformances.
* Foster a 'Right First Time' mentality within the team.
Engineering & Maintenance:
* Liaise with the Maintenance department to prioritize and facilitate planned and reactive maintenance.
* Perform basic first-line diagnostics and minor engineering adjustments to minimize downtime.
* Ensure equipment is operated correctly and pre-use checks are completed.
* Support continuous improvement initiatives and the implementation of new processes/equipment.
Leadership & Team Management:
* Provide direct supervision, motivation, coaching, and direction to a team of Operators, Technicians, and Apprentices.
* Conduct performance reviews, manage absence, and address performance or conduct issues in line with company policy.
* Identify training and development needs within the team to build multi-skilled capability.
* Promote effective communication and a positive, collaborative team environment.
Continuous Improvement & Administration:
* Actively participate in and lead Lean Manufacturing activities (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, SMED).
* Complete all necessary shift documentation accurately and on time (production logs, downtime reports, HR system updates).
* Control and monitor consumable usage to minimize waste and contribute to cost-saving targets.
* Escalate significant issues promptly to the Operations Manager

Desired Experience & Qualification

Essential Experience & Qualifications:

Trade certificate or diploma in Mechanical Fitting or related field.
Experience in industrial machinery maintenance.
Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanical systems.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to read technical drawings and manuals.

Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or team leadership role.
Proven track record of achieving production/KPI targets in a similar industry (e.g., machining, fabrication, assembly, FMCG, automotive, aerospace).
Strong, practical understanding of Health, Safety and Environmental regulations.
Competent in reading engineering drawings and technical specifications.
IT literate (MS Office, ERP/MES systems).
Relevant technical qualification (e.g., NVQ/BTEC Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering, Time-Served Apprenticeship) is highly desirable.
Essential Skills & Competencies
Leadership:** Natural leader able to inspire, engage, and hold others accountable.
Problem-Solving:** Analytical approach with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
Communication:** Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Able to communicate effectively at all levels.
Resilience & Drive:** Highly motivated, proactive, and able to perform in a fast-paced, target-driven environment.
Organisational Skills:** Exceptional planning, prioritisation, and time-management skills.
Technical Aptitude:** Good mechanical/electrical understanding and a hands-on attitude.

 

 

Package & Remuneration

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