TECHNICAL SUPERINTENDENT – PLANT, ENGINES & FLEET

Location: Roodepoort, Gauteng
Salary: R65,000 – R75,000 CTC per month
Employment Type: Full-time

1. POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced Technical Superintendent – Plant, Engines & Machinery to provide technical leadership, engineering support and supervisory oversight across the company's plant, engines, vehicles and related equipment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing technical investigations, commissioning support, failure analysis, maintenance planning, engine repairs and replacements, technical audits, fleet and equipment monitoring, contractor coordination, technical training and the continuous improvement of plant and fleet reliability.

The role requires strong technical leadership, analytical and problem-solving capabilities, sound administrative and organisational skills, and the ability to coordinate technical activities across multiple departments and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Technical Manager, Field Support Coordinator, Training Manager, Planning Office, contractors and internal teams to ensure that technical, maintenance, safety and operational requirements are consistently achieved.

This is a senior technical supervisory role, requiring an individual who can take ownership of technical matters, guide maintenance and field teams, provide recommendations to management, and ensure that plant, engines, vehicles and related equipment operate safely, reliably and efficiently.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Plant Commissioning, Technical Support & Failure Analysis

• Ensure that plant equipment performs in accordance with contractual specifications at the commissioning stage.

• Provide technical support during the snagging of plant machinery, as requested by the Technical Manager.

• Provide technical assistance and technical input for planned maintenance projects.

• Conduct expert analytical investigations into plant and equipment problems.

• Analyse investigation results and recommend appropriate corrective actions to the Technical Manager.

• Identify and recommend modifications to plant machinery for approval by the Technical Manager.

• Conduct failure analysis on plant and equipment to establish root causes and prevent recurring failures.

• Discuss proposed solutions with the Technical Manager and implement approved corrective actions.

• Coordinate with subcontractors where required to support technical investigations, repairs and implementation of solutions.

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to maintenance and field teams on complex equipment-related matters.

• Monitor the effectiveness of corrective actions and recommend further improvements where required.

2.2 Maintenance Guidelines, Training & Skills Development

• Review daily maintenance guidelines with the Field Support Coordinator.

• Recommend amendments to maintenance guidelines where necessary to improve effectiveness and reliability.

• Identify training needs and report these to the Training Manager.

• Attend skills development planning and progress meetings.

• Assist the Transformation Manager with the evaluation and development of training materials.

• Deliver formal classroom-based training.

• Provide practical, on-site technical training.

• Coach and mentor staff to improve technical competence, performance and adherence to maintenance standards.

• Support the development of technical competency within maintenance and field teams.

• Provide technical guidance to employees on equipment maintenance, troubleshooting and repair practices.

2.3 Technical & Maintenance Planning Meetings

• Attend major component planning meetings.

• Attend major component maintenance meetings.

• Participate in maintenance management and parts meetings.

• Attend project meetings and provide technical input where required.

• Support the planning and coordination of technical activities, maintenance requirements and component-related projects.

• Provide technical recommendations regarding major repairs, component replacement and maintenance priorities.

• Coordinate with relevant departments to ensure that planned technical activities are effectively executed.

2.4 Engine Repairs, Replacements & Field Support

• Coordinate engine replacements and repairs in the field.

• Supervise critical engine installations to ensure that work is completed safely, correctly and in accordance with technical requirements.

• Record and maintain accurate information relating to engine movements.

• Monitor and report safety hazards identified during field activities, installations and maintenance operations.

• Liaise with relevant teams to ensure effective coordination of engine repairs, replacements and associated field activities.

• Provide technical support during major engine repairs, replacements and commissioning activities.

• Monitor repair progress and ensure that technical requirements and agreed standards are met.

• Assist in resolving technical challenges encountered during field repairs and installations.

2.5 Component Numbering & Maintenance Records

• Manage and maintain the company's component numbering system.

• Ensure all engine component failures are accurately captured on the computerised maintenance management system.

• Maintain complete and accurate records of component failures, repairs, movements and relevant maintenance information.

• Ensure that maintenance-related information is updated timeously and remains accessible for reporting and analysis.

• Review component history and failure trends to identify recurring issues and opportunities for improvement.

• Ensure technical records are maintained in accordance with company procedures.

2.6 Technical Audits & Compliance

• Conduct technical audits using predetermined checklists in accordance with the schedule set by the Technical Manager.

• Identify and document findings during audit inspections.

• Escalate urgent findings to the Field Support Coordinator.

• Provide assistance with the corrective action and resolution of urgent audit findings.

• Formally submit completed audit findings to the Planning Office.

• Ensure that audit activities and records comply with company procedures and technical requirements.

• Monitor compliance with maintenance standards and technical procedures.

• Identify areas of technical risk and recommend appropriate corrective actions.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives arising from audit findings.

2.7 Repair Quotations & Approval Processes

• Evaluate quotations received from First Auto for routine service and repair work in accordance with company procedures.

• Review and provide approval for routine service repair quotations within the applicable authority limits.

• Evaluate quotations for major ad hoc repairs and ensure that approvals are obtained in accordance with the company's signing authority procedure.

• Evaluate quotations for tyre repairs and replacements and ensure that approvals are processed in accordance with the applicable signing authority procedure.

• Review repair requirements and costs to support appropriate maintenance and expenditure decisions.

• Assess repair quotations against technical requirements and expected equipment performance.

• Escalate quotations or expenditure decisions requiring higher-level authorisation.

• Provide technical recommendations regarding repair-versus-replacement decisions where required.

2.8 Fleet, Vehicle & Equipment Monitoring

• Ensure that vehicle, caravan and trailer movement and date information is updated and accurately maintained in accordance with company policies and procedures.

• Monitor automatic alerts received from the vehicle tracking company.

• Ensure that vehicle alerts are investigated immediately and that appropriate action is taken.

• Monitor and analyse vehicle condition, maintenance requirements and repair costs.

• Review maintenance and repair expenditure in relation to vehicle mileage and utilisation.

• Identify vehicles requiring replacement based on condition, mileage, maintenance costs and operational requirements.

• Report vehicle replacement recommendations to the Technical Manager.

• Maintain accurate records relating to vehicle condition, maintenance history, repairs and movements.

• Monitor fleet reliability and identify recurring maintenance issues.

• Recommend corrective actions to improve fleet availability and reduce unnecessary maintenance costs.

3. SUPERVISORY & TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP

• Provide technical direction and guidance to maintenance and field personnel.

• Coordinate technical activities across maintenance, planning and operational teams.

• Assist with prioritising critical technical and maintenance requirements.

• Support the Technical Manager with technical recommendations and operational decision-making.

• Ensure that technical activities are completed in accordance with approved procedures and standards.

• Coordinate contractors and subcontractors involved in technical investigations, repairs and maintenance activities.

• Promote a culture of technical accountability, safety, reliability and continuous improvement.

• Ensure effective communication between technical teams, management, contractors and relevant stakeholders.

• Provide mentorship and knowledge transfer to technical personnel.

4. REPORTING & ADMINISTRATION

• Maintain accurate technical, maintenance and equipment records.

• Prepare technical reports, audit reports and investigation findings as required.

• Record and report equipment failures, corrective actions and recommendations.

• Maintain accurate component and equipment histories.

• Assist with maintenance and technical reporting for management.

• Ensure that required information is captured accurately on relevant computerised systems.

• Maintain and develop Excel worksheets and other technical records.

• Provide regular feedback to the Technical Manager on technical issues, equipment condition and maintenance requirements.

• Ensure that all relevant documentation is completed and submitted within required timeframes.

5. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Grade 12 / Matric.

• An appropriate National Diploma, Degree or Certificate with at least 5 years of relevant experience, or a qualified artisan with a minimum of 15 years of relevant knowledge and experience.

• Relevant technical experience in engines, plant machinery, maintenance, repairs or a related engineering environment.

• Strong practical understanding of plant, engines, vehicles and mechanical equipment.

• Experience in technical supervision, maintenance coordination or a similar senior technical role.

• Extensive computer literacy.

• Ability to speak, read and write English.

• Valid Code 8 (EB) driver's licence.

• Ability to develop and maintain Excel worksheets.

• Strong administrative, organisational and numerical skills.

6. TECHNICAL SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Plant commissioning and performance verification.

• Technical fault-finding and analytical problem-solving.

• Failure analysis and root-cause investigation.

• Plant and engine maintenance support.

• Engine replacement and repair coordination.

• Supervision of critical installations.

• Maintenance planning and technical reporting.

• Technical audits and compliance monitoring.

• Computerised maintenance management systems.

• Component tracking and numbering systems.

• Fleet maintenance and vehicle condition analysis.

• Quotation evaluation and repair cost assessment.

• Technical investigation and corrective action.

• Contractor and subcontractor coordination.

• Microsoft Excel and general computer applications.

• Technical training, coaching and mentoring.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong leadership and supervisory capability.

• Ability to analyse technical information and make sound recommendations.

• Ability to work independently and take ownership of technical matters.

7. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate should be:

• Technically strong and solutions-driven.

• Analytical with strong fault-finding and problem-solving abilities.

• A confident technical leader with good supervisory skills.

• Organised and highly attentive to detail.

• Safety-conscious and committed to compliance.

• Commercially aware when evaluating repairs, quotations and equipment replacement.

• Able to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Proactive in identifying equipment and maintenance risks.

• Able to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.

• Committed to continuous improvement, equipment reliability and operational excellence.

8. KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Performance in the role will be measured against:

• Plant and equipment reliability and availability.

• Effective completion of technical investigations and corrective actions.

• Quality and accuracy of technical reports and maintenance records.

• Effective coordination of engine repairs and replacements.

• Compliance with technical, safety and maintenance requirements.

• Completion of scheduled technical audits.

• Effective management of component and fleet records.

• Identification and implementation of reliability improvements.

• Effective technical training and skills development.

• Appropriate evaluation and management of repair expenditure.

• Quality of technical support provided to field and maintenance teams.

• Effective coordination of contractors and internal stakeholders.

• Contribution to continuous improvement across plant, fleet and technical operations.