- Durban
- Salary: Market Related
- Job Type: Permanent
- Sectors: Manufacturing
- Reference: 172625
Vacancy Details
Employer: Defy Appliances
- Oversee and run an efficient maintenance operation to meet operational and production targets.
- Achieve zero breakdowns weekly and reduce production downtime.
- Perform and supervise scheduled, routine, and preventative maintenance to minimize unplanned stoppages.
- Diagnose and repair breakdowns quickly to maximize equipment availability.
- Record and document all maintenance work, equipment history, and recurring issues.
- Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to resolve technical problems and develop action plans.
- Manage tools, spares, and maintenance budget effectively.
- Set and monitor KPIs for artisans and technicians, coach, and mentor the team, and encourage innovative solutions to unique challenges.
- Apply technical expertise to support plant operations and troubleshoot complex electrical and mechanical issues.
- Ensure full compliance with OSH Act and regulatory requirements.
- Compile weekly reports on artisan utilization, department expenditure, and maintenance performance.
- N6 with Trade Test or technical diploma/degree (Fitter, Electrical, or Millwright) with completion of a formal apprenticeship.
- Minimum 10 years’ artisan experience with proven leadership skills.
- Minimum 5 years’ Leadership experience.
- Experience in Injection Moulding will be advantageous.
- Strong electrical troubleshooting skills, including reading schematics and using test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes).
- Solid understanding of maintenance principles, technical manuals, blueprints, and safety regulations.
- Proficient in maintenance management systems (CMMS) and Microsoft Office.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across departments.
- Mobility to move freely within a manufacturing environment, including climbing ladders and bending.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30kg occasionally.
- Good manual dexterity, vision, and hearing for technical work and equipment inspection
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
We are looking for an experienced Maintenance Shift Leader to provide strong technical leadership and direction to a team of artisans and technicians. You will be responsible for ensuring all maintenance tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and on time, while driving continuous improvement and minimizing equipment downtime.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
QUALIFIICATION / MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Please be advised if you haven’t been contacted within 30 days then your application is unsuccessful.
2 people have applied for this job. 50 people have viewed this job.
About Defy Appliances
Defy Appliances is a South African manufacturing company and is the largest manufacturer and distributor of major domestic appliances in southern Africa. The company manufactures and develops a range of large appliances from gas stoves, refrigerators, washing machines and tumble dryers to continuous clean ovens and convection ovens.
It currently operates two factories:
- Jacobs (Durban) - manufactures free-standing stoves, built-in ovens and hobs, tumble dryers.
- Ezakheni (Ladysmith) - manufactures electric chest freezers and electric refrigerators.
Defy Appliances was founded in the 1905 in Wentworth, KwaZulu-Natal by John Skinner and Sir Benjamin Greenacre. The company manufactured its first product, electric stoves, in 1932. The Durban Falkirk Iron Company (DFI, now DEFY) moved the foundry from Jacobs to Newcastle around 1987. In July 2011, the company was purchased by Turkish based Arçelik as part of its plan to expand into emerging markets in Africa.
Defy has earned the right to be called an iconic brand in South Africa, engendering a long-lasting, loyal relationship with our consumers over the past 117 years. Our brand is greater than our products or services – it has an immensely strong influence not only on consumers but also on the entire appliance and electronics industry.
Through a strong focus on R&D, Defy continues to design and develop new products, keeping the brand relevant and aspirational. Defy has always been a pioneer in the large appliance market, with innovation and technological advancement being the main thrust of its product development. With products focused on good nutrition, water and energy efficiency, Defy strives to ensure that our consumers live better lives
More Jobs at Defy Appliances
Maintainance Electrician
- Durban
- Job Type: Permanent
- Posted 23 Feb 2026 | 7 Days left