- Ladysmith
- Salary: Market Related
- Job Type: Permanent
- Sectors: Manufacturing
- Reference: 174325
Vacancy Details
Employer: Defy Appliances
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervise and lead maintenance team members on shift to ensure smooth operations.
- Allocate work assignments and ensure completion of planned maintenance tasks.
- Monitor and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and automation systems to minimize downtime.
- Ensure proper documentation of maintenance activities, work orders, and shift reports.
- Oversee and execute preventive maintenance programs to enhance equipment reliability.
- Respond promptly to breakdowns and ensure quick resolution of technical issues.
- Collaborate with the production team to schedule maintenance with minimal disruption.
- Identify recurring maintenance issues and recommend corrective actions.
- Enforce adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Ensure that all maintenance activities are conducted following safety protocols.
- Conduct shift inspections to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
- Drive initiatives to improve machine efficiency and overall equipment effectiveness.
- Train and mentor maintenance team members to enhance technical skills.
- Participate in root cause analysis and recommend process improvements.
- Communicate shift handovers effectively to ensure smooth transitions.
- Required to work shifts.
REPORTING
- Plant Engineer
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Diploma or degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent technical qualification).
- Minimum 3–5 years in a maintenance supervisory role within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
- Experience with PLCs, automation systems, and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) is an advantage.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Effective communication and coordination with cross-functional teams.
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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
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