PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To lead and manage all maintenance and engineering activities within the bakery to ensure optimal equipment reliability, minimal downtime, and uninterrupted production. The role is responsible for supporting production efficiency, ensuring compliance with food safety and occupational health standards, and driving continuous improvement in plant performance.

KEY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintenance & Engineering Management

• Develop and implement preventative and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Ensure maximum equipment uptime and reliability across bakery operations.
• Lead breakdown response, fault diagnosis, and root cause analysis.
• Manage planned maintenance, shutdowns, and plant upgrades.
• Ensure all equipment is calibrated and maintained according to standards.
  

2. Production Support

• Collaborate with the Bakery Manager to align production and maintenance schedules.
• Minimise production downtime through effective engineering support.
• Support consistent product quality through optimal equipment performance.
• Assist in improving plant throughput and operational efficiency.
  

3. Compliance, Quality & Safety

• Ensure compliance with HACCP, ISO, FSSC 22000 standards, and food safety regulations.
• Enforce Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) standards and safe work practices.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and housekeeping within the plant.
• Lead internal and external audits and implement corrective actions.
  

4. Financial & Resource Management

• Manage and control the Repairs & Maintenance (R&M) budget.
• Oversee maintenance stores, inventory, and spare parts availability.
• Drive cost optimisation and efficiency initiatives.
• Ensure accurate forecasting and reporting of maintenance costs.
  

5. People Management

• Lead, develop, and manage a team of 50–60 employees.
• Drive performance management, coaching, and succession planning.
• Handle disciplinary processes and employee relations matters.
• Promote a high-performance, accountable, and safety-focused culture.
• Identify training needs and implement development programmes.
  

6. Administration & Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely maintenance and production reporting.
• Maintain all engineering and compliance documentation.
• Analyse data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Create purchase orders and ordering of spares.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
  

    7. Ad Hoc Duties

• Adhere to ad hoc tasks as instructed by the Bakery Manager or Senior Management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE    

• National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field
• Trade Test (Millwright/Electrician) – will be advantageous

• 8 years in a large industrial/commercial bakery.
• Minimum 5 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Exposure to FSSC22000 compliant environment.
• Experience with preventative maintenance systems.

• Proficiency in English, being bilingual will be highly advantageous.
  
• Computer literacy with mastery of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. 
• Must be able to work shifts, weekends, do call outs, overtime and on public holidays.  
• Eligibility to work in Namibia.