Mechanical Maintenance Manager

Two-a-Day Group (Pty) Limited
, situated in Grabouw, is actively involved in the packaging and cold storage of deciduous fruit and supplies internationally as well as locally. We are an employer that promotes equal opportunities.

We are seeking a technically driven Mechanical Maintenance Manager (Mechatronics-Qualified) to ultimately lead our plant’s packhouse maintenance department. While the core of this role focuses on the mechanical integrity of heavy machinery and high-speed production lines, we require a multi-skilled leader with a strong mechatronics background, capable of managing complex electro‑mechanical systems and automation platforms.

You will bridge the gap between mechanical hardware, electrical systems, PLC controls, and automated processes to ensure maximum plant uptime.

Success in this role is measured not only by machine uptime, but also by your ability to coach and upskill your team. We need a leader who enjoys being on the floor, transferring technical knowledge to subordinates, and building a self‑sufficient maintenance department capable of performing under the high‑pressure packing season.

• Electro‑Mechanical Leadership: Direct the maintenance of automated sorting and sizing equipment, carton erectors, strapping machines, bin tippers, conveyors, and automated packing and palletizing machinery, with full responsibility for both mechanical and control system performance.
• Automation & Control Oversight: Oversee PLC‑controlled systems, VSDs, servo drives, sensors, and HMI interfaces to ensure seamless integration between mechanical and electrical components.
• Preventive Strategies: Develop and oversee a Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) plan that integrates mechanical service intervals, automation system health checks, electrical safety inspections, and control system diagnostics.
• Root Cause Analysis: Investigate repetitive mechanical and control system failures using structured fault‑finding methodologies, and implement engineering improvements to increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Production Partnership: Build and maintain a close working relationship with the Production Department. Regularly engage with floor managers and operators to understand daily challenges, identify equipment bottlenecks, and align maintenance schedules with production targets.
• Multi‑Skilled Technical Support: Lead mechanical repairs while providing advanced, hands‑on troubleshooting of integrated electrical and automation systems, including PLCs, industrial networks, instrumentation, sensors, and motors.
• Team Upskilling (Critical): Conduct daily on‑the‑job coaching and structured training sessions to elevate the mechanical, electrical, and automation skills of the technical team.
• Equipment Design & Build: Lead the in‑house design, fabrication, installation, and commissioning of new electro‑mechanical equipment, including bespoke conveyor systems, automated modifications, and process improvements.
• Budget & Inventory: Manage the maintenance budget, track expenses, and maintain a critical spares inventory within the SAGE system, including mechanical and automation components.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead projects focused on equipment upgrades, automation improvements, system integration, and process optimization to improve OEE.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure full compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) regulations, as well as industry‑specific standards such as ISO or HACCP.
• Food Safety & Compliance: Ensure all maintenance and engineering work meets food safety standards.

• Education: Degree or Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering (Desired).
• Technical Core Competence: Strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles combined with electrical, electronic, and automation systems integration.
• Trade Advantage: A recognised Red Seal Millwright or Mechanical Fitter trade certificate is advantageous.
• Automation & Control Systems: Proven experience working with PLCs, VSDs, servo systems, industrial sensors, instrumentation, and HMI systems.
• Fabrication Expertise: Proven experience in building and modifying industrial machinery (welding, basic…