An excellent opportunity to step into a Maintenance Foreman role within AFGRI, a leading name in South Africa’s agricultural sector. 

Location:

Positions are available across multiple AFGRI sites, including Paterson (Eastern Cape), and Isando (Gauteng), within their Animal Feeds and Dog Food Manufacturing operations.

Total Cost to Company (CTC) + Benefits:

A highly competitive package is on offer.

Additional Benefits:

• Cellphone allowance
• Standby allowance
• Retirement Fund (Employee: 7.5% | Company: 11%)
• Medical Aid (Discovery – employee may select plan and dependents)

About the Role:

This is an opportunity to join AFGRI, one of South Africa’s most established and recognised leaders within the agricultural and production sector.

With a strong national footprint and a long-standing reputation for operational excellence, AFGRI offers a stable, structured environment where skilled professionals are trusted to take ownership of critical operations.

As the Maintenance Foreman, you will take full responsibility for the overall maintenance programme across the entire factory, including the main plant and, where applicable, the dog food plant.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role where your technical expertise and leadership ability will directly impact plant performance, equipment reliability, and production efficiency. You will play a key role in ensuring continuous production, effective preventative maintenance, and minimal downtime, while maintaining high standards of safety and food safety.

Opportunities within a company of this calibre do not often become available, making this a strong career move for an experienced Millwright.

Key Responsibilities:

Maintenance Management:

• Plan and manage the maintenance schedule
• Inspect, maintain, and repair machinery and equipment
• Prevent mechanical and electrical breakdowns through proactive inspections
• Oversee and ensure the swift resolution of breakdowns
• Control the quality of work performed by artisans and external contractors
• Be hands-on in specific maintenance projects where required

Preventative Maintenance:

• Manage and maintain the planned preventative maintenance programme
• Ensure accurate documentation of inspections and maintenance activities
• Recommend repair or replacement of machinery and equipment
• Ensure maintenance is completed according to schedule

Plant Performance:

• Ensure continuous production through effective maintenance planning
• Minimize downtime through proactive maintenance and rapid response
• Maintain equipment in optimal working condition
• Ensure availability of critical spares at all times

Spares & Asset Management:

• Maintain an up-to-date list of critical spares
• Procure and manage spare parts inventory
• Identify and manage preferred service providers

Team Leadership & Personnel Management:

• Recruit and appoint competent employees
• Manage labour utilisation, overtime, and absenteeism
• Lead and motivate the maintenance team
• Monitor performance and manage key performance areas
• Handle grievances, conflict, and disciplinary processes
• Identify training and development needs and support team growth

Budget & Cost Control:

• Manage and control the maintenance budget
• Ensure cost-effective use of resources
• Monitor maintenance expenditure and remain within budget

Compliance, Safety & Food Safety:

• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation
• Monitor housekeeping and enforce safe working practices
• Conduct risk assessments and implement corrective actions
• Ensure proper use and control of maintenance log sheets and equipment records
• Monitor and prevent food safety risks within maintenance areas
• Ensure food safety awareness and report non-conforming products

Requirements / Qualifications:

• Trade Test Certificate: Millwright
• Registered Wireman’s Licence – Category 2 (Installation Electrician) (advantageous)
• Minimum 6 years’ technical experience as a qualified Millwright
• Previous experience within an animal feed or FMCG production environment will be advantageous

Key Competencies:

Technical:

• Strong electrical and mechanical maintenance knowledge
• Hands-on technical ability
• Experience in maintenance planning and execution
• Understanding of production plant operations

Leadership:

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Ability to manage both mechanical and electrical maintenance teams
• Ability to manage contractors and external service providers