Engineering Manager

AVI Limited

At I&J, part of AVI, we combine close to 115 years of excellence with a forward-thinking approach to the fishing industry. As a leader in premium seafood, including Cape Hake and farmed Cape Abalone, we are committed to sustainability, innovation, and empowering local communities. Our latest innovation, Air-Fri’kn Amazing, brings bold flavours and crispy perfection to your air fryer, showcasing our passion for quality and customer-centric excellence.

Why Join I&J?

  • Industry Leader: Work with a renowned brand known for premium Cape Hake and farmed Abalone.
  • Sustainability Focused: Contribute to responsible fishing practices with MSC accreditation.
  • Community Impact: Be part of a company that empowers and invests in local communities.

Shape the Future with Us! A rewarding opportunity exists for an Engineering Manager at I&J’s Value Added Processing factory , Paarden Eiland, Cape Town. The purpose of the role includes the maintenance and engineering effort for the plant including safety and risk compliance, plant equipment availability and performance, utilities and energy management, budget development and people management.

Reporting Structure

  • Reports to: Head of Engineering
  • Direct Reports: 5

Job Specification

Key Performance Areas

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

  • General Machinery Regulations GMR 2.1 appointment.
  • Collaborate with the Risk Department on compliance matters, risk audits and site security.
  • Fire systems maintenance and compliance with ASIB code.

People Management

  • Ensure appropriate team structure that is aligned with the site engineering strategy, as well as the proper manufacturing support.
  • Develop foremen, supervisors and artisan competencies.
  • Manage the overall morale of the engineering team.

Maintenance and Capex Budget

  • Compile the annual maintenance and Capex budget.
  • Monthly cost control and reporting.
  • Oversee and implement cost reduction and efficiency improvement initiatives.

Plant and Services Availability

  • Equipment availability management.
  • Equipment MTBF and MTTR improvement.
  • Equipment shutdown management and Preventative Maintenance (PM) schedules.
  • Co-ordinate OEM support on critical equipment.

Maintenance Department Performance

  • KPI’s tracking and reporting.
  • CMMS improvement (SAP)
  • Maintenance strategy and tactical approach development and implementation.
  • Effective Root Cause Analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive measures.

Utilities Management

  • Water and energy reporting and sustainability improvement.

Minimum Requirements

Experience

  • Minimum 10+ years’ experience within an FMCG environment as Engineering or Maintenance Manager.
  • Previous experience in food manufacturing, particularly within the fishing industry, is advantageous.
  • Knowledge of boilers, thermal heaters, air compressors, generators, fryers and packing equipment.
  • Proactive leader who maintains high standards and fosters strong cross-departmental collaboration.

Qualifications

  • Completed Bachelor's Degree or National Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial)
  • Government Certificate of Competency - GCC Factories

Additional Requirements

  • Proven ability to implement and sustain effective maintenance management systems and processes
  • OHS Act knowledge and experience
  • Food safety requirements - GMP, HACCP - advantageous