Site Manager, Phalaborwa
Sheldon Recruitment
Reference: EL003386-Janin-1
We are seeking a Site Manager for a permanent vacancy based in Phalaborwa, Limpopo
Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:
- A diploma or degree in mechanical engineering, electromechanical engineering, automotive engineering or a related discipline. Candidates with relevant trade qualifications and substantial practical experience may also be considered.
- At least 5 years of experience maintaining mining equipment, heavy vehicles or construction machinery, including at least 2 years managing a site team or maintenance workshop.
- Sound knowledge of diesel engines, hydraulic systems, drivetrains and vehicle electrical systems, with the ability to lead complex fault diagnosis and repairs.
- Experience in preventive maintenance, maintenance planning, equipment availability management and spare parts inventory control.
- Strong commitment to site safety, with the ability to implement risk assessments, work procedures and corrective actions.
- English proficiency sufficient to communicate on site, participate in client meetings and prepare work reports.
- Strong people coordination, client communication and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage urgent operational issues.
- Proficiency in Excel and other office applications, with experience using a maintenance management system or CMMS.
- Willingness to work on a long-term mine-site assignment and undertake emergency coordination duties as required by the project.
- Willing to travel when required
Preferred experience
- Experience on mining projects in South Africa or other international locations.
- Familiarity with Bell, CAT and Komatsu surface mining equipment.
- Experience managing multicultural teams or coordinating technical support with Chinese equipment manufacturers.
- Experience managing maintenance contracts for mining clients, with demonstrated improvements in equipment availability or reductions in recurring failures.
- Ability to work with Chinese(Mandarin) and English environment
The successful applicant would be responsible for, but not limited to:
Site operations and contract delivery
- Lead on-site maintenance and repair services, including work planning, staffing and resource allocation.
- Monitor the contractual scope, service requirements and delivery risks, and ensure issues are resolved promptly.
- Prioritise planned maintenance and breakdown repairs, aligning maintenance windows with the mine's production requirements.
Equipment maintenance and reliability
- Organise preventive maintenance, planned servicing, fault diagnosis and emergency repairs to achieve the contractual minimum equipment / fleet availability of 85%.
- Analyse downtime, recurring failures and repair quality; lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
- Track operating hours, critical component condition and maintenance history, and support overhaul and rebuild planning.
Team leadership
- Manage the on-site maintenance team and coordinate day-to-day activities with parts planning and project support personnel.
- Arrange rosters, shift handovers, attendance and emergency coverage in line with mine operations and workshop requirements.
- Provide technical training, practical guidance and performance feedback to improve maintenance capability and teamwork.
Health safety and environmental management
- Implement mine-site safety requirements through pre-shift briefings, risk assessments, inspections and corrective actions.
- Ensure compliance with lockout and isolation procedures, permit-to-work requirements, personal protective equipment rules and high-risk work procedures.
- Ensure prompt reporting of accidents and near misses, coordinate investigations and close out corrective actions; intervene immediately when unsafe work is identified.
- Oversee the handling of oils and waste and maintain good housekeeping in the workshop and work areas.
Spare parts tyres and tools
- Work with parts planning personnel to manage consignment stock and plan requirements and replenishment for critical spare parts, tyres and consumables.
- Monitor inventory accuracy, consumption and supply progress to reduce downtime caused by parts shortages.
- Coordinate urgent supply of breakdown-related materials to meet contractual delivery times.
- Manage maintenance tools, diagnostic equipment and site assets, ensuring availability and proper care.
Client coordination and reporting
- Act as the main on-site contact for the client's production, equipment, safety and stores teams.
- Report regularly on equipment availability, maintenance progress, downtime analysis, parts supply risks and improvement actions.
- Address client feedback, track agreed actions and escalate technical, commercial or resource issues beyond delegated authority.
Cost control and maintenance records
- Monitor labour, overtime, spare parts and maintenance expenditure while maintaining safety and repair quality.
- Ensure work orders, time records, maintenance histories and material issue records are complete and accurate.
- Support service sign-off, preparation of supporting documents for invoicing and management of changes to the contractual scope.
Salary: Market related
To apply email detailed CV and supporting documentation through to ***email_hidden***
If you have not received a response within 7 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful