Maintenance Artisan (Electrical & Mechanical) Full Time Job

Applicants are invited to apply for the Maintenance Artisan (Electrical & Mechanical)

RCL Foods is a leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company in South Africa, known for delivering high-quality food products to millions of consumers nationwide. Our baking division plays a vital role in ensuring fresh, reliable, and efficient production and distribution of baked goods.

At RCL Foods, we are driven by a strong culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. We invest in our people by providing opportunities for growth, hands-on experience, and exposure to modern industrial systems.

Joining RCL Foods means becoming part of a high-performance team where your technical skills directly contribute to operational excellence and business success.

Job Overview

RCL Foods is currently recruiting for a driven, highly energized, and technically-orientated Maintenance Artisan to join our baking business unit in Durban.

The successful candidate will be responsible for performing planned and preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and repairing machinery breakdowns, and ensuring the smooth operation of bakery production equipment. This role requires both electrical and mechanical expertise, making it ideal for a multi-skilled artisan with experience in an FMCG or manufacturing environment.

Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, the Maintenance Artisan will play a critical role in maintaining equipment efficiency, reducing downtime, and ensuring compliance with food safety and health & safety standards.

Minimum Requirements For Maintenance Artisan (Electrical & Mechanical)

Education & Qualifications

• Trade Tested Artisan in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• Wireman’s License (advantageous but not essential)
• Valid driver’s licence

Experience

• Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience as a qualified artisan
• Experience in a bakery or FMCG manufacturing environment is highly advantageous
• Proven track record in preventive maintenance and breakdown repairs

Key Skills

• Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
• Good numeracy and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks
• Knowledge of industrial machinery, bakery equipment, and production systems

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Preventive Maintenance & Machine Reliability

• Conduct daily inspections and checks on machinery, identifying and recording faults
• Perform planned and preventative maintenance in line with maintenance schedules
• Ensure all maintenance tasks are completed within specified timeframes
• Report any deviations from maintenance schedules to the Maintenance Supervisor
• Maintain equipment reliability to support continuous production

Breakdown Repairs & Troubleshooting

• Respond immediately to machine breakdowns to minimize downtime
• Diagnose and repair both mechanical and electrical faults efficiently
• Conduct root cause analysis to identify recurring issues and prevent future breakdowns
• Work safely and effectively under pressure to restore operations quickly

Workshop & Maintenance Operations

• Delegate tasks to maintenance assistants and ensure completion within deadlines
• Ensure all tools and equipment are properly maintained, clean, and accounted for
• Perform tools-in/tools-out reconciliation after each maintenance task
• Participate in monthly stocktakes and report on required spares and equipment
• Plan maintenance-related projects, including resource and equipment requirements

Project Work & Continuous Improvement

• Assist in planning and executing maintenance-related projects
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to required standards
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reduction
• Work with the Maintenance Manager to implement equipment modifications and upgrades

Communication & Team Collaboration

• Maintain daily communication with production operators and supervisors
• Provide updates on maintenance issues and equipment performance
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth production flow
• Report delays, risks, or issues promptly to the Maintenance Supervisor

Administrative Responsibilities

• Obtain job cards from the Maintenance Manager and allocate tasks accordingly
• Record detailed summaries of completed work, including:
  • Tasks performed
  • Spare parts used
  • Tools utilized
  • Time taken to complete the job
• Submit completed job cards before the end of each shift
• Maintain accurate maintenance records for reporting and compliance purposes

Health, Safety & Food Safety Compliance

• Adhere strictly to health and safety regulations, including lockout procedures
• Follow all food safety policies and procedures at all times
• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards
• Ensure all work areas are cleaned and free from contaminants after maintenance work
• Maintain a safe and hygienic working environment in line with company policies

Skills and Attributes

The ideal candidate for this Maintenance Artisan job in Durban should demonstrate:

• Technical expertise in both electrical and mechanical systems
• Strong problem-solving and fault-finding abilities
• High level of attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced FMCG environment
• Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
• Strong teamwork and leadership skills when managing assistants
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence

Career Growth & Development

At RCL Foods, we prioritize employee development and career progression. As a Maintenance Artisan, you will gain:

• Exposure to advanced FMCG production systems and bakery machinery
• Opportunities to develop into senior artisan, supervisor, or maintenance manager roles
• Hands-on experience in process optimization and industrial engineering practices
• Continuous learning through practical experience and mentorship

This role provides a strong foundation for long-term growth in manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance management careers.

Why Join RCL Foods?

• Work for a leading FMCG company in South Africa
• Be part of a high-performance, technically skilled team
• Gain valuable experience in industrial maintenance and bakery operations
• Access to career development and growth opportunities
• Contribute to a company that values innovation, safety, and excellence

Why This Role Matters

In the FMCG industry, production efficiency and equipment reliability are critical to meeting demand and maintaining product quality. The Maintenance Artisan plays a key role in ensuring minimal downtime, optimizing machine performance, and supporting continuous production.

Your expertise will directly impact operational success, making you a vital part of the production and maintenance ecosystem at RCL Foods.

How to Apply

If you are a qualified Maintenance Artisan in Durban with strong electrical and mechanical skills, this is your opportunity to join a leading FMCG company and advance your career.

To apply:
Submit your CV highlighting your:

• Trade qualifications
• Maintenance and repair experience
• FMCG or bakery background (if applicable)
• Technical skills in electrical and mechanical systems

Apply today and take the next step in your engineering career with RCL Foods.

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