Team Manager: Mechanical

This role is a business-critical role responsible for leading and managing the mechanical engineering team within Nitrates Operations. The role ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of ammonia production, rail systems, and emulsion processing, while driving compliance with company safety, maintenance, and operational standards

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage the mechanical engineering team across ammonia, rail, and emulsion operations.
• Drive a culture of accountability, safety, and high performance.
• Mentor and coach engineers and technicians, ensuring skills development and succession planning.
• Oversee the mechanical integrity, reliability, and availability of critical plant equipment.
• Provide technical guidance on mechanical maintenance strategies, equipment design, and modifications.
• Ensure mechanical engineering practices comply with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support production operations to maximize plant uptime and efficiency.
• Coordinate mechanical maintenance schedules, shutdowns, and inspections.
• Investigate equipment failures and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure all mechanical engineering activities comply with safety, environmental, and risk management standards.
• Promote a proactive safety culture within the team and across operational departments.
• Lead incident investigations related to mechanical systems and implement robust preventative measures.
• Manage mechanical engineering projects, including upgrades, expansions, and process improvements.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency gains, and reliability enhancements.
• Implement mechanical engineering best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with operations, process engineering, maintenance, and supply chain teams.
• Provide regular reports on mechanical performance, reliability, and engineering KPIs to senior management.
• Serve as a technical advisor for internal and external audits or inspections.

Qualifications and Experience

• Matric certificate or N3/N4 with relevant Mechanical subjects.
• Trade-tested mechanical (Artisan level) with recognized certification.
• National Diploma or Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5–8 years’ mechanical engineering experience in process industries, preferably in chemical or nitrate production plants.
• Proven experience in managing and leading engineering teams.
• Proven experience in leading engineering teams and managing critical mechanical assets.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of ammonia, emulsion, or rail systems is highly advantageous.
• Familiarity with predictive and preventive maintenance practices.
• Extensive knowledge of instrumentation, process control, and automation systems.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership, coaching, and people management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, planning, and organizational abilities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage emergencies effectively, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

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