Shift Electrician (FMCG experience required)

SUMMARY:
Our Client a Food Manufacturer based in Pinetown, is looking to appoint a qualified Electrician to undertake electrical and electronic maintenance, fault finding, and repairs on all production and utility equipment on a shift basis, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operation of machinery and electrical installations.

POSITION INFO:
Key Duties and Responsibilities, but not limited to:

1. Fault Finding & Repairs
• Diagnose, isolate, and repair electrical faults on machinery and equipment, with or without electrical diagrams.
• Troubleshoot and replace/adjust electrical components including sensors, contactors, relays, VFDs, servo drives, motors, and controllers as directed.
• Perform basic fault diagnostics on PLC-controlled equipment (input/output level), escalating complex issues to the Head Electrical.
2. Electrical Maintenance (Breakdowns & Call-outs)
• Attend to breakdowns promptly to minimize production downtime.
• Carry out corrective repairs and record work done, parts used, and root cause identified.
• Be available for shift work and overtime/call-outs as required.
3. Installations, Alterations & Modifications (Support Role)
• Assist with installation and commissioning of new electrical equipment and systems as directed by the Head Electrical.
• Perform alterations or remedial work to existing electrical systems (e.g., cable routing, connection changes, component replacement) according to instructions and drawings.
• Ensure all work is performed to required standards and neatly finished.
4. Preventative & Planned Maintenance
• Execute planned and preventative maintenance tasks on electrical equipment, DBs, switchgear, motors, sensors, and associated wiring.
• Conduct routine inspections, cleaning, tightening of connections, and basic calibration checks as required.
• Accurately complete maintenance checklists, job cards, and feedback reports, highlighting emerging risks and potential failures.
5. Support to Mechanical & Other Teams
• Work closely with other maintenance staff.
• Assist with the electrical aspects of mechanical repairs (e.g., motor removal/replacement, isolation, sensor alignment).
• Collaborate with production, automation, and external contractors under the guidance of the Head Electrical.
6. Generators & UPS Systems (Operational Support)
• Carry out routine inspections and basic maintenance on generators, and UPS units as per prescribed procedures.
• Assist with changeover operations and fault reporting for backup power systems.
• Report abnormalities, alarms, or failures promptly to the Head Electrical.
7. Hardware & Electronics Support
• Replace and wire sensors, switches, proximity sensors, encoders, and other low-voltage control devices.
• Assist with basic diagnostics on PCBs and electronic components (visual inspections, connection checks, simple measurements).
8. Pneumatic Systems Interface
• Work safely on electrical components associated with pneumatic systems (e.g., solenoid valves, position sensors, pressure switches).
• Identify whether faults are electrical, mechanical or pneumatic and involve the relevant specialist where required.
9. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
• Strictly adhere to all electrical safety legislation, SANS standards, and Kelpack EHS policies.
• Apply safe isolation procedures, lock-out/tag-out (LOTO), and verify zero energy before work.
• Ensure correct earthing, cable management, and protection of circuits.
10. Administration & Reporting
• Complete job cards, breakdown reports, and PPM documentation accurately and on time.
• Maintain proper records of spares used and report low stock or critical items.
11. Continuous Improvement & Housekeeping
• Identify recurrent issues and suggest practical improvements to reduce breakdowns.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping in electrical panels, workshops, and work areas.

• Electrical fault-finding and diagnostic skills on industrial machinery and equipment.
• Good understanding of:
• AC and DC motors, motor starters, contactors, overloads
• VFDs and basic drive parameter checks/adjustments
• Sensors (proximity, photoelectric, limit switches, etc.) and actuators
• Control circuits, relays, interlocks, and safety circuits
• Ability to work on equipment controlled by PLCs at I/O level (signal tracing, sensor/actuator verification), without modifying PLC programs.
• Knowledge of LV distribution systems: DBs, breakers, fuses, cabling, and basic switchgear.
• Familiarity with generators, UPS, and Solar PV systems at operational and maintenance level.
• Basic understanding of pneumatics where they interface with electrical systems.

• Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent school-leaving certificate.
• Trade-tested Electrician qualification.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience as an industrial/maintenance electrician in a manufacturing, processing, or similar production environment.
• Candidates must have experience in an FMCG environment
• Demonstrated experience in:
• Electrical fault finding and repairs on production machinery.
• Working with motors, VFDs, sensors, and basic control circuits.
• Performing planned and preventative electrical maintenance.
• Working safely on LV systems, DBs, and switchgear.
• Exposure to PLC-controlled equipment (at hardware/I-O level) advantageous.
• Experience with generators / UPS / Solar PV systems will be an advantage

• Safety conscious and fully committed to adhering to internal and external safety and environmental regulations.
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, public holidays, and attend to after-hours breakdowns as required.
• Physically capable of performing maintenance tasks (standing, climbing, working at heights/ confined spaces where applicable).
• Prepared to undergo medicals, background checks, and competency assessments if required.