SUMMARY:
Job Description: Utilities Foreman
Position Title:
Utilities Foreman
Reporting To:
Engineering / Maintenance Manager
Location: Coega IDZ in Ggebergha ( Nelson Mandela District )
Manufacturing / Processing Plant Environment
Position : Permanent
Salary Range: R50 000 to R65 000 Gross per Month
POSITION INFO:
The Utilities Foreman is responsible for the efficient operation, maintenance, and optimisation of all plant utilities systems to ensure uninterrupted production. This role oversees the maintenance team, utilities infrastructure, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives across boilers, refrigeration, compressed air, water treatment, and energy systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Utilities Operations & Maintenance
Oversee the operation and maintenance of:
Steam boilers and combustion systems
Ammonia refrigeration plants and chillers
Air compressors and compressed air systems
Water treatment and filtration systems
Generators and backup power systems
Ensure maximum uptime and reliability of all utilities equipment
Monitor system performance and implement corrective actions where required
- Preventative & Planned Maintenance
Develop and execute preventative maintenance schedules
Ensure all maintenance work is:
Planned
Tracked
Completed within deadlines
Maintain accurate maintenance records and service logs
Manage calibration schedules for instrumentation
- Team Leadership & Supervision
Supervise and lead a team of artisans, technicians, and maintenance staff
Allocate daily maintenance tasks and ensure completion
Manage:
Overtime
Attendance
Performance
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members
- Budget & Cost Control
Manage and control maintenance budgets
Track and approve purchase orders for maintenance activities
Ensure availability and control of critical spares
Drive cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or safety
- Continuous Improvement & Projects
Identify and implement plant improvement projects
Conduct root cause analysis (e.g. 5 Why’s, failure analysis)
Reduce downtime and improve plant efficiency
Support installation, commissioning, and optimisation of new equipment
- Compliance, Safety & Quality
Ensure full compliance with:
OHSA and safety regulations
Boiler and pressure vessel regulations
Electrical and hazardous area standards
Maintain audit-ready documentation and compliance records
Enforce:
Lock-out procedures
Safe work permits
Confined space protocols
Participate in quality and production meetings to resolve plant issues
- Technical Support & Troubleshooting
Provide hands-on support for:
Mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation faults
PLC, HMI, and automation systems
Troubleshoot complex plant issues under pressure
Maintain backups of PLC and automation systems
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
Trade Tested Instrumentation Mechanician (Essential) or Millwright or Mechanical Fitter or ND or Btech Mechanical Engineer
N3 – N4 Technical Qualification (or equivalent)
Additional training in:
PLC Programming (e.g. Siemens S7)
Boilers / Thermoprocessing
Pneumatics / Hydraulics
Experience
Minimum 5–15+ years’ experience in:
Utilities and plant maintenance
FMCG / Dairy / Beverage / Manufacturing environments
Proven experience managing:
Boilers, refrigeration, compressors, and water systems
Previous experience in a supervisory or management role
Technical Competencies
Strong knowledge of:
Instrumentation calibration (flow, pressure, temperature, level)
Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
Experience with high-speed production lines and utilities integration
Understanding of electrical standards and hazardous environments
Behavioural Competencies
Strong leadership and team management skills
Excellent problem-solving and analytical ability
Ability to work under pressure in high-demand production environments
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Detail-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Utilities uptime and reliability
Reduction in plant downtime
Maintenance schedule adherence
Budget control and cost savings
Compliance and audit outcomes
Team performance and productivity
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a hands-on, technically strong Utilities Specialist with extensive experience in FMCG or processing environments, capable of leading teams, managing complex utilities systems, and driving operational excellence.
