Utilities Technician and Instrumentation Specialist

apartmentNetwork Contracting placePort Elizabeth business_centerR 45,000/month calendar_month2026/05/05

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 Whys, 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 Btech Mechanical or Electro Mechanical Engineer

Additional training in: PLC Programming (e.g. Siemens S7)

Boilers / Thermoprocessing
Pneumatics / Hydraulics

Experience

Minimum 515+ 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.

starFeatured

Utilities Foreman (Instrumentation Focus)

apartmentNetwork ContractingplacePort Elizabeth

Key Responsibilities • Supervise and coordinate all maintenance and operational activities related to plant utilities. • Lead instrumentation maintenance, calibration, and fault-finding on control systems and field devices. • Ensure optimal...

check_circleNew offer

Code 14 Driver, Gqeberha

apartmentSheldon Recruitment and SelectionplacePort Elizabeth

Applicants are required to strictly meet the following criteria: • Valid Code 14 (EC) drivers licence with PDP & Dangerous Goods Certification (Hazchem) essential • Forklift license will be advantageous and Grade 12 ideal • Minimum 35 years...

electric_boltImmediate start

Telesales clerk fmcg

apartmentWork AfricaplacePort Elizabeth

TELESALES(FMCG) / PORT ELIZABETH - Seeking a dynamic self-starter to handle the Telesales, Admin and Marketing functions for a Distribution company based in Port Elizabeth. Requirements: • Senior Certificate • Good command of the English Language...