Mechanical Foreman

About the role

The Mechanical Foreman will lead maintenance activities for a wide range of port handling equipment and infrastructure at South African Bulk Terminals. Working in a 24/7 environment, you will ensure the reliability, safety and optimal performance of bulk handling, lifting, mobile and mechanical plant assets.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and execute preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance programmes.
• Manage plant shutdowns, breakdowns, repairs and refurbishment projects.
• Oversee new installations, plant modifications and upgrades.
• Supervise artisans, contractors and maintenance teams.
• Administer tools, equipment, materials, spares and consumables.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain high equipment availability while minimising downtime.
• Maintain hydraulic systems, conveyors, elevators, lifting equipment, winches, cranes, pressure vessels, compressed‑air systems, structural steelwork, silos, rail networks, buildings and drainage.
• Maintain mobile equipment such as forklifts, front‑end loaders, bobcats/skid‑steer loaders and locomotive heads.
• Investigate equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, OHS standards and company procedures.
• Manage maintenance budgets, spare‑parts and critical inventory.

Required profile

• Trade‑tested Mechanical Fitter (Artisan) qualification.
• N6 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 5‑10 years of maintenance experience in heavy‑industrial, port, mining or bulk‑materials environments, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.

Required skills

• Mechanical fitting and rigging.
• Predictive and preventive maintenance techniques.
• Hydraulic system maintenance.
• Conveyor, belt, bucket, screw and chain equipment upkeep.
• Lifting equipment, winches and crane maintenance.
• Pressure vessel and compressed‑air system handling.
• Structural steelwork and infrastructure maintenance.
• Silo, rail‑network and building maintenance.
• Forklift, front‑end loader, bobcat/skid‑steer and locomotive head operation.
• Equipment failure investigation and corrective action implementation.
• OHS compliance and statutory regulation knowledge.
• Maintenance budgeting and inventory control.