Maintenance Shift Leader (Automotive)

About the role

The Maintenance Shift Leader will oversee the shift team in an automotive manufacturing plant, ensuring rapid response maintenance, minimal equipment downtime and high data accuracy.

Key responsibilities

• Drive rapid response maintenance to minimise equipment downtime and resolve faults efficiently.
• Capture and feedback maintenance activities with high completion and data accuracy.
• Close work orders and preventative maintenance tasks on schedule, adhering to site standards.
• Maintain overall equipment effectiveness by reducing unplanned downtime.
• Conduct downtime analysis and support root‑cause investigations.
• Monitor failure trends, implement corrective actions and promote equipment reliability.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and safety risks and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage overtime allocation within legislative limits and ensure accurate timekeeping.
• Ensure shift‑based inspections, checks and autonomous maintenance are completed on time.

Required profile

• Diploma in Mechatronics, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (NQF Level 6).
• At least 5 years as an Instrumentation or Maintenance Technician in an industrial environment.
• Proven supervisory experience in a technical maintenance setting.
• Strong background in automation systems, preferably automotive.

Required skills

• Industrial PLC programming and fault‑finding.
• Automation control platforms (minimum 3 years).
• Industrial robotics operation and troubleshooting (minimum 3 years).
• Machine vision or automated inspection systems (minimum 3 years).
• Mechanical press systems or heavy production machinery (minimum 3 years).
• Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic system troubleshooting.
• Interpretation of technical drawings and engineering schematics.