Engineering Transformation Lead (Asset Reliability / Port / Engineering) – KZN& South Africa

Reference Number: MR0009

Job Description:

Our client is seeking an Operational Transformation Specialist to support the transformation of engineering and maintenance operations within a large, complex industrial operation in KZN. This is a field-based execution role focused on improving equipment reliability, maintenance effectiveness, operational discipline and engineering performance through the implementation of sustainable operating practices rather than traditional corporate change management. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, maintenance, operations, procurement and leadership teams to embed structured maintenance routines, improve planning and workflow execution, strengthen accountability, and drive long-term operational improvements. The position is best suited to individuals with strong industrial or heavy engineering backgrounds who are comfortable working on the shop floor and influencing operational teams through practical leadership and execution.

Responsibilities:

• Drive the implementation of operational transformation initiatives across engineering and maintenance functions.
• Establish and embed standard operating routines, maintenance workflows, visual management systems and operational controls.
• Improve maintenance planning, breakdown response, preventive maintenance execution and equipment return-to-service processes.
• Work closely with engineering, maintenance, operations and procurement teams to remove operational bottlenecks and improve equipment availability.
• Support the implementation of asset reliability and fleet recovery initiatives for heavy mobile equipment and critical operational assets.
• Translate management improvement initiatives into practical execution plans with clear ownership, timelines and measurable outcomes.
• Monitor implementation progress, track adoption of new operating routines and report on transformation activities to senior management.
• Promote sustainable improvements in operational discipline, accountability, reliability and engineering performance across the organisation.

Requirements: Qualification and Skill

• South African citizenship is essential.
• Relevant qualification in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Operations Management, Maintenance Management or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' experience within heavy industry, mining, manufacturing, logistics, ports, terminals or similar operational environments.
• Demonstrated experience implementing operational improvement, maintenance excellence or business transformation initiatives.
• Strong understanding of maintenance planning, asset reliability, preventive maintenance, CMMS and engineering work management processes.
• Experience working within complex operational environments with multiple stakeholder groups.
• Proven ability to drive execution, influence frontline teams and implement sustainable operational change.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma, RCM, 5S or other continuous improvement methodologies will be advantageous.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and reporting skills.

Benefits and Contractual information:

• Permanent opportunity based in KZN.
• Opportunity to play a key role in a large-scale operational transformation programme within a complex engineering environment.
• Exposure to senior operational leadership and strategic business improvement initiatives.
• Market-related remuneration package.

Please visit www.mining-recruitment-jobs.com for more exciting opportunities.

Mbali-Entle Radebe

Executive Recruiter

CA Mining

CA Mining will respond to short-listed candidates only. If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful however your CV will be kept on our database for any other suitable positions.

. Skillset Required: Operational discipline, Workflow optimization, Sustainable maintenance improvements, Equipment availability improvement, Operational reliability, Field-based operations, Embedding best-practice operating routines, Maintenance execution improvement, Operational performance support, Operational transformation initiatives, Standard operating procedures development, Workflow design, Visual controls, Accountability frameworks, Maintenance planning, Breakdown response, Preventive maintenance, Equipment reliability processes, Equipment recovery, Reliability improvement initiatives, Cross-functional collaboration, Operational bottlenecks identification, Practical solutions implementation, Engineering collaboration, Operations collaboration, Procurement collaboration, Finance collaboration, HR collaboration, Project milestone monitoring, Risk reporting, Outcome reporting, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Operations Management, Maintenance Management, Industrial environment experience, Manufacturing environment experience, Mining environment experience, Logistics environment experience, Heavy equipment experience, Processing environment experience, Operational improvements implementation, Standard work implementation, Maintenance discipline, Maintenance management systems, Complex operational environment experience, Unionised environment experience, Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, RCM, 5S, Continuous improvement methodologies