Engineering Manager
AVI Limited
Cape Town, Western Cape
Permanent
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Posted 01 December 2025 - Closing Date 12 December 2025

Job Details

Job Description

At I&J, part of AVI, we combine close to 115 years of excellence with a forward-thinking approach to the fishing industry. As a leader in premium seafood, including Cape Hake and farmed Cape Abalone, we are committed to sustainability, innovation, and empowering local communities. Our latest innovation, Air-Fri’kn Amazing, brings bold flavours and crispy perfection to your air fryer, showcasing our passion for quality and customer-centric excellence.

Why Join I&J?

  • Industry Leader: Work with a renowned brand known for premium Cape Hake and farmed Abalone.
  • Sustainability Focused: Contribute to responsible fishing practices with MSC accreditation.
  • Community Impact: Be part of a company that empowers and invests in local communities.

An exciting opportunity exists for an Engineering Manager at I&J Primary Processing Factory, Woodstock, Cape Town.  The purpose of the role includes the maintenance and engineering effort for the plant including safety and risk compliance, plant equipment availability and performance, utilities and energy management, budget development and people management.

Line Manager:  Head of Engineering
Number of Direct Reports: 4

Job Specification:
Key Performance Areas:

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

  • General Machinery Regulations GMR 2.1 appointment.
  • Collaborate with the Risk Department on compliance matters, risk audits and site security.
  • Fire systems maintenance and compliance with ASIB code.

People Management

  • Ensure appropriate team structure that is aligned with the site engineering and maintenance strategy, as well as the proper manufacturing support.
  • Develop and maintain the foremen and artisan competencies.
  • Manage the overall morale of the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering team.

Maintenance Budget

  • Compile the annual maintenance budget.
  • Monthly maintenance cost control and reporting.
  • Oversee and implement cost reduction and productivity initiatives.
  • Oversee critical spares identification, management and control.

Plant and Services Availability

  • Equipment availability management.
  • Equipment MTBF and MTTR improvement.
  • Equipment shutdown management and Preventative Maintenance (PM) schedules.
  • Co-ordinate OEM support on critical equipment.

Maintenance Department Performance

  • KPI’s tracking and reporting.
  • Employee management and control.
  • Maintenance system improvement and strategy.
  • Maintenance strategy and tactical approach.
  • Foreman and Artisan leadership, training and development.
  • ERP system improvement.

Maintenance Systems Improvement and Strategy

  • Maintenance strategy and tactical approach.
  • Root Cause Analysis identification.
  • Support world class manufacturing strategy.
  • Team structure to match the strategy.

Utilities Management

  • Water and energy reporting and sustainability improvement.

Minimum Requirements:

Experience:                                                  

  • Applicants must possess significant, multi-decade professional experience in maintenance and engineering management. We therefore welcome experienced Engineering Managers who are at any stage of their careers, whether contract-based or permanent.
  • We are seeking a hands-on leader with high standards to uplift equipment condition and address practical risk issues. The successful individual will spend much of their time in the factory bringing change and leading by example.
  • Minimum 15+ years within an FMCG environment as an Engineering Manager or Maintenance Manager
  • Previous experience in a food manufacturing environment, particularly the fishing industry would be advantageous

Qualifications:

  • Completed Bachelor's Degree or National Diploma in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
  • Government Certificate of Competency - GCC Factories

Additional Requirements:

  • Maintenance systems and measures
  • OHS Act knowledge and experience
  • Experience of equipment technical support - mechanical, electrical, process
  • Food safety requirements, such as HACCP and AIB would be advantageous