Site Manager, Phalaborwa at Sheldon Recruitment

We are seeking a Site Manager for a permanent vacancy based in Phalaborwa, Limpopo


Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:


A diploma or degree in mechanical engineering, electromechanical engineering, automotive engineering or a related discipline. Candidates with relevant trade qualifications and substantial practical experience may also be considered.
At least 5 years of experience maintaining mining equipment, heavy vehicles or construction machinery, including at least 2 years managing a site team or maintenance workshop.
Sound knowledge of diesel engines, hydraulic systems, drivetrains and vehicle electrical systems, with the ability to lead complex fault diagnosis and repairs.
Experience in preventive maintenance, maintenance planning, equipment availability management and spare parts inventory control.
Strong commitment to site safety, with the ability to implement risk assessments, work procedures and corrective actions.
English proficiency sufficient to communicate on site, participate in client meetings and prepare work reports.
Strong people coordination, client communication and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage urgent operational issues.
Proficiency in Excel and other office applications, with experience using a maintenance management system or CMMS.
Willingness to work on a long-term mine-site assignment and undertake emergency coordination duties as required by the project.
Willing to travel when required


Preferred experience


Experience on mining projects in South Africa or other international locations.
Familiarity with Bell, CAT and Komatsu surface mining equipment.
Experience managing multicultural teams or coordinating technical support with Chinese equipment manufacturers.
Experience managing maintenance contracts for mining clients, with demonstrated improvements in equipment availability or reductions in recurring failures.
Ability to work with Chinese(Mandarin) and English environment


The successful applicant would be responsible for, but not limited to:
Site operations and contract delivery


Lead on-site maintenance and repair services, including work planning, staffing and resource allocation.
Monitor the contractual scope, service requirements and delivery risks, and ensure issues are resolved promptly.
Prioritise planned maintenance and breakdown repairs, aligning maintenance windows with the mine's production requirements.


Equipment maintenance and reliability


Organise preventive maintenance, planned servicing, fault diagnosis and emergency repairs to achieve the contractual minimum equipment / fleet availability of 85%.
Analyse downtime, recurring failures and repair quality; lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
Track operating hours, critical component condition and maintenance history, and support overhaul and rebuild planning.


Team leadership


Manage the on-site maintenance team and coordinate day-to-day activities with parts planning and project support personnel.
Arrange rosters, shift handovers, attendance and emergency coverage in line with mine operations and workshop requirements.
Provide technical training, practical guidance and performance feedback to improve maintenance capability and teamwork.


Health safety and environmental management


Implement mine-site safety requirements through pre-shift briefings, risk assessments, inspections and corrective actions.
Ensure compliance with lockout and isolation procedures, permit-to-work requirements, personal protective equipment rules and high-risk work procedures.
Ensure prompt reporting of accidents and near misses, coordinate investigations and close out corrective actions; intervene immediately when unsafe work is identified.
Oversee the handling of oils and waste and maintain good housekeeping in the workshop and work areas.


Spare parts tyres and tools


Work with parts planning personnel to manage consignment stock and plan requirements and replenishment for critical spare parts, tyres and consumables.
Monitor inventory accuracy, consumption and supply progress to reduce downtime caused by parts shortages.
Coordinate urgent supply of breakdown-related materials to meet contractual delivery times.
Manage maintenance tools, diagnostic equipment and site assets, ensuring availability and proper care.


Client coordination and reporting


Act as the main on-site contact for the client's production, equipment, safety and stores teams.
Report regularly on equipment availability, maintenance progress, downtime analysis, parts supply risks and improvement actions.
Address client feedback, track agreed actions and escalate technical, commercial or resource issues beyond delegated authority.


Cost control and maintenance records


Monitor labour, overtime, spare parts and maintenance expenditure while maintaining safety and repair quality.
Ensure work orders, time records, maintenance histories and material issue records are complete and accurate.
Support service sign-off, preparation of supporting documents for invoicing and management of changes to the contractual scope