Technical Manager | Transnet Vacancies

Transnet Vacancies – Technical Manager

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is inviting suitably qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the position of Technical Manager. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and maintaining all terminal equipment, plant and buildings, including leased and owned facilities, to ensure optimal operational efficiency, reliability and compliance with safety standards.

The role also involves overseeing capital projects, managing maintenance programmes, controlling expenditure and implementing cost-effective solutions that support continuous improvement and world-class terminal operations.

Position Purpose

The Technical Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all Transnet Port Terminals equipment, plant and buildings are maintained to meet and exceed operational efficiency and safety standards.

The successful candidate will ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations and organisational requirements while supporting the delivery of world-class terminal operations.

The position also involves the design, control and administration of all capital projects within the port, ensuring cost-effective solutions that continuously improve equipment availability, reliability and productivity.

Key Responsibilities

1. Asset Management and Maintenance Strategy

• Support the development and implementation of the Asset Care Strategy.
• Develop and implement effective planned maintenance programmes.
• Ensure optimal utilisation and productivity of terminal assets.
• Maintain equipment, plant and buildings to achieve high levels of operational availability and reliability.
• Implement performance management systems for plant and equipment.
• Ensure that maintenance activities support operational requirements and business objectives.

2. Operational Efficiency and Productivity

• Drive efficient utilisation of terminal equipment and other operational assets.
• Maintain high levels of productivity across the technical department.
• Support terminal initiatives aimed at implementing industry best practices.
• Contribute to the delivery of world-class customer service.
• Ensure departmental outputs are aligned with operational and business needs.
• Deliver on the Terminal Health Check List requirements.

3. Financial and Cost Management

• Manage technical department expenditure and ensure effective cost control.
• Plan, monitor and manage maintenance budgets.
• Oversee capital expenditure (CAPEX) and ensure effective utilisation of allocated funds.
• Identify and implement cost-efficient maintenance and engineering solutions.
• Ensure that projects and maintenance activities deliver value for money.

4. Capital Projects Management

• Manage the design, control and administration of capital projects within the port.
• Oversee project execution to ensure compliance with approved plans, budgets and technical standards.
• Monitor project progress and ensure timely delivery.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement through engineering projects and infrastructure upgrades.

5. Health, Safety and Compliance

• Establish and maintain a safe working environment for all employees and contractors.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act).
• Ensure full compliance with Transnet Codes of Practice and relevant operational standards.
• Promote safety awareness and adherence to established procedures.
• Ensure that equipment, plant and buildings meet required safety and quality standards.

6. Performance and People Management

• Manage the performance of the technical department and ensure delivery against business objectives.
• Lead, supervise and develop employees within the department.
• Establish clear performance expectations and support employee development.
• Apply a hands-on management approach to resolve operational and technical challenges.
• Perform standby duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Qualifications

• National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.

Advantageous Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mechanical Engineering.
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Mechanical Engineering.
• Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Mechanical Engineering.
• Successful completion of the Transnet Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Programme.

Required Experience

• Minimum of five years’ experience in plant operations or maintenance.
• At least two years of first-line management experience at Supervisor or Technician level.

Alternative Experience Requirement
Candidates with a relevant NQF Level 5 qualification may also be considered with:

• A minimum of six years’ relevant and solid work experience.
• At least two years of managerial or specialist-level experience.

Required Competencies and Knowledge

The successful candidate should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• SAP Planned Maintenance System or similar maintenance management systems.
• Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act).
• Quality Management Systems.
• Reliability-Centred Maintenance (RCM).
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) techniques.
• Mechanical and electrical engineering principles.
• Plant maintenance systems and processes.
• Budget planning and financial management.
• Project planning and execution.
• People management and development.

Required Skills and Attributes

• Strong mechanical and electrical engineering skills.
• Excellent plant maintenance management capabilities.
• Effective budget planning and cost management skills.
• Proven project execution and management abilities.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Decisive decision-making abilities.
• Structured approach to employee management and development.
• Ability to develop and execute short- and medium-term operational plans.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Hands-on management approach.
• Ability to operate effectively within a matrix organisational structure.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Good computer literacy.

Employment Equity Statement

Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups in accordance with Transnet’s Employment Equity Plan and the employment equity targets of the organisation and relevant operating division.