Company: RCL Foods
Location: Pretoria West, Gauteng, South Africa
Division: Baking Unit – Engineering Department
Job Type: Permanent
Experience Level: Supervisory / Senior Technical
Industry: Food Manufacturing / FMCG / Engineering
Functional Area: Maintenance, Production, Engineering Management
Date Posted: 5 November 2025
Closing Date: 15 November 2025
Reference Number: RCL251105-3
About RCL Foods
At RCL Foods, our purpose — “We Grow What Matters” — defines who we are and what we stand for. As one of South Africa’s leading food manufacturing and FMCG companies, RCL Foods is deeply committed to creating a sustainable future through innovation, operational excellence, and people development.
With an extensive product portfolio and a workforce dedicated to quality, RCL Foods continues to play a pivotal role in feeding the nation. The company’s Engineering and Maintenance teams are at the heart of ensuring smooth production, efficiency, and reliability across its manufacturing operations.
To explore more exciting roles and career paths, visit Jobs and Career Opportunities South Africa.
Position Overview
RCL Foods is currently seeking an experienced Maintenance Foreman to join the Engineering team at its Baking Unit in Pretoria West. Reporting directly to the Maintenance Manager, this key leadership position is responsible for overseeing all maintenance activities, ensuring operational efficiency, and driving the implementation of world-class maintenance standards.
The Maintenance Foreman will manage a multidisciplinary team of artisans, coordinate preventative and corrective maintenance programs, and ensure compliance with Health, Safety, and Food Safety regulations. The role demands a proactive, technically skilled leader with the ability to think strategically, manage resources effectively, and deliver measurable improvements in equipment performance and plant reliability.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Engineering Management
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Lead the daily and weekly maintenance planning process — scheduling, prioritizing, and allocating tasks across the engineering team with the assistance of the planner.
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Oversee the health, safety, and environmental compliance of all plant operations and equipment.
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Maintain discipline and performance standards within the engineering team.
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Ensure audit requirements and findings are addressed in a timely manner.
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Monitor progress of maintenance activities and re-prioritize as needed to meet production goals.
Maintenance Execution
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Drive sustainable and preventive maintenance practices throughout the plant.
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Manage all planned maintenance, breakdown repairs, and work requests with the support of planners and shift fitters.
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Ensure that safety and food safety standards are adhered to during all maintenance tasks.
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Perform inspections, organize reports, and develop detailed work schedules.
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Determine materials, tools, and resources needed for maintenance activities.
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Plan and manage weekend maintenance projects and upgrades.
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Oversee equipment repairs, installations, and renovations to maintain operational excellence.
Leadership and Team Management
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Lead a team of artisans to meet the plant’s engineering strategy and production targets.
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Conduct regular performance appraisals, manage employee relations, and ensure workforce alignment with company values.
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Champion training, mentorship, and career development for apprentices and technicians.
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Drive Employment Equity and diversity initiatives within the department.
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Encourage innovation and proactive problem-solving across the engineering team.
Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ)
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Ensure compliance with all legislative safety and quality standards.
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Identify and address potential risks, ensuring corrective actions are implemented promptly.
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Maintain documentation and compliance under the Total Quality Management (TQM) system.
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Continuously promote sustainability and environmental best practices within the plant.
Financial and Resource Management
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Manage maintenance budgets and ensure optimal cost control.
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Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and report deviations to the Plant Engineer.
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Approve expenses within delegated authority limits while ensuring ethical procurement practices.
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Collaborate with the Procurement and Project Engineering teams to manage contractors, CAPEX projects, and supplier relationships.
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Maintain accurate records of spare parts, tools, and inventory through effective stores management.
Minimum Requirements
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Trade Tested Millwright or Electrical Engineer, minimum N4 qualification.
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Minimum 8 years’ post-trade experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity.
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Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration systems.
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Proven leadership skills and the ability to motivate and develop technical teams.
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Excellent understanding of the Labour Relations Act (LRA).
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Advanced skills in PLC troubleshooting and programming.
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Must have prior Bread/Buns Bakery or FMCG plant experience.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Must be willing to work overtime, weekends, and standby shifts as required.
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Demonstrated ability to prioritize, plan, and make decisions under pressure.
Core Competencies
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Strong technical and mechanical aptitude with a focus on reliability engineering.
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Excellent leadership, mentoring, and people management skills.
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Analytical thinker with the ability to solve complex technical problems.
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Commitment to safety, quality, and compliance.
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Strong business acumen with a focus on cost efficiency.
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Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities.
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Proactive, innovative, and results-driven mindset.
Why Join RCL Foods
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Be part of a dynamic and purpose-driven organization that values people, performance, and progress.
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Join a team committed to engineering excellence and operational efficiency.
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Access continuous learning, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities.
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Competitive remuneration and benefits within a leading FMCG company.
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Work in a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and continuous improvement.
How to Apply
Submit your application via the official RCL Foods career portal before the closing date:
Application Instructions:
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Include a comprehensive and updated CV.
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Attach certified copies of relevant trade qualifications and references.
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Ensure all supporting documents are current (certifications not older than 3 months).
Only online applications submitted through the RCL Foods portal will be considered.
Employment Equity Commitment
RCL Foods is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and transformation in line with its Employment Equity and Skills Development Strategy. Preference may be given to candidates from designated groups as per company policy.
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