Head of Engineering & Maintenance - Lakowe at Outsource Company

Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of engineers and technicians responsible for maintaining, installing, and  repairing production  machines,  equipment,  and infrastructure for the Company’s manufacturing plant.
• Manage all original equipment manufacturer's relationships with the Company for effective service delivery.
• Study  all  machine  operations  manuals  deeply,  disseminate  knowledge  and communicate actively across the maintenance and engineering team.
• Develop  and  implement  machine  maintenance  log,  strategies,  schedules, and preventive maintenance programs that matched Company production pressure and peculiarities towards ensuring optimal machine performance and minimal downtime.
• Coordinate with the maintenance and engineering team most effectively towards maintenance and repairs of all production machines to ensure smooth operations and timely execution of manufacturing activities on the production floor.
• Explore  the  requirements  for  each production  process  and product  type  and determine the most efficient machine operations based on these requirements.
• Train and coach, all maintenance and engineering teams and build a cohesive team in the department.
• Wear cost control and cost reduction cap to support manufacturing operations with  the  machines.
• Resolve  machine  breakdowns promptly  in  line with the approved turnaround time.
• Build  a  strong  succession  plan  and  train  competent  engineers  within  the maintenance and engineering department.
• Take ownership of all manufacturing process flows that involve the production equipment and machines working closely with other project leads for seamless execution matched with quality assurance techniques.
• Research automation techniques to optimize the efficiency of production lines for efficient, high-quality  product manufacturing  with  multiple production departments riding on one system simultaneously.
• Identify areas for process improvement, cost reduction, and increased operational efficiency in the manufacturing plant regarding all manufacturing machines.
• Monitor all manufacturing machine performance and ensure all electrical aspects of the machines are addressed promptly.
• Ensure zero tolerance to manufacturing machine downtime and prevent negative impact on production floor operations.
• Set up metrics that would trigger machine spare re-order levels and ensure zero tolerance to stock-out of machine spares to preserve timely routine and significant repairs and maintenance activities.
• Set up maintenance and SLA requirements schedules with an efficient cost budget for  engineering  and  maintenance  activities,  including  resource  allocation, equipment upgrades, and spare parts inventory.
• Collaborate effectively with all internal stakeholders to run the maintenance and engineering department optimally.
• Collaborate with external vendors, other knowledgeable engineers in the industry and suppliers to source necessary parts, equipment, and services while negotiating favourable terms.
• Ensure compliance with the manufacturing facility's safety regulations, quality standards, and environmental guidelines.
• Develop and maintain documentation related to equipment manuals, maintenance procedures, and technical specifications.
• Stay current with industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices in engineering and maintenance.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related). Master's degree is a plus.
• Proven experience of at least 10-15 years in engineering and maintenance roles, preferably within a manufacturing environment, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership or management position.
• Strong technical knowledge of machinery, equipment, and systems relevant to payment card manufacturing processes.
• Experience with payment card manufacturing equipment (e.g., card embedding, personalization, quality control systems) is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop technical teams.
• Strong project management skills.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Good knowledge of tool design and fabrication methods.
• Sound understanding of maintenance best practices, reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), and predictive maintenance methodologies.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to liaise with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues and implement effective solutions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and compliance standards within a manufacturing environment.
• Professional certifications in relevant fields are advantageous (e.g., CMRP, Six  Sigma, Lean).
• Software skills (CAD, MS Office- word and Excel)