Mechanical Engineer - SEP at Apple and Pears Limited

Job Summary

• We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer to serve as Head of Department (Mechanical Engineering) for its Solvent Extraction Plant (SEP), with oversight responsibilities across the Preparation, Meal, and Refinery sections.
• The successful candidate will lead all mechanical operations and maintenance activities, ensuring maximum plant efficiency, reliability, and compliance with safety and quality standards.
• The role requires deep expertise in solvent extraction systems, oilseed processing, and meal refining operations, as well as strong leadership and problem-solving abilities.

Key Responsibilities
Plant Operations & Technical Oversight:

• Supervise and coordinate all mechanical activities within the Preparation, SEP, Meal, and Refinery departments.
• Ensure the smooth and efficient operation of key process equipment such as extractors, desolventizers, evaporators, condensers, and allied machinery.
• Monitor and control process parameters to optimize throughput, minimize downtime, and maintain production targets.
• Lead root cause analyses for mechanical failures and ensure timely corrective actions.

Maintenance & Reliability Management:

• Develop and implement comprehensive preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Supervise maintenance schedules, spare parts inventory, and major equipment overhauls.
• Ensure all equipment complies with operational, safety, and environmental standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in mechanical reliability, energy efficiency, and cost optimization.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead and mentor the mechanical team across the Prep–SEP–Meal–Refinery units.
• Enforce departmental discipline, safety procedures, and engineering standards.
• Collaborate with production, electrical, instrumentation, and quality assurance teams to ensure smooth operations.
• Prepare and present technical reports, maintenance performance summaries, and improvement recommendations to management.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement:

• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory standards, and industry best practices.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, including lean maintenance, waste reduction, and performance enhancement projects.
• Participate in commissioning, plant upgrades, and capital projects related to mechanical systems.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or HND in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (Master’s degree is an advantage).
• 8 - 10 years of progressive experience in mechanical operations within a Solvent Extraction Plant (SEP) or edible oil processing environment.
• Proven track record in plant maintenance, equipment reliability, and team leadership.
• Strong technical understanding of oilseed processing, solvent extraction, and meal refining operations.
• Proficiency with maintenance management systems (CMMS) and MS Office tools.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational efficiency.