VKB Agriculture
Maintenance Refrigeration Manager
Company: VKB Group
Location: Reitz, Free State
Position Type: Permanent
Posted: 08 August 2024
Closing Date: 15 August 2024
Company Overview:
Grain Field Chickens, a subsidiary of VKB Agriculture (PTY) Ltd, is a distinguished leader in the integrated broiler industry. Based in Reitz, nestled in the North Eastern Free State, Grain Field Chickens is committed to maintaining high standards of excellence in poultry processing, from farm to table. We are seeking a highly experienced Maintenance Refrigeration Manager to join our dynamic team. This position is integral to ensuring the efficiency and reliability of our refrigeration systems, which are crucial to our operations. If you are passionate about the technical aspects of refrigeration and enjoy working in a high-stakes environment, this role offers an exciting opportunity to advance your career within a reputable organization.
Position Overview:
The Maintenance Refrigeration Manager will oversee all aspects of refrigeration systems within our state-of-the-art poultry abattoir. This role is vital for ensuring that all refrigeration projects, processes, and initiatives align with Grain Field Chickens’ policies and objectives. The successful candidate will manage the installation, maintenance, and repair of all refrigeration equipment, ensuring that our operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently. You will be responsible for leading a team of skilled technicians, optimizing system performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within the refrigeration department.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Refrigeration Management:
- Lead and manage all refrigeration-related activities, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and industry standards. This includes overseeing the scheduling, installation, repair, and maintenance of refrigeration systems to guarantee operational efficiency and product quality.
- Collaborate closely with the Engineering Manager to contribute to the development and commitment to an appropriate budget during the annual budgeting process, ensuring all expenditures are aligned with financial goals.
- Budget and Cost Control:
- Manage the total spend for the refrigeration department against the budget by implementing robust control measures and optimizing cost savings. This includes daily review and management of key cost components, such as spares and consumables.
- Obtain and manage quotes for necessary spares and equipment, ensuring timely delivery and availability of critical parts to minimize downtime.
- Operational Excellence:
- Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality standards for the refrigeration department, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, audit requirements, and industry best practices.
- Conduct daily facility and equipment inspections, ensuring that all machinery is in optimal working condition and that any issues are promptly addressed to minimize operational disruptions.
- Team Leadership and Development:
- Facilitate and coordinate the human resources function within the refrigeration department, ensuring that all personnel are effectively managed, motivated, and trained to meet departmental goals. This includes optimizing labor allocation and providing ongoing mentorship and training to enhance team performance.
- Develop a daily work schedule for all team activities, ensuring that operations are smooth, efficient, and aligned with production requirements. This includes managing shift handovers and ensuring that all safety and quality standards are adhered to.
- Continuous Improvement:
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the refrigeration department by identifying and implementing strategies to reduce downtime, enhance efficiency, and optimize resource usage, including water and power consumption.
- Monitor and analyze department performance against set targets, ensuring that all data is accurately recorded and that best operating practices are consistently followed.
- Health, Safety, and Compliance:
- Ensure full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act), Ammonia legislation, and General Machinery Regulations. This includes managing all aspects of health and safety within the refrigeration department, ensuring that all staff are trained and adhere to safety protocols.
- Liaise with internal departments to ensure that all refrigeration activities meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency.
- Financial and Inventory Management:
- Monitor controllable costs within the refrigeration department, identifying discrepancies and contributing to cost-saving strategies. This includes managing inventory levels to ensure that all necessary spares and equipment are available without overstocking.
- Prepare and manage financial reports, ensuring that all expenditures are documented and that the department operates within budgetary constraints.
- Customer and Stakeholder Relations:
- Maintain strong communication with internal departments, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure that all refrigeration-related activities are coordinated effectively and that any issues are promptly resolved.
- Provide regular updates to senior management on department performance, including progress reports on ongoing projects and initiatives.
- Housekeeping and Maintenance:
- Ensure that all areas of responsibility within the refrigeration department are kept clean, organized, and in compliance with company standards. This includes overseeing the housekeeping of equipment and work areas to maintain a safe and efficient working environment.
- Perform regular inspections of refrigeration equipment, ensuring that all machinery is in good working order and that preventive maintenance is carried out as required.
- Training and Development:
- Identify the training needs of employees within the refrigeration department, coordinating and implementing training programs to enhance skills and ensure that all staff are equipped to perform their duties effectively.
- Mentor and guide team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the department.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Educational Background:
- Matric certificate (Grade 12) or NQF Level 4 equivalent.
- A qualification as a Fitter or Millwright would be advantageous.
- A Diploma in Refrigeration, along with Ammonia Safe Handling certification, is essential for this role.
- Professional Experience:
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in refrigeration management within a processing plant, preferably within the poultry or FMCG industry.
- Extensive knowledge of OHS Act regulations, Ammonia legislation, and General Machinery Regulations is required.
- Technical Skills:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Excel, and Word.
- A valid Code B driver’s license with access to reliable transport.
Skills and Competencies:
- Leadership and People Management:
- Proven ability to lead and manage a team, with strong people management skills and the ability to motivate and develop team members.
- Excellent planning and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively under pressure.
- Technical and Analytical Skills:
- Strong technical acumen with a deep understanding of refrigeration systems, including the ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues effectively.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on accuracy, attention to detail, and continuous improvement.
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
Additional Information:
- Application Process:
- VKB Group reserves the right to close the application process at any time.
- If you do not receive a response within four weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
- Employment Equity:
- VKB Group is an equal opportunity employer. All applications will be considered in line with our Employment Equity Plan and Targets, and we encourage applications from People with Disabilities.
This role offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned refrigeration professional to make a significant impact within a leading organization. If you have the technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence that we are looking for, we invite you to apply and join our team at Grain Field Chickens.
