Fitter

About the Role and Company

Based at the Estcourt Factory, this role is offered by Nestlé, a globally renowned food and beverages leader with over 150 years of history. The company prides itself on excellence and continuous innovation to maintain its top position in the industry.

Position Summary

The Fitter is responsible for installing and maintaining engineering machinery to ensure it operates efficiently and safely within specified tolerances. Work must comply with the South African Bureau of Standards and Nestlé’s internal standards concerning engineering quality, safety, health, and environmental protocols. This position includes diagnosing faults, handling breakdowns, and completing relevant administrative duties associated with Asset Management Maintenance (AMM), Safety, Health and Environment (SHE), Construction Design Management (CDM), and Multi-Disciplinary Work Teams (MDWT). The Fitter will also participate actively in new project installations and related activities.

Core Responsibilities

• Undertake scheduled maintenance on plant equipment and proactively prevent breakdowns during patrols.
• Install, service, repair, and maintain both existing and new machinery and equipment.
• Respond promptly and effectively to mechanical faults and breakdowns across the factory.
• Analyze and investigate recurring faults to enhance equipment reliability.
• Improve maintenance ease, cleaning, and equipment performance.
• Manage projects and acquire thorough plant knowledge.
• Ensure repairs are performed efficiently and correctly the first time.
• Maintain high work standards and support machine availability to meet production goals.
• Adhere strictly to lockout and permit procedures to ensure safety from unexpected machinery starts.
• Immediately mitigate any hazardous conditions on site.
• Protect product safety by ensuring all work and machinery performance conform to standards.
• Update and correct engineering drawings as required.
• Complete required documentation for AMM, SHE, CDM, and MDWT.
• Foster collaboration and communication with production teams, suppliers, and contractors.
• Conduct visual inspections and sign off on legal registers for lifting equipment, pressure vessels, and welding apparatus as mandated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Work primarily during day shifts but remain flexible for overtime, standby, or shift work as operationally needed.

Qualifications and Skills

• Completed apprenticeship with a Trade Test Certificate.
• At least two years of mechanical field experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and manage pressure.
• Proficient computer skills, especially Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SAP, and AMM software.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Comprehensive understanding of maintenance best practices.
• Effective team player with capabilities in change management.
• Experience in coaching and mentoring production staff on mechanical equipment.