Background

The Malawi Fertilizer Company Ltd, a subsidiary of Farmers World Holdings Ltd, has plants and facilities for producing fertilizer through granulation and blending. The company wishes to recruit a highly motivated and qualified individual for the vacant position of Maintenance Engineer which is tenable at its Malawi Fertilizer Plant in Liwonde.

Position Purpose

Reporting to the Head of Production and Technical Services, the Plant Engineer ensures optimal equipment and facility performance by developing and implementing maintenance strategies, managing preventive and breakdown maintenance programs, optimising resource utilisation, controlling costs, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and driving operational efficiency while minimising downtime and enhancing asset reliability.

The Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Asset Care and Life cycle management.
• Development of maintenance management plans for the plants.
• Scheduling maintenance for the plants in Laison with the Production Manager.
• Supervision of a team of technical personnel in the electrical, mechanical, property maintenance and fleet workshops.
• Development of maintenance KPIs.
• Development of Maintenance SOP in line with Group requirements.
• Work in liaison with Granulation Supervisors, Production Manager and Quality Manager to ensure asset reliability and superior product quality.
• Coordination with the Procurement Manager for spares availability.
• Trouble shooting and root cause analysis for plant reliability and performance.
• Design and installation for a new plant modification in line with management of change protocols.
• Act as the person responsible for the plants.
• Liaison with regulatory authorities for statutory maintenance and equipment inspections for boilers, mobile equipment, air receivers, measuring equipment.
• Working in a shift structure.

Sustainable Growth

• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements and cost savings within maintenance operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis and performance benchmarking.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and methodologies to enhance maintenance effectiveness.

Good Governance, Risk Management and Compliance

• Implement and adhere to EHSS (Environmental, Health, Safety, and Sustainability) policies and procedures.
• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with relevant safety and regulatory standards.
• Conduct regular audits, report compliance status, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Define and implement risk, governance, and compliance policies to identify and mitigate operational risks.

Leadership and Supervision

• Train staff on maintenance procedures to ensure all team members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge, crucial for maintaining equipment reliability and safety.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline, such as mechanical, electrical or industrial engineering.
• 3-5 years’ experience working in a Production Plant. Supervisory skill and maintenance management experience. Experience in maintenance and repair activities. Strong knowledge of plant operations and maintenance.

Skills:

• Strong analytical abilities, sharp attention to detail, leadership capability, problem-solving skills and clear communication skills.

• Asset Care and Life cycle management.
• Development of maintenance management plans for the plants.
• Scheduling maintenance for the plants in Laison with the Production Manager.
• Supervision of a team of technical personnel in the electrical, mechanical, property maintenance and fleet workshops.
• Development of maintenance KPIs.
• Development of Maintenance SOP in line with Group requirements.
• Work in liaison with Granulation Supervisors, Production Manager and Quality Manager to ensure asset reliability and superior product quality.
• Coordination with the Procurement Manager for spares availability.
• Trouble shooting and root cause analysis for plant reliability and performance.
• Design and installation for a new plant modification in line with management of change protocols.
• Act as the person responsible for the plants.
• Liaison with regulatory authorities for statutory maintenance and equipment inspections for boilers, mobile equipment, air receivers, measuring equipment.
• Working in a shift structure.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements and cost savings within maintenance operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis and performance benchmarking.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and methodologies to enhance maintenance effectiveness.
• Implement and adhere to EHSS (Environmental, Health, Safety, and Sustainability) policies and procedures.
• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with relevant safety and regulatory standards.
• Conduct regular audits, report compliance status, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Define and implement risk, governance, and compliance policies to identify and mitigate operational risks.
• Train staff on maintenance procedures to ensure all team members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge, crucial for maintaining equipment reliability and safety.

• Strong analytical abilities
• Sharp attention to detail
• Leadership capability
• Problem-solving skills
• Clear communication skills

• A Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline, such as mechanical, electrical or industrial engineering.
• 3-5 years’ experience working in a Production Plant.
• Supervisory skill and maintenance management experience.
• Experience in maintenance and repair activities.
• Strong knowledge of plant operations and maintenance.