Maintenance Assistants at RCL Foods 2026

The Maintenance Assistant will be responsible for assisting with planned, preventative and corrective maintenance, conducting routine inspections, attending to basic breakdowns and ensuring that maintenance activities are completed according to company procedures, maintenance schedules and safety requirements.

This is a permanent position based in Durban and will report directly to the Maintenance Manager.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Qualifications

• Technical Senior Certificate or equivalent technical qualification.
• N3 qualification or similar technical qualification will be advantageous.
• Mechanical or Electrical qualification, training or relevant technical exposure will be advantageous.
• Basic knowledge of maintenance procedures and workplace safety requirements.

Experience and Training

• Minimum 2 to 3 years’ practical experience as a Maintenance Assistant or in a similar technical maintenance role.
• Experience working in a production, manufacturing, food processing or industrial environment is preferred.
• Previous bakery or food manufacturing experience will be advantageous.
• Practical mechanical and/or electrical maintenance experience.
• Experience assisting with machinery inspections, repairs, preventative maintenance and breakdown maintenance.
• Basic understanding of plumbing, water systems, buildings and general maintenance.
• Ability to use basic hand tools and maintenance equipment safely and correctly.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety requirements will be advantageous.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance

• Assist the Maintenance Artisan with the execution of electrical, mechanical and general maintenance activities.
• Conduct routine inspections of machinery and equipment according to supplier requirements and maintenance procedures.
• Assist with planned and preventative maintenance in accordance with the maintenance plan and scheduled maintenance programme.
• Assist with the repair and servicing of production machinery and related equipment.
• Respond to machinery breakdowns and assist with basic fault-finding and repairs.
• Report equipment defects, unsafe conditions and potential failures to the Maintenance Artisan or Maintenance Manager.
• Assist with the replacement, adjustment and installation of basic mechanical and electrical components under appropriate supervision.
• Ensure that machinery and equipment are maintained to acceptable operational and safety standards.
• Assist with identifying recurring equipment faults and potential causes of breakdowns.

Civil and Building Maintenance

• Inspect water systems and the main water supply according to the maintenance schedule.
• Assist with the maintenance and repair of water systems and water supply infrastructure.
• Attend to basic water system and plumbing breakdowns.
• Assist with repairs to plumbing systems in residential buildings when required.
• Assist with general building maintenance and repairs according to the maintenance schedule.
• Assist with the maintenance and repair of residential buildings.
• Report structural, plumbing or building-related defects to the relevant Artisan or Manager.
• Ensure maintenance activities are carried out safely and with minimal disruption to operations.

Electrical Maintenance

• Assist with basic electrical maintenance and repairs under the direction of a suitably qualified Artisan.
• Assist with electrical repairs and maintenance on buildings and residential facilities.
• Conduct visual inspections of electrical equipment and report defects or unsafe conditions.
• Ensure electrical maintenance work is performed in accordance with company procedures and applicable safety requirements.
• Never undertake electrical work outside the employee’s level of competency, authorization or legal scope.

Preventative Maintenance

• Assist with the implementation of planned preventative maintenance programmes.
• Carry out routine inspections to identify potential equipment failures before breakdowns occur.
• Check machinery, equipment and infrastructure for signs of wear, damage, leaks or abnormal operation.
• Ensure maintenance tasks are completed within the required timeframe.
• Provide accurate feedback to the Maintenance Artisan regarding work completed and outstanding defects.
• Assist in maintaining accurate maintenance records and job cards.

General Responsibilities

• Execute all reasonable instructions issued by the Maintenance Artisan, Maintenance Manager or authorized management personnel.
• Complete all assigned maintenance tasks according to the relevant job card and work instructions.
• Obtain the required sign-off from the Artisan once assigned work has been completed.
• Conduct daily inspections of machinery, equipment, structures and other relevant areas to assist in preventing breakdowns.
• Assist Maintenance Artisans during planned maintenance, shutdowns, repairs and special projects.
• Assist with the installation, movement, adjustment and maintenance of equipment when required.
• Ensure the maintenance toolbox is fully stocked, clean, organized and maintained in good condition.
• Use tools and equipment responsibly and report damaged or missing tools immediately.
• Keep the maintenance workshop clean, organized and safe at all times.
• Return tools, equipment and materials to their correct storage locations after use.
• Maintain good housekeeping standards in all work areas.
• Ensure that work areas are left clean and free from hazards after maintenance activities have been completed.
• Assist with emergency maintenance and breakdown response when required.
• Communicate effectively with production, engineering and other departments to minimize equipment downtime.
• Maintain a professional and cooperative working relationship with colleagues, contractors and management.

Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices

• Adhere strictly to all company food safety policies, procedures and standards.
• Comply with all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements.
• Ensure maintenance activities do not compromise product quality or food safety.
• Ensure all tools, equipment and materials used in production areas are clean and suitable for use.
• Ensure maintenance areas and equipment are cleaned properly after work has been completed.
• Prevent contamination of production areas, machinery and products during maintenance activities.
• Report any food safety risks, contamination hazards or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Follow all hygiene requirements applicable to the production environment.

Health, Safety and Environmental Responsibilities

• Comply with all company health and safety policies and procedures.
• Wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Follow safe working procedures when using tools, machinery and maintenance equipment.
• Report unsafe conditions, incidents, near misses and equipment hazards immediately.
• Assist in maintaining a safe working environment for employees and contractors.
• Follow applicable lockout/tagout and isolation procedures as instructed and authorized.
• Maintain good housekeeping and ensure work areas are free from unnecessary hazards.
• Use maintenance materials, tools and equipment responsibly.
• Support the company’s environmental and waste-management requirements.

Skills and Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Good mechanical and/or electrical aptitude.
• Strong practical and hands-on skills.
• Basic fault-finding and problem-solving ability.
• Good understanding of preventative maintenance principles.
• Ability to work safely with hand and power tools.
• Ability to read and follow basic technical instructions and maintenance procedures.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a maintenance team.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced production environment.
• Good time-management and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Strong housekeeping and workplace discipline.
• Willingness to learn and develop technical skills.
• Reliability, punctuality and a positive attitude.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks within required timeframes.

Key Performance Focus

The Maintenance Assistant will contribute to:

• Improved machinery availability and reliability.
• Reduced equipment breakdowns and production downtime.
• Effective execution of planned and preventative maintenance.
• Safe and efficient maintenance practices.
• Compliance with food safety and GMP requirements.
• Good housekeeping and workshop standards.
• Timely completion of maintenance job cards.
• Effective support to Maintenance Artisans and the Maintenance Manager.
• Maintaining production equipment and facilities in a safe and operational condition.

Important Note

The Maintenance Assistant is expected to work within their level of training, competence and authorization. Tasks requiring specialized, licensed or legally regulated technical work must be performed by the appropriately qualified and authorized Artisan or technician.

Company: RCL Foods
Position: Maintenance Assistant
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Employment: Permanent
Closing Date: 15 October 2026
Reference: RCL261005-4

Apply for RCL foods Maintenance Assistance