Maintenance Planner- VKB GROUP (Reitz) x1
Job Details
- Position: Maintenance Planner
- Location: Reitz
- Industry: Poultry / Manufacturing / Agriculture
- Employment Type: Not specified (typically permanent in VKB roles)
- Closing Date: 14 May 2026
- Posting Date: 5 July 2026
Job Description
The Maintenance Planner is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating all maintenance activities at the Grain Field Chickens Abattoir in Reitz.
The role ensures that maintenance work is properly planned and executed to:
- Minimise production downtime
- Improve equipment reliability
- Support continuous production efficiency
- Ensure compliance with maintenance standards and systems
The role is highly technical and system-driven, using a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS), specifically On Key 5.
Key Responsibilities
Maintenance Planning and Scheduling
- Develop and manage maintenance work schedules
- Ensure maintenance resources, parts, and equipment are properly planned
- Prevent production delays through proactive planning
- Review weekly maintenance planning performance
CMMS (On Key 5) Administration
- Capture and verify downtime data on the system
- Ensure accurate and complete work order entries
- Provide system support to users
- Ensure correct data capturing and validation
- Maintain CMMS integrity and accuracy
Reporting and Analysis
- Generate daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance reports
- Analyse KPIs and maintenance performance data
- Compile monthly asset management reports
- Maintain dashboards and performance graphs
Preventive Maintenance
- Review and optimise preventive maintenance schedules
- Ensure compliance with maintenance schedules
- Conduct periodic schedule updates
- Support statutory inspection planning
Root Cause and Continuous Improvement
- Conduct root cause analysis for equipment failures
- Implement corrective and preventive actions
- Support continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., 20 Keys methodology)
- Identify cost-saving opportunities per asset
Administration and Coordination
- Maintain filing and maintenance records
- Ensure accurate attendance and job card records
- Support budget planning for maintenance activities
- Order spares and manage external service providers
- Attend production and engineering meetings
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 / NQF Level 4
- National Diploma in one of the following:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
Experience Requirements
- 3–5 years experience working with CMMS systems (preferably On Key 5)
- At least 3 years experience in a production plant environment
- Poultry plant experience (advantageous)
Added Advantages
- Maintenance Planning Certificate
- Experience in engineering or manufacturing maintenance environments
Technical Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Strong computer literacy
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills (especially Excel)
- Knowledge of production machinery and industrial processes
- Understanding of maintenance standards and systems
- Familiarity with Continuous Improvement systems (20 Keys or similar)
Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills
- Maintenance planning and scheduling
- CMMS system management
- Root cause analysis
- Data analysis and reporting
- Asset management
Personal Skills
- Strong analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving ability
- Strong communication skills
- Good organisational ability
- Ability to work under pressure
Behavioural Skills
- Team player
- Self-motivated
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Strong decision-making ability
- Good time management
Work Conditions
- May be required to work overtime
- Weekend work may be required depending on production needs
Employer Overview
VKB Group is an agricultural and food production company with strong operations in farming, processing, and supply chain services, including poultry production through Grain Field Chickens.