Fitter – Free State Oil (Pty) Ltd x1
JOB DETAILS
- Job details: Fitter – Free State Oil (Pty) Ltd
- Company: VKB Group
- Location: Villiers, Eastern Free State, South Africa
- Closing Date: 8 May 2026
- Post Date: 28 April 2026
About the Company
VKB Group is a major agricultural and agribusiness company in South Africa, operating across the full food value chain—from farming and processing to logistics and national distribution.
The role is based at Free State Oil (FSO), a soybean processing facility in Villiers that produces soybean meal and oil for the animal feed and food industries, playing a key role in the agricultural supply chain.
Job Purpose
The Fitter is responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair, and reliability of mechanical equipment and industrial machinery in a heavy-duty production environment. The role focuses on reducing downtime and ensuring smooth plant operations.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Maintenance & Repairs
- Install, maintain, and repair mechanical equipment
- Conduct fault-finding and troubleshoot machinery problems
- Replace or repair faulty components and assemblies
- Inspect machinery daily and ensure proper operation
Plant Reliability & Performance
- Reduce plant breakdowns and downtime
- Improve equipment reliability and performance
- Report breakdowns and failures to management
- Support continuous improvement initiatives
Documentation & Compliance
- Complete job cards accurately and obtain sign-off
- Ensure compliance with Occupational Health & Safety standards
- Participate in compulsory training and safety programs
Team Support & Mentorship
- Mentor junior staff on maintenance practices
- Support teamwork and operational efficiency
- Communicate effectively with production teams
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
- Valid Mechanical Fitter or Fitter & Turner Trade Certificate (mandatory verification required)
Experience
- 5–10 years fitting experience in industrial/heavy machinery environments
- 10–15 years experience is advantageous
- Strong preference for heavy industry exposure (not FMCG-only backgrounds)
Technical Skills Required
- Pneumatics systems
- Pumps and conveyor systems
- Gearboxes, shafts, sprockets, bearings
- Industrial machinery maintenance
- Welding (ARC welding advantageous)
- Ability to read blueprints, manuals, and technical drawings
Additional Requirements
- Valid driver’s licence
- Willingness to work shifts, overtime, and weekends
Important Employer Notes
- Stable employment history required (no frequent job hopping)
- FMCG-only experience may not be suitable unless heavy machinery exposure is included
- MIE background checks will be conducted
- Employer reserves the right to close the vacancy at any time
Key Competencies
- Strong problem-solving ability
- High attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure
- Good communication skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Safety awareness (PPE, confined spaces, working at heights)
Working Environment
- Industrial soybean processing plant
- Heavy machinery and mechanical systems
- Physically demanding and safety-sensitive environment