Head Mechanic (Furniture Manufacturing) - Coricraft

The Head Mechanic is responsible for leading and managing the maintenance function within a furniture manufacturing environment to ensure maximum machine reliability, operational efficiency, and minimal production downtime. The role oversees the maintenance, repair, servicing, and continuous improvement of CNC machines, sewing machines, upholstery equipment, and other production machinery, while ensuring preventative maintenance programmes, effective spare parts management, cost control, and team development to support production targets and business objectives.

• Lead and manage all maintenance activities within the manufacturing facility

• Ensure machinery and equipment are maintained to maximise uptime and productivity

• Implement preventative maintenance programmes and resolve equipment breakdowns

• Manage maintenance budgets, spare parts inventory, and maintenance resources

• Support production line set-up, changeovers, and operational requirements

• Coach and develop maintenance team members

• Drive continuous improvement, cost-control, and efficiency initiatives

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and company standards

• Prepare maintenance reports and communicate performance updates to management

• Relevant Mechanical, Industrial Maintenance, Electrical, or Sewing Machine Repair qualification

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a manufacturing maintenance environment

• Experience within a furniture manufacturing environment is desirable and advantageous

• Experience maintaining CNC machines, sewing machines, upholstery equipment, and production machinery

• Proven experience managing a maintenance workshop, maintenance budgets, and critical spare parts inventory

• Strong technical troubleshooting, fault-finding, and preventative maintenance experience

• Experience in production line set-up, line changes, and supporting production requirements

Skills:

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes within the furniture, upholstery, textile, or related industries.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and reporting.

• Strong planning, organising, budgeting, and resource management skills

• Excellent technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills

• Strong planning, organising, and decision-making abilities

• Ability to influence, coach, and develop team members.

• Strong commercial awareness with a focus on cost control and operational efficiency

Behaviours:

• Strong leadership and people management capability

• Ability to work under pressure and respond with urgency to production breakdowns and priorities

• Results-driven with a high level of accountability and ownership.

• Detail-oriented, diligent, and quality-focused

• Proactive and continuous improvement mindset

• Team player with the ability to build effective cross-functional relationships

• Strong commitment to health, safety, and operational excellence

Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act