Join Mitchell Cotts and become part of a team delivering dependable, innovative and customer-focused logistics solutions. Explore our current opportunities below.
Maintenance Manager – Plant, Material Handling and Power Generation Equipment
Application Deadline
Close of business on Tuesday, 22 October 2026.
Reports to: General Manager – Transport
Overall Role Purpose
To ensure the reliability, availability, safety, and
cost-effective maintenance of all plant, material handling and power generation
equipment, including forklifts, reach stackers, top loaders and generators,
through effective maintenance planning, asset management, team leadership,
financial control and compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Fleet Maintenance and Reliability
- Design,
implement and track comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules for
all forklifts and top loaders based on hour intervals and operational
cycles.
- Oversee
complex troubleshooting and repairs of heavy diesel engines, hydraulic
lifting systems, high-capacity mast/spreader assemblies, transmission
systems, and electrical/electronic controls.
- Analyse
equipment telemetry and performance data to identify breakdown trends and
proactively address structural or mechanical failure before it disrupts
operations.
Team Leadership and Operations
- Lead,
mentor and evaluate a team of heavy equipment mechanics and
auto-electricians, assigning daily work orders and managing shift
schedules.
- Establish
and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for safely servicing
high-tonnage lifting equipment.
- Ensure
maintenance staff are continuously trained on specialized tools, hydraulic
safety, high-voltage electric forklift batteries, and computer-aided
diagnostics.
Safety, Compliance and Risk Management
- Maintain
strict compliance with local workplace health and safety laws (e.g., OSHA,
or regional equivalents) regarding lifting equipment certifications.
- Conduct
routine inspections of maintenance bays, tooling, and rigging gear to
enforce a zero-accident work environment.
- Partner
with operations to monitor fleet management to ensure only certified
personnel operate the machinery and look after the equipment while under
their control.
Inventory and Financial Control
- Optimize
stock levels for critical, high-wear components (e.g., hydraulic seals,
hoses, spreaders, tires, filters) to avoid extended downtime.
- Develop
and monitor the annual maintenance budget, controlling expenditures on
parts, lubricants, tools, and outsourced labour.
Core Competencies
- Mechanical
Mastery: Deep understanding of high-pressure hydraulics, heavy-duty diesel
drivetrains, air brake systems, and electronic control systems.
- Software
Literacy: Proficiency utilizing Computerized Maintenance Management
Systems to manage work orders, costs and inventory.
- Physical
Capability: A hands-on approach with the ability to safely navigate
industrial yards, climb heavy machinery ladders, and inspect components
under varying weather conditions.
- Leadership:
Exceptional communication, problem-solving under pressure, and
cross-departmental collaboration skills.
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Strong
knowledge of heavy equipment, material handling equipment and power
generation systems.
- Sound
understanding of preventive, predictive and reliability-centered
maintenance practices.
- Knowledge
of hydraulic, diesel, electrical and electronic control systems.
- Experience
using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
- Strong
budgeting, cost control and financial analysis skills.
- Ability
to lead technical teams and manage multiple priorities.
- Strong
reporting, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Knowledge
of safety regulations, compliance standards and equipment certification
requirements.
Professional Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s
degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive
Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field.
- Professional
maintenance or reliability certification (CMRP, CMP or equivalent) is an
added advantage.
- Minimum
8 to 10 years’ experience in maintenance management within heavy
equipment, logistics, manufacturing, port operations or industrial
environments.
- Proven
experience managing forklifts, reach stackers, top loaders, generators and
other critical operational assets.
- Demonstrated
success in improving equipment reliability, reducing downtime and
controlling maintenance costs.
- Experience
leading technical teams and managing third-party service providers.
Key Performance Indicators
- Equipment
Availability.
- Preventive
Maintenance Compliance.
- Mean
Time Between Failures (MTBF).
- Mean
Time to Repair (MTTR).
- Unplanned
Downtime Reduction.
- Generator
Reliability and Availability.
- Maintenance
Budget Adherence.
- Maintenance
Cost per Operating Hour.
- Inventory
Availability and Stock Accuracy.
- Safety
Compliance and Audit Performance.
- Reduction
in Emergency Repairs.
- Contractor
Performance.
- Team
Productivity and Development.
- Achievement
of Maintenance and Reliability Targets.
Financial Responsibilities
- Annual
Maintenance Budget.
- Maintenance
Cost Control.
- Spare
Parts Inventory Budget.
- Equipment
Repair and Overhaul Expenditure.
- Contractor
and Service Provider Costs.
- Fuel
and Lubricants Budget.
- Capital
Maintenance and Asset Replacement Budget.
- Asset
Lifecycle Cost Management.
- Emergency
Maintenance Expenditure.
- Maintenance
Cost Optimization and Savings Initiatives.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their applications to:
recruitment@mitchellcotts.co.ke
Applications must be received by close of business on Tuesday,
22 October 2026.
Please state the position you are applying for in the email
subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.