Overview
Yalelo is seeking an experienced Mechanical & Refrigeration Engineer to oversee the operation, maintenance, and optimisation of cold chain and mechanical equipment at its production site in Siavonga. This role is vital to ensuring the reliability of chilling and freezing systems, production machinery, and related assets. The successful candidate will provide hands-on technical expertise, lead a team of technicians, and implement engineering best practices that uphold food safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency in a fast-paced production environment.
Main Responsibilities
• Lead, mentor, and manage mechanical and refrigeration teams, building capacity and ensuring high performance.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs, troubleshoot breakdowns, and enforce compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Drive equipment optimisation and innovation, ensuring maximum uptime and energy efficiency.
• Supervise the installation and commissioning of new and existing machinery, including feasibility studies, technical specifications, and engineering drawings.
• Coordinate effectively with consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders to deliver specialised projects.
• Maintain accurate documentation, records, and reports on maintenance activities, performance, and compliance.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, environmental, and warranty requirements while embedding continuous improvement practices.
Required Qualifications and Skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Production Engineering.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in the food processing industry with proven expertise in industrial machinery and cold chain systems (blast freezers, reefers, chillers, ice-making machines).
• Strong technical problem-solving, analytical, and people management skills.
• Advanced knowledge of HVAC and refrigeration systems, with strong diagnostic and troubleshooting ability.
• Experience in scale calibration, repair, and maintenance (advantage).
• Ability to anticipate and resolve technical challenges quickly while managing multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a track record of managing teams in high-demand production settings.
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination abilities.