Maintenance Planner, Johannesburg

Please note this position is based in Saudi Arabia. The client will cover all Relocation Costs.

The Maintenance Planner is responsible for planning, organizing, and scheduling all preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities to ensure optimal equipment reliability and minimal production downtime. This role requires strong technical knowledge, advanced planning skills, and the ability to coordinate effectively with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams. The Maintenance Planner will play a key role in improving maintenance efficiency and supporting long-term asset management strategies.

2. Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in planning and coordinating shutdowns/turnarounds in industrial or refinery environments.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or related discipline).

• PMP Certification (Project Management Professional) is required.

• 5+ to 7+ years of experience in maintenance planning within industrial, manufacturing, or refinery environments.

• Strong knowledge of maintenance methodologies, reliability principles, and asset management best practices.

• Proficiency in Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).

3. Key ResponsibilitiesMaintenance Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance schedules.

• Coordinate maintenance activities with operations to minimize downtime.

• Create detailed job plans including labor, materials, tools, permits, and safety requirements.

• Ensure all work orders are properly planned, prioritized, and resourced.

Asset Management & Reliability Support

• Maintain equipment history records and ensure accurate data in CMMS.

• Support root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Assist in developing long-term maintenance strategies to improve equipment reliability.

• Monitor KPIs such as schedule compliance, backlog levels, and maintenance costs.

Materials & Resource Management

• Prepare materials lists and coordinate with procurement and stores for spare parts availability.

• Optimize spare parts usage and identify critical spares.

• Review contractor scopes and support contractor coordination.

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare maintenance reports, planning updates, and performance analyses.

• Maintain accurate and organized planning documentation.

• Ensure all maintenance work follows safety procedures, QA/QC requirements, and regulatory standards.

4. Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of maintenance processes and industrial equipment.

• Excellent planning, scheduling, and coordination skills.

• Advanced proficiency in CMMS platforms.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, manuals, and specifications.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

• Knowledge of project management principles aligned with PMP standards.

5. Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in oil & gas, petrochemical, power generation, or heavy industrial environments.

• Knowledge of reliability engineering tools (RCM, FMEA, RCA).

• Familiarity with international maintenance standards.