MECHANIC MAINTENANCE MANAGER

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Clara Santo Limited is a subsidiary of Pacifikava, a venture dedicated to ensuring a high-quality supply of kava worldwide. The company operates an agricultural and processing site in the Hydro Power Station area of Fanafo, Espiritu Santo, including kava plantations, a kava drying unit, a research and development unit with laboratory, its own electricity production and distribution, buildings and water networks.

JOB SUMMARY

The Mechanic Maintenance Manager is responsible for the entire maintenance, reliability and safe operation of the company’s technical assets, and for the full management of the maintenance function: the maintenance and mechanic team, assets, spare-parts stock, purchasing, logistics and customs clearance, and fuel costs. He or she plans and carries out preventive and corrective maintenance, leads and trains the team, designs mechanical and maintenance projects, coordinates construction projects and drives continuous improvement in maintenance performance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

– Ensure the entire maintenance of the tractor fleet, all company vehicles, the kava drying unit, the research and development unit and laboratory machines, the hydro power station and electricity network, buildings and water networks.
– Establish and implement preventive maintenance schedules; conduct regular inspections; keep accurate maintenance records for all equipment.
– Lead diagnostics, troubleshooting and repairs (mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, electronic, welding) to minimise production and power-supply disruptions.
– Manage, supervise and train the maintenance and mechanic team (two staff, including a local counterpart), ensuring skills transfer.
– Manage the workshop and the spare-parts and equipment stock: minimum stock levels, inventories and timely ordering to minimise downtime.
– Manage purchase orders and the related logistics, including shipping follow-up and customs clearance of imported parts and equipment.
– Manage and control fuel costs for vehicles, machinery and generators.
– Oversee the maintenance budget and report regularly to the Director on asset condition, costs and priorities.
– Enforce safety, health and environmental rules in the workshop and on site.
– Design and manufacture tools and agricultural implements (3D design); design mechanical and maintenance projects and coordinate construction projects; work with external suppliers and contractors.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

– Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering, electricity (low voltage, power generation and distribution), hydraulics and fluid systems, heat pumps, refrigeration and cooling systems.
– Strong knowledge of the electronics and electrical systems of agricultural machinery and vehicles, and proficiency with electronic diagnostic tools.
– Tool design and 3D design of agricultural tools and implements (CAD software), welding and metalwork.
– Proven ability to manage a full maintenance function – staff, assets, stock, purchasing, logistics, customs clearance – and to control operating costs.
– Organisational skills, attention to detail, time management and ability to work independently in a remote location.
– Fluent in Bislama and English; good understanding of Vanuatu culture and customs.
– Valid, up-to-date driving licences for the vehicles and machinery used on site.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

– Technical qualification in mechanics, mechanical engineering or an equivalent field.
– At least five (5) years of maintenance management experience, preferably in an agricultural, industrial or power-generation environment.
– Direct experience in maintaining tractors, agricultural machinery, heavy vehicles, drying units and power generation equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The position is based full-time on site in Fanafo, Espiritu Santo, with accommodation provided in a manager’s house on site. The role involves field and workshop work, occasional on-call interventions, and the ability to lift heavy loads and to bend, kneel, reach and climb to perform duties. Remuneration is a fixed monthly salary (forfait) commensurate with experience, plus VNPF employer’s contribution.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience to scn@lawpartnersvanuatu.com with the subject line “Mechanic Maintenance Manager – Clara Santo Limited”. Vanuatu citizens are strongly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.