Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Operational Readiness Engineer to support and strengthen the existing iron ore port operation in Buchanan, Liberia.

The plant has already been commissioned and is currently operational. The focus of this role is to assess, stabilise, and enhance the mechanical maintenance organisation, improve reliability systems, and embed structured asset care and work management disciplines across the operation.

The facility includes fixed train car dumpers (rotators), long-distance conveyor systems, stackers, reclaimers, ship loading systems, hydraulic systems, rotating equipment, and associated fixed plant infrastructure.

This is a site-based, hands-on role requiring strong practical mechanical experience in heavy industrial environments.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct structured review of the existing mechanical maintenance organisation

Identify gaps in maintenance systems, standards, and execution practices

Strengthen preventive and corrective maintenance strategies

Review and optimise asset care plans using practical RCM principles

Improve reliability of conveyors, stackers, reclaimers, car dumpers, hydraulic systems, gearboxes, pumps, and rotating equipment

Support improvement of work management processes within CMMS / PRONTO

Improve backlog control, planning discipline, and maintenance compliance

Support planning and execution of major shutdowns and maintenance campaigns

Conduct root cause analysis of recurring mechanical failures

Implement criticality-based prioritisation of assets

Introduce predictive and condition monitoring practices where appropriate

Mentor and upskill national mechanical supervisors and artisans

Embed safety discipline including LOTO, lifting standards, guarding, and statutory compliance

Support performance tracking through mechanical KPIs (availability, MTBF, downtime, cost control)

Operational Readiness Focus Areas

The Mechanical Operational Readiness Engineer will focus on:

Improving maintenance organisational structure and role clarity

Strengthening mechanical work management discipline

Embedding structured maintenance standards and SOPs

Optimising maintenance facilities and tooling readiness

Improving spare parts strategy for critical mechanical assets

Establishing sustainable reliability engineering practices

Supporting transition from reactive to proactive maintenance culture

Building long-term workforce capability and ownership

Minimum Requirements

Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or internationally recognised equivalent qualification

Minimum 10 years experience in heavy industrial mechanical maintenance environments

Proven experience improving maintenance systems in operating plants

Strong background in bulk material handling, mining, port operations, cement, or similar heavy industry

Experience with conveyors, gearboxes, hydraulic systems, rotating equipment, hydraulic pumps, and heavy structural systems

Experience working with CMMS / EAM systems

Practical knowledge of reliability engineering, root cause analysis, and asset care optimisation

Willingness to work on a rotational assignment in Liberia

Preferred Experience

Port operations and ship loading systems

Car dumper / train rotator mechanical systems

Stacker and reclaimer systems

Shutdown planning and execution leadership

Workforce mentoring and skills development programmes

Ideal Candidate Profile

Strong field presence and practical execution mindset

Structured, disciplined, and systems-oriented

Calm and steady in operational environments

Strong mechanical fault-finding capability

Mentor and coach rather than consultant

Focused on long-term sustainability rather than short-term fixes

Safety-driven with strong leadership credibility

Strategic Objective of the Role

The Mechanical Operational Readiness Engineer will strengthen and stabilise the existing mechanical maintenance organisation at the Buchanan Port Operation, embed world-class maintenance systems and standards, and improve equipment reliability to support sustainable long-term iron ore export operations.