Mechanical Operational Readiness Engineer – Port Operations

Role Overview

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.