Fitter - Free State Oil (Pty) Ltd
Location: Villiers, Eastern Free State

Introduction to the VKB Group

The VKB Group is an agricultural company, providing support to farmers and producing straight-from-the-farm foods for consumers. Apart from our consumer brands, the VKB Group is also represented by its regional brands: VKB, GWK and NTK.

With our roots firmly planted in agriculture, farming remains at our core as we continue to grow across the full food supply chain – from processing and logistics to national and global market channels.

This house of brands, built with the support of our farmer shareholders, is the foundation for building the agribusiness of the future.

Our Values

• We are HUMBLE – We acknowledge that we are blessed
  We are HUNGRY – We do not settle for mediocre
  We are BOLD – We do what is right, even if it scares us
  We are SMART – We consider our words and actions
  We are TEAM PLAYERS – No-one can do this alone

About Free State Oil

The increase in soybean availability in South Africa has created an opportunity for the soybean processing industry to expand into the market share held by imports of soybean meal and oil. As part of this development, FSO was established in 2011.

FSO is a soybean processing facility in Villiers in the Free State, which started production in September 2012. Since then, FSO has been focussed on producing good quality soybean meal and oil. The facility currently has a capacity of 150 000 tons of soybeans per year, which offers soybean producers in the area a valuable outlet.

FSO supplies its products to multiple market segments such as home mixers and stock feed producers, which include the feed companies who also form part of the VKB Group. This makes FSO an integral part of the value chain which ultimately places chicken meat on the consumer table.

The establishment of FSO provided incentive to farmers to further develop their crop rotation practices by increasing the demand for local soybeans. As a key role player in the agricultural value chain, FSO proudly contributes to the VKB Group’s commitment to rural development. Free State Oil (Pty) Ltd is a dynamic role player in the edible oil industry, situated in Villiers in the Eastern Free State. We offer the opportunity to establish yourself within a professional, corporate environment in the countryside.

Position: FITTER

We are seeking a skilled, experienced and qualified Fitter with a strong mechanical background in heavy machinery, packaging plants, bulk handling operations, or industrial production environments.

Suitable Industry Backgrounds Include:

• Packaging / manufacturing plants operating heavy machinery
• Bulk supply chain / materials handling environments
• Steel industry
• Wood / timber industry
• Grain / milling industry
• Similar industrial mechanical environments with transferable skills

Please Note:

• Candidates from FMCG production-only environments will not be preferred, unless exposure includes heavy machinery, packaging lines, conveyors, pumps, or bulk handling systems.
• Stable employment history is essential. Candidates with frequent job changes / job hopping will not be considered.

Minimum Requirements

• Valid Mechanical Fitter or Fitter & Turner Trade Certificate (your qualification will be validated before the recruitment process continues to interview stage)
• Minimum 5-10 years proven fitting experience in relevant industrial environments
• 10-15 years proven fitting experience will be advantageous
• Proven welding experience (ARC advantageous)
• Strong knowledge of:
• Pneumatics
• Pumps
• Conveyors
• Shafts
• Sprockets
• Bearings
• Gearboxes
• Valid driver’s license
• Willingness to work overtime, shifts, and weekends when required

Duties & Responsibilities

• Reduce plant breakdowns and downtime to minimise costs
• Install, maintain, and repair mechanical equipment and systems
• Conduct fault-finding and problem-solving on machinery
• Repair or replace defective parts and assemblies
• Inspect machinery daily and test operation
• Complete job cards accurately and obtain sign-off
• Report failures and breakdowns to management
• Improve plant equipment reliability continuously
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health & Safety standards
• Complete compulsory training interventions
• Mentor employees on best maintenance practices
• Perform additional duties as required by management

Skills Required

• Manual handling, working at heights, and confined space awareness
• Understanding of production processes
• Knowledge of PPE and safety procedures
• Ability to read manuals, blueprints, and schematics
• Good communication skills
• High attention to detail
• Strong team player
• Ability to work under pressure

Additional Information

Please note you will be vetted and MIE checks will be conducted if we consider you for the next recruitment process phase.

The company reserves the right to close vacancies at its own discretion.

VKB Group is an equal opportunity employer. Employment Equity targets and transformation objectives will form part of the recruitment process. Applications from people with disabilities are welcomed.

• Candidates from FMCG production-only environments will not be preferred, unless exposure includes heavy machinery, packaging lines, conveyors, pumps, or bulk handling systems.
• Stable employment history is essential. Candidates with frequent job changes / job hopping will not be considered.

Application Notes

• Use Google Chrome when applying via the Career Portal
• Submit a clear CV in PDF or Word format
• No handwritten documents
• Upload CV only in the CV section
• Supporting documents can be uploaded separately
• Profile picture minimum size: 300 x 300px