Technical Manager – Lactalis Botswana

Job Description

About Lactalis

The Lactalis Group is a family owned company guided by passion for dairy that was founded in 1933 by André Besnier in Laval in the west of France. Parmalat Botswana has been a part of the international Lactalis family group since the Lactalis Group acquired a majority share in Parmalat SpA in 2011. Lactalis is a global player in the production and distribution of foods that are essential for everyday wellness: milk, dairy products (yoghurt, cream based sauces, desserts and cheese) and fruit beverages. In Southern Africa, Lactalis has operations in South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Eswatini and Botswana. Lactalis aims to continue building this market leadership for its value-added and branded dairy products and fruit-based beverages. This exciting career opportunity will enable you to apply your business acumen to ensure that Lactalis achieves its challenging objectives during the next phase of its growth in Southern Africa and beyond.

Purpose of the Role

To lead the plant’s Engineering and Maintenance function, ensuring safe, reliable and cost-effective operation of production equipment and utilities. The Technical Manager will be accountable for equipment availability, maintenance strategy and execution, utilities performance, engineering compliance, technical team development and CAPEX/project delivery. The position requires a strong practical engineering background with the ability to manage both Mechanical and Electrical Engineering systems within a food and beverage manufacturing environment.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance and ensure effective use of the Pragma maintenance system.
• Improve equipment reliability, plant availability and OEE while reducing repeat breakdowns and unplanned downtime.
• Develop and control the Repairs & Maintenance and Utilities budgets.
• Develop the plant technical strategy, asset replacement plans and critical-spares requirements.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of major and recurring equipment failures.
• Ensure statutory compliance and safe operation of boilers, refrigeration, electrical, pressure and other regulated installations.
• Manage and develop the Engineering/Maintenance team, contractors and technical service providers.
• Support Production and Quality in maintaining food safety, product quality and equipment performance.
• Drive energy and utility efficiency covering electricity, steam, refrigeration, compressed air and water.
• Lead Capex and Project Management initiatives for the development and execution in the plant.

Minimum Requirements

• Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or relevant Engineering Degree/National Diploma (N6/T4 or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years’ engineering/maintenance experience, preferably within FMCG, food, dairy or beverage manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience leading a maintenance/technical team.
• Demonstrated experience managing CAPEX projects and engineering budgets.
• Strong practical understanding of industrial utilities, processing and packaging equipment.
• PLC/SCADA experience advantageous.
• Experience with NH3 refrigeration, boilers and aseptic/dairy processing equipment will be advantageous.
• Valid driver’s licence.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to move beyond reactive maintenance and lead the plant technically – balancing reliability, cost, people, compliance and long-term asset development.

How to Apply

If you are interested and you meet the above qualifications, kindly forward your application and CV to: [email protected] or hand deliver your application at the Lactalis Botswana offices.

CLOSING DATE: 25TH SEPTEMBER 2026