Dreaming big is in our DNA. It’s who we are as a company. It’s our culture. It’s our heritage. And more than ever, it’s our future. A future where we’re always looking forward. Always serving up new ways to meet life’s moments. A future where we keep dreaming bigger. We look for people with passion, talent, and curiosity, and provide them with the teammates, resources and opportunities to unleash their full potential. The power we create together – when we combine your strengths with ours – is unstoppable. Are you ready to join a team that dreams as big as you do?
About the role
The Key Purpose of this role is to safely operate, monitor, and maintain designated packaging equipment within the filling and labelling process areas to achieve optimal safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance. The role is responsible for ensuring equipment reliability, executing packaging processes in accordance with VPO standards, performing quality control checks, supporting asset care activities, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
Packaging Operations
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Operate and monitor filling, labelling, and associated packaging equipment in accordance with VPO standards and operating procedures.
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Interpret and execute shift production plans to achieve production, quality, and efficiency targets.
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Operate both manual and automated equipment safely and effectively.
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Monitor process performance throughout the shift and take corrective action to address deviations and negative trends.
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Record downtime, short stops, waste, and production losses using approved systems and tools.
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Ensure optimum plant and process performance through effective equipment operation and process control.
Safety, Health and Environment
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Maintain a safe, healthy, and environmentally compliant work environment at all times.
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Adhere to all safety, food safety, quality, and environmental policies and procedures.
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Identify, report, and escalate hazards, unsafe conditions, and equipment abnormalities.
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Promote safe working practices and actively participate in safety initiatives.
Autonomous Operations and Asset Care
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Execute autonomous operations and maintenance activities as defined for the packaging process area.
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Conduct routine inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and equipment care activities.
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Identify defective equipment and report issues to the Process Artisan, Machine Specialist, or Team Leader.
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Support maintenance teams during troubleshooting and execution of running repairs.
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Contribute to equipment reliability and improved operational performance.
Quality Control and Analysis
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Perform all required quality checks and analyses in accordance with work instructions and quality standards.
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Accurately record quality results and production data in the appropriate systems.
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Respond to quality deviations using VPO tools and corrective action processes.
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Ensure product quality, packaging integrity, and compliance with consumer specifications.
Administration and Reporting
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Complete operator workstation administration and production documentation accurately and on time.
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Maintain accurate records of production performance, quality results, waste, and downtime.
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Complete Team Room administration and visual management updates as required.
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Contribute to operational reporting, including AB reports and performance reviews.
Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement
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Monitor PIMS and POMS performance indicators and implement corrective actions where required.
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Conduct Quality Focused Reviews (QFRs) as triggered.
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Participate in and complete 5 Why analyses and root cause investigations.
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Utilize VPO problem-solving tools to identify, resolve, and prevent recurring operational issues.
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Drive continuous improvement through identifying opportunities to enhance safety, quality, reliability, and efficiency.
Communication and Teamwork
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Actively participate in shift meetings, daily routines, and performance discussions.
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Use communication tools such as shift logbooks, action logs, and visual management boards effectively.
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Provide detailed shift handovers to ensure continuity of operations.
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Support team objectives and actively contribute to achieving the team’s goals and performance targets.
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Share knowledge, best practices, and improvement opportunities with team members.
Key Competencies and Attributes:
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Strong understanding of packaging operations and process control.
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Knowledge of filling, labelling, and automated packaging equipment.
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Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
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Ability to identify trends and take proactive corrective actions.
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Mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting capability.
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High attention to detail and accuracy.
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Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset.
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Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to work independently and within a team.
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Demonstrated initiative, resilience, and energy.
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Strong achievement drive and commitment to delivering superior results.
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Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced and sometimes unstructured environment.
Minimum Requirements:
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Grade 12 (Matric).
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Technical qualification (N3 or equivalent).
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Demonstrated mechanical aptitude.
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Machine-specific operating experience.
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N4 or equivalent post-matric technical qualification.
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National Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related discipline.
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IOB Certificate or Diploma.
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Minimum 9 months structured on-the-job training.
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Successful completion of SKAP requirements within 12 months.
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Experience operating manufacturing or packaging equipment.
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Experience within an FMCG or beverage packaging environment.
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Experience working with automated production systems and VPO methodologies.
Additional Information:
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Band: X
Legal
ABInBev is an equal opportunity employer, and all appointments will be made in line with ABInBev employment equity plan and talent requirements. The advert has minimum requirements listed. Management reserves the right to use additional/ relevant information as criteria for short-listing.