Reliability Technical Specialist - Packer

Asahi Beverages; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Asahi Beverages in Huntingwood, NSW, is seeking a Specialist / SME to join our Packaging team. You will take ownership of packer machinery, drive reliability, maintenance excellence, and process optimisation for high-speed packaging lines, supporting new product introductions and developing technical standards and SOPs.

Reporting to Packaging Reliability Manager, you will coach operators and technicians, lead continuous improvement, perform critical troubleshooting, and work with planners to

Qualifications

• This role requires a tertiary or trade engineering qualification and packaging maintenance expertise.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a track record in maintenance strategies and SOPs.
• Experience coaching operators and developing clear, effective SOPs.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence across teams.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of packer machines, ensuring high reliability and operational availability.
• Optimise and improve maintenance plans, schedules, and work instructions with planners.
• Lead and support technical training for technicians and operators.
• Provide expert-level troubleshooting and escalation support for breakdowns.
• Drive performance via data analysis, RCA, and reliability programs.
• Support new product implementations with SOPs and updated schematics.
• Participate in capital projects and ensure equipment meets standards.
• Champion safety, quality, and compliance with Australian and Asahi standards.
• Conduct equipment audits and support Autonomous Maintenance initiatives.

Skills

Packaging maintenance

Problem solving

SOP development

Stakeholder management

Coaching operators

SAP maintenance module

Education

Tertiary or trade qualification in engineering

Tools

SAP maintenance module

Job description

Your Impact

We have an exciting opportunity for a Specialist / SME to join our Packaging team at Huntingwood. Reporting to the Packaging Reliability Manager, this role is a key technical resource responsible for driving equipment reliability, maintenance excellence, and process optimisation for packer machinery. You’ll play a pivotal role in supporting new product implementation, developing technical standards and SOPs, and coaching operators and technicians. As the subject matter expert for packer machines, you’ll lead continuous improvement initiatives and provide critical troubleshooting support to enhance production performance.

Support Packaging Operations By Leading The Following Key Areas

• Take ownership of packer machines, ensuring high reliability and operational availability.
• Optimise and continuously improve maintenance plans, schedules, and work instructions in collaboration with planners.
• Lead and support technical training for technicians and operators, enhancing on-site capability.
• Provide expert-level troubleshooting and act as an escalation point for technical breakdowns and maintenance challenges.
• Drive performance improvement through data analysis, root cause investigations (5 Whys, RCA), and reliability programs.
• Support the implementation of new products, including developing SOPs and updating schematics for changeovers.
• Participate in capital projects and ensure new equipment meets operational standards.
• Champion safety, quality, and compliance across all activities, ensuring adherence to Australian and Asahi standards.
• Conduct equipment audits and support Autonomous Maintenance initiatives.

About You

This is an exciting role for a technically strong and solutions-focused professional who thrives in fast-paced FMCG environments. You’re passionate about driving reliability and supporting the frontline with practical coaching and process improvements. You also bring:

• A tertiary or trade qualification in an engineering discipline.
• 5+ years’ experience in packaging maintenance, ideally within FMCG manufacturing.
• Deep technical knowledge of high-speed packaging machinery (e.g., Wrap Around Packers, Quick-Flex, Cluster Packers, Twin-stackers, Kister Packers).
• Strong SAP skills - particularly in the maintenance module is highly regarded.
• Proven ability to lead problem-solving efforts and develop maintenance strategies.
• Experience coaching operators and developing clear, effective SOPs.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and work cross-functionally across technical, operations, and engineering teams.
• A proactive, self-starting attitude with a drive to take ownership and lead improvements.

Why Asahi Beverages?

At Asahi Beverages, we're passionate about crafting more than just drinks - we craft moments of connection, celebration, and shared enjoyment. We bring together a diverse portfolio of iconic beverage brands, a commitment to quality, and a drive to constantly innovate. Headquartered in Melbourne and with facilities right across Australia and New Zealand, you’ll find Asahi is a place where talent is nurtured, and ambition is rewarded. If you’re ready to toast your future, we’re ready to meet you.