Assistant Operator - VKB Milling, Mokopane

VKB Agriculture; Mokopane; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

VKB Group is seeking a hands-on Assistant Operator to join the packing department at its Mokopane facility. You will ensure startup readiness, monitor packaging, and maintain accurate records while upholding safety and quality standards.

You will work under supervision to meet daily production targets, document downtime and waste, and participate in improvement discussions. The role requires practical experience in packaging environments and reliable teamwork.

Qualifications

• Grade 10 / Standard 8 or NQF Level 2.
• Minimum 1 year exposure in a similar role within a packing environment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all startup requirements are completed before commencing production.
• Verify that production documentation is available and up to date.
• Complete pre-startup inspections and checklists.
• Start and operate machinery according to approved operating procedures.
• Communicate with supervisors throughout production activities.
• Monitor bag weights to ensure product specifications are met.
• Record production information, including downtime, waste, changeovers, and production output.
• Pack products in all required bag sizes when needed.
• Participate in and occasionally lead production meetings.
• Report food safety, quality, health and safety incidents or concerns immediately.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards within the work area.
• Support the achievement of daily production targets.
• Comply with all food safety, quality, health and safety, and company procedures.
• Adhere to company policies regarding workplace conduct and equipment usage.

Skills

English proficiency

Communication skills

Record-keeping

Problem solving

Packaging equipment operation

Production monitoring

Teamwork

Education

Grade 10 / Standard 8 or NQF Level 2

Job description

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 its various consumer brands, the VKB Group is also represented by its regional brands: VKB, GWK and NTK.

Our roots are firmly planted in agriculture, with farming at our core, continuously growing and evolving throughout the years. Starting with providing everything needed on the farm to produce food, we now operate across the entire food supply chain, including processing, logistics, storage, handling and national and international market channels.

This "house of brands", established with the support of our farmer shareholders, forms the foundation for building the agribusiness of the future.

More About Farm Foods

Farm Foods, a division of VKB Agri Processors (Pty) Ltd and part of the VKB Group, is a leading South African manufacturer of staple food products. Formed through the integration of VKB Milling, Vhembe Milling and GWK Farm Foods, Farm Foods supplies high-quality maize meal, flour, pasta, noodles and related products to households, bakeries, retailers and industrial customers across South Africa.
With production facilities located in Mokopane (Limpopo), Mashishing (Mpumalanga), Frankfort (Free State), Christiana (North - West) and Modderrivier (Northern Cape), Farm Foods is strategically positioned to serve markets nationwide while maintaining the highest standards of quality, food safety and operational excellence.

Why This Role Matters

The Assistant Operator is a key contributor to the efficient and safe operation of the packing department. This role helps ensure that products are packed accurately, production targets are achieved, and food safety, quality, and health and safety standards are consistently maintained.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys hands‑on operational work, takes pride in delivering quality results, and wants to develop their career within a modern food production environment.

Why Join VKB?

At VKB, you will be part of a business rooted in agriculture and committed to long‑term growth and sustainability. We believe in developing our people, creating opportunities for learning, and empowering employees to make a meaningful contribution every day.

You will work alongside dedicated colleagues who share our values of being Humble, Hungry, Smart, Bold, and One Team. Whether you are looking to build your skills, broaden your experience, or establish a long‑term career within the VKB Group, this role offers a strong foundation for growth.

What Success Looks Like

• Supports efficient production operations by ensuring all startup requirements are completed before production begins.
• Maintains accurate packing weights and product quality standards throughout the production process.
• Achieves daily production targets while minimizing waste and downtime.
• Promotes food safety, quality, and health and safety compliance at all times.
• Records production information accurately and timeously.
• Communicates effectively with supervisors and team members to ensure smooth operations.
• Contributes to a clean, organized, and safe working environment through effective housekeeping practices.
• Participates actively in production improvement discussions and operational meetings.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a reliable, hands‑on individual who enjoys working in a production environment and takes ownership of delivering quality work. The ideal candidate is safety‑conscious, attentive to detail, and committed to maintaining high standards while working under pressure.

You thrive as part of a team, communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors, and are willing to learn and develop new skills. You demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic while contributing positively to a One Team culture.

Qualifications

• Grade 10 / Standard 8 or NQF Level 2.

Essential Experience

• Minimum 1 year exposure in a similar role within a packing environment.

Competencies

• Communication
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Accountability
• Attention to detail
• Reliability
• Ability to work under pressure
• Initiative and self‑motivation
• Quality and safety awareness

Skills Required

• Ability to understand, speak, and write English
• Good communication skills
• Reporting and record‑keeping skills
• Problem‑solving capability
• Ability to operate packaging equipment according to procedures
• Production monitoring and quality control
• Ability to work effectively within a team

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all startup requirements are completed before commencing production.
• Verify that production documentation is available and up to date.
• Complete pre‑startup inspections and checklists.
• Start and operate machinery according to approved operating procedures.
• Communicate with supervisors throughout production activities.
• Monitor bag weights to ensure product specifications are met.
• Record production information, including downtime, waste, changeovers, and production output.
• Pack products in all required bag sizes when needed.
• Participate in and occasionally lead production meetings.
• Report food safety, quality, health and safety incidents or concerns immediately.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards within the work area.
• Support the achievement of daily production targets.
• Comply with all food safety, quality, health and safety, and company procedures.
• Adhere to company policies regarding workplace conduct and equipment usage.

Important Information for Applicants

VKB Group reserves the right to close or withdraw any vacancy at its discretion. All personal information submitted through the Career Portal will be used solely for recruitment purposes and, where applicable, for matters related to employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, VKB Group is committed to Employment Equity, transformation, and the inclusion of People with Disabilities. Our recruitment decisions are aligned with the VKB Group Employment Equity Plan and Transformation Strategy.

A Note on Honesty and Integrity

As part of the application process, you will be required to complete a screening questionnaire. We strongly encourage all candidates to answer every question honestly and accurately.

At VKB Group, our culture is rooted in the values of being Humble, Hungry, Smart, Bold, and Playing as One Team. We believe in building authentic relationships and making sound decisions based on trust and integrity. Misrepresenting qualifications, experience, competencies, criminal history, or any other information may result in your application being withdrawn or your employment being terminated should discrepancies be identified during verification processes.

We respect your time and ask that you respect ours by providing truthful information throughout the recruitment process. This helps ensure that we focus on candidates who are genuinely aligned with the requirements of the role and the values of our organisation.