Designate Technical Operator

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa; Tzaneen; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa is seeking a Millwright/Mechatronics technician to operate and monitor the bottling line in a FMCG environment. You will perform first-line maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure line efficiency and product quality, following GMP and 5S standards.

Ideal candidates have 3–4 years of experience with high-speed packaging equipment, a mechanical/electrical/mechatronic Diploma or artisan qualification, and familiarity with bottling processes and food safety standards.

Qualifications

• 3 to 4 years production and technical experience in manufacturing or production.
• Proven ability to operate and maintain high-speed packaging or processing equipment.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP and food safety standards.
• Knowledge of bottling processes and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor production and bottling line machinery in accordance with SOPs and safety standards.
• Execute planned, corrective, and complex repair tasks (Millwright/Mechatronics scope).
• Conduct routine equipment checks, basic maintenance and first-line troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
• Perform maintenance tasks according to the maintenance schedule and carry out all first-line maintenance and repairs to ensure equipment reliability is maintained optimally.
• Collaborate with the Process Artisans and Production Process Controller to ensure consistent product quality and line efficiency.
• Record and report production data, machine performance and any anomalies throughout the production process.

Skills

Mechatronics

Troubleshooting

Packaging equipment

Bottling processes

Data capture

Education

Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronic Engineering

Qualified Artisan (Millwright/Mechatronics)

Tools

Filler systems

Labeler systems

Capper systems

Packer systems

Conveyor systems

Job description

Role Purpose

• Equipment operation and monitoring
• First-line maintenance (Autonomous maintenance)
• Quality control and product integrity
• Process Adherence
• Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance
• Operate and monitor production and bottling line machinery in accordance with SOPs and safety standards.
• Execute planned, corrective, and complex repair tasks (Millwright/Mechatronics scope).
• Conduct routine equipment checks, basic maintenance and first-line troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
• Perform maintenance tasks according to the maintenance schedule and carry out all first-line maintenance and repairs to ensure equipment reliability is maintained optimally.
• Collaborate with the Process Artisans and Production Process Controller to ensure consistent product quality and line efficiency.
• Record and report production data, machine performance and any anomalies throughout the production process.
• Record relevant information on all short interval control documents (WIs).
• Participate in root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives led by the Team Leader: Production
• Liaise with Warehouse Operator: Supply Chain to ensure smooth material flow and timely replenishment
• Operate and maintain process control and produce to schedule (WIs).
• Identify and perform opportunistic maintenance to minimize the requirement for maintenance outages.
• Identify and communicate opportunities to improve maintenance costs and equipment reliability.
• Provide information for and participate in situational and systemic problem solving as required.
• Support training and coaching needs of the team.
• Ensure that the process is compliant with GMP and 5S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain) standards to create a more efficient, safe, and productive work environment.
• Ensure that the correct escalation procedures are followed.
• Ensure safety standards are adhered to.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor production and bottling line machinery in accordance with SOPs and safety standards.
• Execute planned, corrective, and complex repair tasks (Millwright/Mechatronics scope).
• Conduct routine equipment checks, basic maintenance and first-line troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
• Perform maintenance tasks according to the maintenance schedule and carry out all first-line maintenance and repairs to ensure equipment reliability is maintained optimally.
• Collaborate with the Process Artisans and Production Process Controller to ensure consistent product quality and line efficiency.
• Record and report production data, machine performance and any anomalies throughout the production process.
• Record relevant information on all short interval control documents (WIs).
• Participate in root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives led by the Team Leader: Production
• Liaise with Warehouse Operator: Supply Chain to ensure smooth material flow and timely replenishment
• Operate and maintain process control and produce to schedule (WIs).
• Identify and perform opportunistic maintenance to minimize the requirement for maintenance outages.
• Identify and communicate opportunities to improve maintenance costs and equipment reliability.
• Provide information for and participate in situational and systemic problem solving as required.
• Support training and coaching needs of the team.
• Ensure that the process is compliant with GMP and 5S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain) standards to create a more efficient, safe, and productive work environment.
• Ensure that the correct escalation procedures are followed.
• Ensure safety standards are adhered to.

KBI

• Production Line Efficiency – Output versus planned production.
• Downtime Rate – Frequency and duration of unplanned stoppages.
• Product Quality Yield – Rate of defect-free units produced.
• Changeover Time – Efficiency in switching between production runs
• Maintenance Intervention Rate – Number of breakdowns or Operator calls for technical assistance.
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) – Efficiency, availability, and performance of production equipment.
• Waste and Loss Rates – Material waste, packaging losses, and rework.
• Health & Safety Compliance – Adherence to safety protocols, incident rates.
• Clean-In-Place (CIP) Compliance – Adherence to hygiene and sanitation cycles.
• Energy and Utility Usage – Efficiency in use of water, electricity, and compressed air.

Skills and Experience and Education

Education

• Diploma or equivalent qualification in Mechanical, Electrical or Mechatronic Engineering
• Qualified Artisan (Millwright/ Mechatronics).

Experience

• 3 to 4 years production and technical experience in a manufacturing or production environment, preferably within the FMCG environment.
• Proven ability to operate and maintain high-speed packaging or processing equipment
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP and food safety standards
• Knowledge of bottling processes and procedures

Skills

• Practical Mechatronics and complex equipment troubleshooting
• Familiarity with filler, labeler, capper, packer and conveyor systems.
• Ability to identify unusual machine behaviour and perform minor interventions.
• Understanding of sensors, pressure gauges, temperature controls and alarms.
• Ability to capture production data.
• Knowledge of cleaning and sanitation cycles in bottling lines.
• Ability to navigate and interact with production control systems
• Ability to recognize and report faults or inconsistencies in line performance.
• Basic understanding of good manufacturing practices and food safety requirements.
• Competent in the safe use of hand tools, PPE and lock-out/tag-out procedures.