Manufacturing Capability Specialist

AVI Limited; Pinetown; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

National Brands Limited (NBL) invites applications for a Manufacturing Capability Specialist at NBL Westmead Biscuits in Westmead, Durban. You will drive training, competency assessment and skills development across manufacturing and technical operations to build workforce capability and support world-class performance.

The role reports to Manufacturing Manager, with 2 direct reports, and requires strong coaching, collaboration with OEMs and trainers, plus a focus on continuous improvement and

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience managing factory training.
• Minimum 3 years' experience as a registered Assessor.
• Experience developing and implementing manufacturing training programmes and competency frameworks.
• Proven experience in adult education, technical training and skills development within a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Identify skills gaps and develop targeted training interventions to improve employee competence and performance.
• Develop, implement and monitor site training plans aligned to operational requirements and business objectives.
• Conduct skills assessments and competency evaluations to identify development opportunities.
• Evaluate, select and manage external training providers to ensure quality, compliance and cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee apprenticeship programs including recruitment, development, and integration of apprentices.
• Develop and maintain skills matrices, SOPs, and training manuals to support standardized training.

Skills

Factory training

Assessor (registered)

Training programs

Adult education

Education

OD-ETDP (NQF 6)

QCTO registration

Job description

Why Join National Brands Limited (NBL)?

Join National Brands Limited (NBL) and be part of a legacy that has shaped South Africa’s biscuit tradition for over 170 years. With two iconic factories in Isando and Westmead, we produce beloved brands like Bakers Tennis®, Blue Label Marie®, and Choice Assorted®; creating moments of joy for generations of South Africans. At NBL, you’ll work in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment where innovation, quality, and teamwork thrive.

• Make an Impact: Contribute to producing South Africa’s favourite biscuit brands, influencing daily life.
• Innovative Growth: Be part of a forward-thinking environment that encourages product and process improvement.
• Career Development: Access a range of roles and growth opportunities at one of NBL’s 5 world-class facilities.
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive, team-driven environment where your contributions matter.
• Step Into a Role That Makes an Impact! We’re seeking a Manufacturing Capability Specialist to drive success at NBL Westmead Biscuits in Westmead, Durban.

Grow, Innovate, Succeed!

We have an incredible opportunity for a Manufacturing Capability Specialist at NBL Westmead Biscuits in Westmead, Durban. In this role, you will drive the training, competency assessment and skills development of employees across our manufacturing and technical operations. The successful candidate will play a key role in building workforce capability, improving operational flexibility and supporting world-class manufacturing performance.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to: Manufacturing Manager
• Direct Reports: 2

Key Areas of Impact:

• Identify skills gaps and develop targeted training interventions to improve employee competence, performance and adherence to required operational standards.
• Develop, implement and monitor site training plans aligned to operational requirements, business objectives, compliance obligations and workforce capability needs.
• Conduct skills assessments and competency evaluations to identify development opportunities, establish competency gaps and measure the effectiveness of training interventions.
• Evaluate, select and manage external training providers to ensure quality, compliance, cost-effectiveness and delivery of required competency outcomes.
• Oversee and manage apprenticeship programs, including recruitment, development, assessment, workplace exposure and successful integration of apprentices into the business.
• Develop and maintain skills matrices, SOPs, work instructions, competency standards and training manuals to support standardized training, consistent work practices and operational excellence.
• Partner with OEMs, technical specialists and operational stakeholders to develop equipment-specific training programs, competency standards and practical assessments.
• Provide coaching, guidance and support to Technical Trainers, supervisors and operational teams to strengthen training delivery, employee capability and workplace performance.
• Monitor training projects and provide monthly reporting on progress, compliance, competency development, training effectiveness and workforce capability-building initiatives.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training interventions and implement remedial actions where employees remain below the required competency or performance standard.
• Where training, coaching and other corrective interventions do not result in the required level of competence or performance, support the implementation of formal Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), including clearly defined performance standards, objectives, timelines, support measures and review processes.
• Identify and address recurring performance and competency issues in consultation with line management and Human Resources, ensuring that appropriate corrective and developmental actions are implemented.
• Support managers in applying fair, consistent and procedurally compliant disciplinary processes where poor performance, misconduct, non-compliance or failure to meet required standards warrants formal action, in accordance with company policies and applicable legislation.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and records relating to competency assessments, training interventions, performance improvement actions and disciplinary processes to ensure transparency, consistency, and audit readiness.
• Partner with Human Resources and operational leadership to ensure that performance management, disciplinary procedures and capability development are applied consistently and constructively across the site.
• Establish and monitor competency and performance standards that promote accountability, productivity, quality, safety, reliability and operational excellence.
• Use training, competency and performance data to identify trends, address root causes and recommend interventions that improve workforce effectiveness and operational performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by developing technical capability, strengthening employee accountability and enhancing workforce effectiveness and operational excellence.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, ownership, performance accountability and adherence to established operational standards across the site.

What It Takes to Succeed:

Experience that set you up for success:

• Minimum 3 years' experience managing factory training.
• Minimum 3 years' experience as a registered Assessor.
• Experience developing and implementing manufacturing training programmes and competency frameworks.
• Proven experience in adult education, technical training and skills development within a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications & Certifications that will contribute to your success:

• NQF Level 6 qualification in Occupationally Directed Education, Training and Development (OD-ETDP) or equivalent.
• Professional registration with the QCTO.

Added Advantage:

• Registered Skills Facilitator (SDF).
• NAMB Assessor.
• Registered Moderator.

Additional Requirements that will enhance your impact for success:

• Advanced capability in writing SOPs, Work Instructions and Training Manuals.
• Knowledge and proven previous experience in managing Performance Improvement plans and IR processes.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems and technical competency development.
• Sound understanding of Adult Education and Training methodologies.
• Good knowledge of SETA and NQF processes and requirements.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and presentation skills.
• Strong coaching, mentoring and people development capability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Knowledge of apprenticeship programs, artisan development and accredited training systems.
• Willingness to work outside normal working hours when required.

Take the Next Step with NBL

Join our team, make a real impact, and contribute to the success of South Africa’s favourite biscuit brands.