Millwright: Processing

AVI Limited; Akasia; On-site; ZAR 250 000 - 350 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company in Akasia is seeking a Millwright to maintain and repair processing machinery in a food manufacturing environment. Candidates must have at least 3 years of experience in maintaining food processing equipment and hold relevant qualifications such as a Matric certificate and trade test. Knowledge of pneumatic systems, gas installations, and PLC programming are advantageous. This role focuses on ensuring safe, efficient operations and compliance with food safety standards.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience as a Millwright in food manufacturing required.
• Experience with gas installations and various processing machines.
• Knowledge of HACCP and GMP is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair machinery in a food manufacturing environment.
• Conduct PLC fault finding for equipment performance.
• Participate in plant modification projects for improved safety.

Skills

Mechanical skills

Pneumatic systems knowledge

Problem-solving

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Trade test as Millwright

Mechanical / Electrical Engineering qualification or N4

Tools

PLC programming

Gas installations

Conveying and transfer systems

Job description

AVI Ltd. is known for its leading household brands across many categories including: hot beverages, sweet and savoury biscuits and snacks, frozen convenience foods, personal care products, cosmetics, shoes, accessories, and fashion apparel.

NATIONAL BRANDS LIMITED operates 5 manufacturing sites, offering world class manufacturing facilities in Isando (Johannesburg), Rosslyn (Pretoria), Westmead and Durban (KZN). It is home to some of the best-known South African tea, coffee and creamer brands, including our delicious range of much-loved savoury and sweet biscuits, and our melt-in-your-mouth snack range.

An exciting opportunity exists for a Millwright at NATIONAL BRANDS LIMITED Rosslyn, Snacks. The successful incumbent will be responsible for the processing machinery and will be reporting directly to the Maintenance Foreman.

Job Specification

Key Performance Areas

Food Safety, Health & Safety Compliance

• Consistently adhere to and promote safe working practices in alignment with company policies, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000, GFSI).
• Follow all company Health & Safety procedures, including machine guarding, chemical handling, hygiene protocols, and safe isolation (LOTO) to prevent contamination and injury.
• Actively participate in risk assessments, safety talks, GMP audits, and hygiene inspections to maintain a safe and compliant food manufacturing environment.
• Maintain clean and sanitary work areas, ensuring tools, parts, and maintenance activities do not compromise product quality or food safety.

Maintenance & Technical Responsibilities

• Configure and set machinery according to manufacturer specifications and food production requirements to ensure consistent product quality and compliance.
• Work with a range of food-processing and utility equipment, including gas installations and burners, conveying and transfer systems, vibratory equipment, modular and spliced belts, rollers, incline screws, hoppers, extruders, V-belts, chain drives, pumps, gearboxes, and associated components.
• Conduct PLC fault finding to restore automated equipment performance quickly and safely.
• Ensure equipment availability and reliability to support production efficiency, output targets, and hygienic manufacturing standards.
• Perform routine and reactive maintenance including repairs, diagnostics, and equipment adjustments while preventing foreign-object contamination and ensuring food safety controls.
• Maintain and repair pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, and basic electrical systems in accordance with safety and hygiene regulations.
• Carry out planned preventive maintenance (PPM) on electrical and mechanical equipment, ensuring correct lubrication practices, part replacement, and sanitation-friendly repairs.
• Install, commission, and repair machinery in a manner that minimizes contamination risks and complies with hygienic design principles.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Investigate root causes of equipment failures using structured problem-solving techniques to prevent recurrence and improve safety and product consistency.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives, focusing on safety, efficiency, energy reduction, and hygienic manufacturing processes.
• Support and execute plant modification projects, ensuring all engineering changes align with food safety standards and validated procedures.
• Participate in project planning and commissioning, ensuring equipment meets sanitary design and operational requirements.

Customer Service & Production Support

• Provide responsive and professional service to the production team, ensuring engineering support contributes to safe, smooth, and efficient manufacturing operations.
• Communicate proactively with production staff, ensuring their needs are met without compromising safety, hygiene, or quality standards.

Downtime Control & Reporting

• Record, analyse, and report engineering downtime data precisely to the Engineering Foreman, supporting accurate tracking and improvement planning.
• Work to meet downtime targets by ensuring quick, safe, and effective resolution of breakdowns while maintaining strict adherence to food-safety protocols during maintenance activities.

Minimum Requirements

Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience as a Millwright in food manufacturing/processing machines and plant equipment maintenance and repairs required within a FMCG environment.
• Experience the following: Gas installations/ burners, Conveying transfer systems, Vibrators, Modular/Splicing belts, Rollers, incline screws, Hoppers, Extruders, V Belts, Chain drives, Pumps, Gearboxes.

Qualifications

• Matric / Grade 12
• Trade tested as a Millwright at an accredited training facility
• Completed Mechanical / Electrical Engineering qualification or minimum N4 qualification

Additional Requirements

• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
• Gas installation and troubleshooting
• Pneumatic and Electro-Pneumatic systems
• PLC programming and VSD set-up knowledge is advantageous. Knowledge of QMS, HACCP and GMP’s is an advantage.