Operator: Machine

Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 100,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Premier FMCG is looking for a Pasta Production Operator to set up, monitor and optimize the pasta line equipment, ensuring safe, high-quality output. You will perform basic maintenance, troubleshoot faults, and support continuous improvement while upholding GMP/HACCP and food safety standards across shifts.

Responsibilities include equipment setup, inspections, downtime reduction, and accurate traceability of production and maintenance activities to meet targets and quality standards.

Qualifications

• N4–N6 Mechanical or Electrical Engineering qualification.
• Extruder / Pasta line machine operating skills.
• Experience with pasta production processes.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate and monitor pasta production line equipment.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and support continuous improvement.
• Conduct equipment inspections, deep cleaning, and identify abnormalities.
• Troubleshoot machine faults and assist with breakdown resolution before escalation to Engineering.
• Ensure production targets, throughput and product quality standards are achieved.
• Optimize production start-up processes to minimize downtime and improve efficiency.
• Perform routine machine testing, safety checks, and quality inspections.
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and housekeeping standards throughout shifts.
• Monitor material availability and report production progress to supervisors.
• Create and manage job cards for equipment breakdowns and maintenance requirements.
• Communicate production and maintenance information accurately for traceability purposes.
• Food safety, quality, and compliance standards across the production area.
• Report food safety concerns and participate in corrective action processes.

Skills

Operate and optimize pasta production

Mechanical aptitude

Fault-finding and troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance & CI

Attention to detail & quality

Food safety: GMP/HACCP

Root cause analysis (5 Whys)

Safety awareness

Education

N4–N6 Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Job description

Premier FMCG is at the heart of South Africa’s FMCG industry, delivering trusted, iconic brands across our Bakery, Milling, Confectionery, Home & Personal Care and Culinary divisions. We are driven by innovation, collaboration, and a high-performance growth culture. We empower our people to strive for excellence ensuring that our products and people make a difference in the everyday lives of our consumers.

Job Purpose:

Responsible for the efficient operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and basic maintenance of pasta production equipment to ensure safe, high-quality production, optimal machine performance, and adherence to food safety standards.

Key responsibilities:

• Set up, operate, and monitor pasta production line equipment.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct equipment inspections, deep cleaning, and identify and rectify abnormalities.
• Troubleshoot machine faults and assist with breakdown resolution before escalation to Engineering.
• Ensure production targets, throughput, and product quality standards are achieved.
• Optimize production start-up processes to minimize downtime and improve efficiency.
• Perform routine machine testing, safety checks, and quality inspections.
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and housekeeping standards throughout shifts.
• Monitor material availability and report production progress to supervisors.
• Create and manage job cards for equipment breakdowns and maintenance requirements.
• Communicate production and maintenance information accurately for traceability purposes.
• food safety, quality, and compliance standards across the production area.
• Report food safety concerns and participate in corrective action processes.

Experience and qualifications:

• N4 – N6 Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• Minimum educational requirements to support proven competencies
• Extruder / Pasta Line Machine Operating Skills
• Must have Pasta Production process experience

Skills and competencies:

• Ability to operate, set up, and optimize automated production machinery.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with basic maintenance and troubleshooting skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and production line operations.
• Equipment inspection, fault-finding, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Understanding of preventive maintenance and continuous improvement principles.
• Good attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
• Knowledge of food safety, GMP, HACCP, and quality management systems.
• Ability to perform root cause analysis using basic problem-solving tools (e.g., 5 Whys).
• Strong safety awareness and adherence to workplace health and safety requirements.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Premier FMCG is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including people living with disabilities. By applying, you consent to the processing of your personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act) for recruitment purposes.

Closing Date 23 October 2026