About this role
Dreaming big is in our DNA. It’s who we are as a company. It’s our culture. It’s our heritage. And more than ever, it’s our future. A future where we’re always looking forward. Always serving up new ways to meet life’s moments. A future where we keep dreaming bigger. We look for people with passion, talent, and curiosity, and provide them with the teammates, resources and opportunities to unleash their full potential. The power we create together – when we combine your strengths with ours – is unstoppable. Are you ready to join a team that dreams as big as you do?
The Key Purpose of this role is to safely operate, monitor, and maintain designated packaging equipment and associated processes to achieve world-class standards in safety, quality, productivity, and asset reliability. The role is responsible for driving operational excellence through effective process control, problem-solving, continuous improvement, and autonomous operations while ensuring compliance with VPO principles and manufacturing standards.
Key Roles and Responsibilities: Safety, Health and Environment
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and environmentally compliant work environment at all times. • Adhere to all safety, quality, and operational standards, policies, and procedures. • Identify, report, and escalate unsafe conditions, hazards, and equipment abnormalities. • Participate in safety initiatives, risk assessments, and continuous improvement activities.
Production Operations
• Interpret and execute the production plan to achieve shift targets. • Safely operate and monitor manual and automated packaging equipment in accordance with operating standards. • Monitor production processes and take corrective action to address deviations from target performance. • Ensure optimal process quality, equipment efficiency, and productivity. • Operate packaging equipment according to VPO standards and best practices. • Minimize waste, losses, and downtime through effective equipment management and process control.
Equipment Performance and Process Control
• Monitor machine and process performance against established targets and standards. • Review operational trends and identify opportunities for improvement. • Record and analyse production losses, downtime, and process deviations. • Identify non-standard work practices and equipment defects and ensure timely resolution. • Drive improvements that enhance equipment reliability and operational performance.
Administration and Reporting
• Complete all required operator workstation administration accurately and on time. • Maintain production records, tracking documents, and monitoring systems. • Complete team room administration and reporting requirements. • Update production information and performance metrics as required. • Utilize digital tools and electronic devices such as tablets, laptops, and manufacturing systems to support operational activities. • Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement
• Monitor leading and lagging performance indicators and take timely corrective action on negative trends. • Conduct Quality Failure Reviews (QFRs) when triggered and implement corrective actions. • Complete 5 Why analyses and other root-cause investigations with relevant team members. • Contribute to Action-Based (AB) reports and continuous improvement initiatives. • Utilize problem-solving tools such as 5 Why, Fishbone Analysis, and VPO methodologies to identify and eliminate root causes. • Implement sustainable solutions to prevent the recurrence of equipment and process issues.
Autonomous Operations
• Conduct autonomous operations and routine equipment care activities. • Perform basic inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and operational checks on equipment. • Identify equipment abnormalities and initiate corrective actions. • Support asset care activities to improve machine reliability and reduce downtime. • Identify spare parts requirements and raise requests through SAP where required.
Self-Development
• Actively participate in training and development initiatives. • Continuously develop technical, operational, and leadership capabilities. • Contribute to knowledge sharing and team capability development. • Demonstrate commitment to personal growth and continuous learning.
Key Attributes and Competencies: Technical Competencies
• Packaging equipment operation and process control. • Mechanical and electrical aptitude. • Understanding of VPO principles and continuous improvement methodologies. • Root cause analysis and problem-solving skills. • Production monitoring and performance analysis. • SAP user proficiency for maintenance and spare parts requests. • Ability to interpret production data, trends, and performance indicators. • Digital literacy and proficiency in electronic communication devices and manufacturing systems.
Behavioural Competencies
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence. • Ability to optimize resource utilization and reduce waste through sustainable solutions. • Strong analytical and problem-solving capability. • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. • Effective planning, prioritization, and self-management skills. • Strong teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. • Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset. • High level of accountability, ownership, and attention to detail. • Ability to identify and eliminate performance losses and non-standard work practices. • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Minimum Requirements:
• Diploma or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, or an equivalent technical qualification. • Experience within an FMCG manufacturing or packaging environment will be advantageous. • Experience operating production or packaging equipment in a manufacturing environment. • Exposure to automated manufacturing systems and continuous improvement practices will be beneficial. • Understanding of VPO principles and methodologies. • Basic mechanical and electrical troubleshooting capability. • Knowledge of manufacturing safety, quality, and operational standards. • Ability to perform root-cause analysis using structured problem-solving tools. • Competent in interpreting operational data and identifying performance improvement opportunities.
Additional Information
• Band: XI
ABInBev is an equal opportunity employer, and all appointments will be made in line with ABInBev employment equity plan and talent requirements. The advert has minimum requirements listed. Management reserves the right to use additional/ relevant information as criteria for short-listing.