Basic Operator

Full Job Description

Siqalo Foods, a dynamic and growing subsidiary of the esteemed Remgro Group and a proud sister company to the renowned RCL Foods, is actively seeking to appoint two (2) highly motivated and skilled Basic Operators to join our dedicated team. These crucial positions will be permanently based at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Boksburg, a vibrant industrial hub. Successful candidates will report directly to the Shift Production Manager, a leadership role focused on optimizing operational efficiency and quality.

The overarching purpose of this integral role is to meticulously and safely operate, expertly set up, and diligently maintain allocated equipment within our bustling packing hall. This critical responsibility aims to ensure the consistently efficient packing of our high-quality finished products, all in strict adherence to rigorous production schedules, established quality standards, and predefined output requirements. These operators are the front-line champions ensuring our products are prepared for market with precision and care.

Duties & Responsibilities

As a Basic Operator, your daily contributions will be diverse and impactful, encompassing a wide range of responsibilities crucial to our production success. Key duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Equipment Operation and Monitoring:
  • Proficiently operate a variety of packing machinery and ancillary equipment within the packing hall, adhering strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols.
  • Continuously monitor equipment performance, including speed, temperature, pressure, and fill levels, making minor adjustments as necessary to maintain optimal operating conditions.
  • Accurately record production data, including output volumes, downtime, and quality checks, ensuring all documentation is completed in a timely and legible manner.
  • Respond promptly to alarms, error messages, and operational deviations, initiating corrective actions or escalating issues to the Shift Production Manager or maintenance personnel as required.
• Set-up and Changeover Management:
  • Execute efficient and precise equipment set-ups and changeovers for different product lines and packaging formats, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
  • Ensure all necessary components, materials, and tooling are correctly installed and configured according to production specifications.
  • Perform calibration checks and verify settings to guarantee accurate product filling, sealing, and labeling.
• Preventative Maintenance and Troubleshooting:
  • Conduct routine visual inspections and basic preventative maintenance tasks on allocated equipment, such as cleaning, lubrication, and checking for wear and tear.
  • Identify and report any mechanical, electrical, or pneumatic malfunctions to the Shift Production Manager or maintenance team for prompt resolution.
  • Assist maintenance technicians with troubleshooting and minor repairs, demonstrating a proactive approach to equipment reliability.
• Quality Control and Assurance:
  • Perform regular in-process quality checks on packed products, including weight verification, seal integrity, label placement, and date coding, against specified quality parameters.
  • Identify and segregate non-conforming products, ensuring proper documentation and escalation of quality issues.
  • Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and all relevant food safety standards at all times, maintaining a hygienic work environment.
• Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) Compliance:
  • Strictly adhere to all company safety regulations, policies, and procedures, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Actively participate in safety briefings and contribute to maintaining a safe working environment for all colleagues.
  • Report any safety hazards, incidents, or near-misses promptly to the Shift Production Manager.
  • Contribute to waste minimization and efficient resource utilization efforts.
• Team Collaboration and Communication:
  • Work collaboratively with fellow operators, production line staff, quality control, and maintenance teams to ensure seamless operational flow.
  • Communicate effectively with the Shift Production Manager, providing regular updates on production status, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Participate in shift handover meetings, providing clear and concise information to incoming shifts.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Actively engage in identifying opportunities for process optimization, waste reduction, and efficiency enhancements within the packing hall.
  • Be receptive to new training and development initiatives to enhance skills and knowledge.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for these critical roles, candidates must demonstrate the following essential qualifications and experience:

• Educational Qualification:
  • A completed N3 NQF Level 3 qualification is mandatory. This foundational technical qualification is essential for understanding the mechanical and operational principles relevant to the role.
  • A Matric (Grade 12) certificate or equivalent is also a prerequisite, demonstrating a strong basic education.
• Experience:
  • A minimum of one (1) year of demonstrable operational experience within a manufacturing or production environment is required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in a food production or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) packing hall setting. This experience should include direct involvement in operating, setting up, and performing basic maintenance on production machinery.

Desirable Attributes:

While not strictly mandatory, candidates possessing the following attributes will be highly regarded:

• Prior experience with specific types of packing machinery (e.g., fillers, sealers, labelers, cartoners).
• A strong understanding of food safety principles (HACCP, GMP).
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, target-driven environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to challenges.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• A reliable and responsible work ethic.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, as operational requirements dictate.

Siqalo Foods is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

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