Operator

Job Details

The key purpose of this role is to safely operate and maintain brewing processes in order to achieve optimal effectiveness in line with our VPO standards. The Brewing Operator also supports the Brewing Process Operator in the execution of quality control checks.

• Band: XI

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Operating and process control

• Operating manual equipment in brewing process areas according to the work instructions, and supporting the plant control system under instructions of the Brewing Area Manager.
• Constantly reviewing process performance against target, and recording short stops.
• Where process performance does not meet target, or trends or opportunities indicate the existence of problems, corrective action must be initiated timeously.
• Recording waste and movement of product on the appropriate documentation or information systems, and reviewing waste trends to identify problems.
• Carrying out the required quality checks as described in the quality control and analyses work practice.
• Responding rapidly to upstream or downstream triggers that could result in quality or production problems.
• Following appropriate problem solving approaches, as detailed in the problem solving work practice.
• Performing housekeeping tasks, applying 4s principles and following safe work practices; unsafe work practices must be identified and corrected.
• Assisting fellow team members in the execution of their tasks.

Maintenance of plant and equipment

• Carrying out in-depth cleaning, lubrication and inspection of equipment according to the work instructions and in accordance with the autonomous operations schedule.
• Performing simple autonomous operations tasks (e.g. replacement of simple valves), in accordance with the maintenance schedule, and where required requesting the assistance of the Process Artisan.
• Identifying defective plant, and reporting these through to the Process Artisan or Brewing Area Manager for resolution.

Quality control and analysis

• Carrying out the required quality checks and analyses, and recording the results on the appropriate information system.
• Applying the 5Y's and quick fix routines to resolve quality problems where they have arisen.

Communication

• Actively participate in shift meetings, asking questions to test understanding and contributing suggestions, making use of the gap list to record issues, problems and improvement opportunities.
• Fully understand the team goals and participate in team goal review sessions.
• Make use of relevant communication media (e.g. shift logbook) to stay informed and inform others of issues.
• Complete required handover to incoming shift team members, ensuring issues relating to plant performance, quality and maintenance are communicated.

Problem solving and continuous improvement

• Where problems occur, use 5Y's and quick fix routines to identify the possible origin and report these to the Process Artisan and/or Brewing Area Manager for resolution.
• Provide information to teams carrying out problem solving as required.
• Identify sources of waste and report these to the Brewing Area Manager.

Qualifications, Skills and Requirements

• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Food Science.
• BSc in Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, Industrial Chemistry or any other related science course.
• IBD certificate, completed brewing learnership (Brewer's diary, certificate in Brewing).
• At least 1 year working experience preferably in the FMCG industry.
• Ability to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
• Ability to interpret and implement the production plan for the shift.
• Ability to operate manual and automatic machines as per standards/SOPs.
• Ability to monitor production processes on shift and apply the required reaction plans.
• Ability to execute ATO activities adequately.
• Ability to complete all required shift documentation including operator workstation and team room updates timely.
• Ability to apply 5S standards and practices in the workplace and manage quality at source.
• Ensure application of administration systems, procedures and digital tools.
• Contribute to self and team development.