66 Manufacturing Operator jobs in South Africa

We're looking for a reliable, detail-oriented Factory Worker to support day-to-day operations in our manufacturing facility. You'll help keep production moving by packing, boxing, labelling, stock count, doing factory maintenance and cleaning, and assisting with general ad-hoc tasks as needed.

What you'll need

• Matric (Grade 12) preferred
• 6–12 months' experience in a factory/warehouse/retail back-of-house environment an advantage
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions/SOPs
• Punctual, dependable, and team-oriented
• Comfortable with basic record-keeping (paper or tablet)

Hours & employment details

• Full-time: Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00 (1-hour lunch)
• Employment: Permanent, with 3-month probation
• Compensation: R5,000 per month during probation; negotiable after successful probation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: R5 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person

A well established casket and wood product manufacturing company based in Phoenix , Industrial Park , seeks to employ the services of a Machine Moulder Setting Operator;

Job duties and responsibilities include;

• Set up and operates molder to plane, shape, and groove wood component or product.
• Reads work ticket and examine pattern shape to determine molder setup procedures and type of wood product or component to be cut.
• Selects and installs cutting heads on machine according to the pattern to be cut and inserts and bolts specified knives in slots of cutter heads already in the machine, using wrenches and gauges.
• Positions pattern on molder and turns handwheel to adjust cutting knives flush with the pattern.
• Removes pattern and turns handwheel to adjust guides, pressure bars, and table levels according to depth, the position of cuts, and stock dimensions.
• Starts machine, places stock on the feed table and turns handwheels to press feed rollers against the stock for feeding stock through the machine; or inserts stock into the hopper of automatic feed mechanism that carries stock through the machine.
• Inspects stock being cut to determine defects.
• Verifies dimensions of cut material, using gauges, rules, or caliper.
• Provides quality control for the finished products following quality guidelines.
• Reads and interprets drawings to manufacture moldings accordingly.
• Helps with setup and grinding of knives when needed
• Maintains molding room equipment as required.
• Keeps tooling neat and organized and in good condition
• Must Know the Difference between various molding profiles
• Responsible for Mold changes & auxiliary/set up functions in assigned area.
• Knowledge of the injection moulding process and the properties of the material processed.
• Load and position tools into presses and perform changeovers.
• Store and clean Molds properly.
• Mold and machine maintenance skills.
• Inspect Molds for defects.
• Based on schedule, set-up all job orders and perform Mold changes.
• Set-up secondary equipment required for production process
• Perform preventive maintenance on Molds before removing and place Molds in correct locations.
• Responsible for maintenance and cleaning of machines and grease pit as needed.
• Complete change over sheets after completion of each Mold change.
• Maintain any necessary documentation.
• Responsible for meeting tight deadlines.
• Organize and prioritize in order to meet goals.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Must be able to work the assigned overtime to cover functions of this position as assigned.
• Must be able to work safely and consider the safety of others in the workplace at all times.
• Responsible for housekeeping of work area.
• Perform other related duties as assigned
• Work overtime, weekends and holidays as and when required.

Should you not hear from us within 14 days after application , kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: R1 252,36 - R1 300,00 per week

Work Location: In person

Machine Operator

1. Location: Ibhayi
2. Industry: FMCG Manufacturing
3. Qualification: Minimum N4 Mechanical

Our client, a leading FMCG manufacturing company, is seeking a skilled Machine Operator to join their production team. The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical background, hands-on technical ability, and a proactive approach to ensuring smooth, efficient, and safe machine operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate, monitor, and maintain production machinery and equipment.

• Conduct regular inspections to identify and address mechanical faults or irregularities.

• Perform setup, changeovers, and basic maintenance on machines.

• Ensure production targets and quality standards are consistently met.

• Follow safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized work area.

• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to optimize efficiency.

Requirements:

• Minimum N4 Mechanical qualification (essential).

• At least 2–3 years’ experience operating machinery within a manufacturing or FMCG environment .

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

• Knowledge of production line processes and safety procedures.

• Willingness to work shifts or overtime when required.

• Operate machinery and production equipment safely and efficiently.
• Monitor machine performance during production and make necessary adjustments.
• Conduct routine inspections to ensure machines are in proper working condition.
• Report any mechanical issues or malfunctions to the maintenance department immediately.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization around workstations.
• Ensure all production output meets quality standards and company specifications.
• Follow all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Assist in machine setup and calibration when required.
• Record production data accurately, including output, downtime, and maintenance logs.
• Work collaboratively with team members and supervisors to meet production targets.

• 24 years proven experience as a Machine Operator in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Basic mechanical and technical understanding of machinery operations.
• Ability to read and interpret production instructions and technical manuals.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Physically fit and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, or overtime when required.

Machine Operator (x2) – Packaging Department

Location: Parow

The role of the Machine Operator in the Packaging Department involves ensuring that Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) procedures are followed during the production of various products. The individual will be responsible for adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within the production facility and will report to the Fill and Pack supervisors. The ability to work independently while maintaining high standards is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Cleaning of Workstation and Machinery:

• Perform thorough cleaning of machinery following established procedures.

2. Machine Setup and Changeover:

• Assemble and operate machines correctly and efficiently to minimise wastage and product loss.

• Ensure appropriate change parts are used for each pack size as specified in the filling and packing documents.

• Verify the condition of machine components and report any maintenance requirements.

3. Bulk Handling and Control:

• Handle bulk materials in compliance with GMP requirements.

• Maintain and verify correct fill volumes according to quality standards.

• Ensure balance verification for each pack size being filled.

4. Documentation and Record-Keeping:

• Complete all in-process documentation accurately.

• Reconcile job documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.

5. Performance Indicators:

• Meeting product delivery deadlines according to planned schedules.

• Ensuring high Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE).

• Minimising customer complaints related to delivered units.

• Maintaining high standards of hygiene to prevent environmental failures.

• Demonstrating reliability through good attendance.

• Upholding personal values and positive workplace behaviour.

Skills & Competencies:

• Assertiveness and initiative.

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Good hand-eye coordination and speed.

• Ability to work accurately with small components.

• Capability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Grade 12 or NQF 4 equivalent with Mathematics.

• Relevant experience in a manufacturing environment.

• At least one year of experience as a Machine Operator.

Production Management

• Final product and WIP products adheres to job card specifications
• Communicates to team the volume required to complete the order and drives production
• Ensure team are aware of shift targets and what is expected on a daily basis (eg: 3 pallets per shift / 120 boxes per shift)
• Provides reasons if shift targets are not met and actions to address problems encountered
• Efficient use of raw materials and time management: Reduced wastage and increased productivity
• Minimise waste produced during start up and operational use of machinery
• Record all waste / spoils correctly and labelled – if required
• All raw materials are accounted for before disposal of waste
• Waste is disposed of in the manner prescribed by Azapak policies and procedures
• Quality checks are done correctly and regularly (adhere to quality testing methodology)
• If poor quality, the machinery is adjusted and reset to correct the poor quality
• In the case of a breakdown / technical fault: Report to floor manager / supervisor and determine if the team must go home / assist in another department until resolved
• Understand the potential problems of the machinery and knowledge of how to correct it
• Production feedback is given to management or production officer
• Daily and weekly targets are met, if not provide reasons for low production

Machinery / Maintenance

• Work with machinery / near moving machinery
• Report any breakdowns / problems to the Supervisor
• Assess quality of product to ensure there are mechanical / technical problems with the machinery
• Clean the machine and surrounding areas properly and adhere to safety standards (no obstructions on walkways, emergency exits are easily accessible). Cleaning to be done before and after every shift or as per department regulations
• Machinery is cleaned as per instruction manual or as advised by engineering and maintenance team

Supplies Control

• Team has all the necessary tools to complete the job (scissors / tape / boxes). Ensure sufficient supplies for 2 shifts – 24 hours
• Factory floor supervisor is aware of low supplies and that an order has been placed to replenish stock
• Raw materials / finished good are stored in the correct manner as prescribed by Azapak
• If all raw material has been utilised, request more from the warehouse controller / supervisor – reasons must be provided why raw materials were used inefficiently

Health & Safety

• Aware of Occupational health and safety Act and regulations and Azapak's policies and procedures
• Knowledgeable about potential or actual health and safety hazards in the workplace
• Provide information to team members to protect the health and safety of the employee
• Utilise the correct equipment, material and protective devices required by regulation when operating machinery / fulfilling their duties

Applications will be reviewed as per the companies Employment Equity plan. Applications should reach us by 17 October 2025. If you have not heard from us within one week of our application deadline, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

Job Type: Full-time

Location:

• Paarl, Western Cape 7646 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Operations

Accountable for specialist work outputs within defined quality standards, operating procedures and work routines.

Job Purpose

To ensure the safe and efficient operation of the machine ensuring a high quality product with low wastage within set parameters.

Key Accountabilities and Outputs

Responsible for Process control and efficiencies

Correct operation of equipment as per the training and machine manual.

Achieve set factory waste and efficiency targets.

To hand over from or to the previous or next shift regarding the machinery (breakdowns, products run) in conjunction with the supervisor decide on downtime scheduling

To check the quality of raw materials used in production and also the end product according to the quality control policy. This includes a constant interaction with the Quality controller.

To clean the machines according to TPM cleaning schedules.

Responsible for Resource planning and technical skills

Assist with fault finding by supplying relevant factual information relating to the breakdown scenario.

Adherence to the Quality, Food Safety, Health, Safety and Environmental Standards

Adherence to Standards: Ensure strict adherence to Quality, Food, Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards.

Enforcement: Enforce all food safety and health regulations, policies, and requirements at all times to guarantee a secure work environment.

Personal Hygiene: Maintain exceptional personal hygiene as per the organizations code of conduct.

Contamination Control: Raise awareness about potential physical product contamination and implement control measures to prevent it.

Health and Safety Measures: Take reasonable precautions to prevent health and safety hazards. Follow the prescribed incident reporting procedure in case of accidents.

Knowledge and Compliance: Stay updated with relevant business information, policies, processes, and procedures. Enforce compliance with legislative and statutory requirements, as well as GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices).

Training: Attend and enforce the implementation of learnings from training sessions related to Quality, Food Safety, and Health and Safety.

Housekeeping: Maintain high levels of cleanliness and orderliness within the work environment.

General

Responsible to ensure housekeeping is performed and ensure that all products and activities are stored and are executed within the demarcated areas according to the housekeeping policy (green red and yellow areas)

Conversant with relevant business information, policies, processes and procedures

Maintains expected performance standards

While Job Descriptions are written up for the purpose of a basic outline of the work and responsibilities associated with the Job, the Company encourages and expects all employees from time to time, to assist with work that may not be a direct part of their job description

Qualifications and Experience

Grade 12 (including Maths and Science (preferred) or N4 Engineering (Maths, Engineering Science, Engineering Drawing, Trade Theory (preferred)

FMCG experience 1-2 years of production experience (preferred)

Lean manufacturing experience (preferred)

Key Qualities

Communication

Routine communication in connection with instructions, requests or normal work tasks

Problem Solving

Proactive identification of problems that are concrete and procedural, apply known solutions in line with guidelines provided or escalate more difficult problems to superiors.

Relationships Maintained

Others in own work area

Behavioural Competencies

Verbal Communication

Able to communicate verbally in a logical manner.

Takes the intended audience into account when communicating verbal information.

Makes use of appropriate business language in verbal communication.

Includes all relevant information in verbal arguments.

Demonstrates proficiency of language in verbal communication.

Interprets complex information to expresses own viewpoint in verbal communication.

Concludes verbal arguments by making reference to relevant facts

Decision Making

Organises information to make it easier to analyse or see trends.

Anticipates consequences and formulates alternatives.

Establishes clear decision criteria for making informed choices.

Seeks relevant information to better understand situations and problems.

Conducts appropriate analysis; neither makes snap decisions or over-analyses.

Sees relationships between various facts, figures or other information.

Continuous Improvement

Increases performance expectations when success has been achieved

Seeks out sources of information, including trade associations, best practice companies, customers, peers, subordinates, etc.

Finds ways to fast-adapt improvement ideas to work processes

Proactively seeks out resources, alliances, etc., needed to quickly introduce improvements

Collaboration

Helps others with their work.

Meets commitments to team members or others in the organisation.

Actively contributes to team discussions and the accomplishment of team work plans.

Shares expertise and resources to help others address their needs.

Seeks to include all those who can contribute to the most successful outcome and those who have a stake in the results.

Actively keeps all stakeholders informed.

Attempts to reinvigorate team processes when progress is lagging: stays engaged even when not in full agreement with the teams direction.

Accountability

Accomplishes assigned tasks and goals: takes necessary actions to keep progress against objectives on track and prepares a roadmap for success.

Ensures that all who need to know, are clear about the plan.

Takes full responsibility for own actions and outcomes, including mistakes.

Always acts in the companys best interest, regardless of whether it is difficult or unpopular.

Ensures others are on track for achieving their goals

Closing Date 2025/10/10

Reference Number RCL

Company RCL Foods

Job Title Machine Operator

Functions Operations/Manufacturing

Job Type Classification Permanent

Location - Town / City Randfontein

Location - Province Gauteng

Location - Country South Africa

Job Description
RCL FOODS is seeking to employ a Machine Operator. The role will be based in Randfontein and will report into the Production Coordinator.

The Machine Operator will be responsible for setting up, operating and maintaining machinery used in production.

Minimum Requirements
Matric

Computer literacy

Verbal & written communication

Punctuality

Logical thinking

Duties & Responsibilities
Knowledge And Skills

• Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged product to standards.
• Adjust machine components and machine tension and pressure according to size and angle of product.
• Remove packaged items from machine and separate scrap items.
• Regulate machine flow speed.
• Reset machine when malfunctions occur, clear jams and report malfunctions to the supervisor.
• Maintain sanitation of the machine including CIP.
• Weigh and inspect products, verifying and adjusting product weight to meet specifications.
• Supply material to hoppers
• Carry out housekeeping in and around the machine (Area of Responsibility Chart) Ongoing
• Ensure all required records are captured and filed daily
• Ensuring that all required information is documented in accordance with SOP.
• May perform other related assignments at the direction of supervision
• Managing waste
• Adherence to instructions
• Adherence to SOP and safety
• Extensive knowledge of product handling, labelling and storage practices
• Familiarity with basic math and warehouse management
• Ability to read and understand written instructions
• Planning and coordinating with other departments
• Carry out machine adjustments as required
• Fine adjustments and fine tuning after changeovers
• Storage area control
• Safety Health and Environmental aspects
• Cycle counting and reconciliation
• Stock rotation (FIFO)

RCL FOODS is seeking to employ a Machine Operator. The role will be based in Randfontein and will report into the Production Coordinator.

The Machine Operator will be responsible for setting up, operating and maintaining machinery used in production.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged product to standards.
• Adjust machine components and machine tension and pressure according to size and angle of product.
• Remove packaged items from machine and separate scrap items.
• Regulate machine flow speed.
• Reset machine when malfunctions occur, clear jams and report malfunctions to the supervisor.
• Maintain sanitation of the machine including CIP.
• Weigh and inspect products, verifying and adjusting product weight to meet specifications.
• Supply material to hoppers
• Carry out housekeeping in and around the machine (Area of Responsibility Chart) Ongoing
• Ensure all required records are captured and filed daily
• Ensuring that all required information is documented in accordance with SOP.
• May perform other related assignments at the direction of supervision
• Managing waste
• Adherence to instructions
• Adherence to SOP and safety
• Extensive knowledge of product handling, labelling and storage practices
• Familiarity with basic math and warehouse management
• Ability to read and understand written instructions
• Planning and coordinating with other departments
• Carry out machine adjustments as required
• Fine adjustments and fine tuning after changeovers
• Storage area control
• Safety Health and Environmental aspects
• Cycle counting and reconciliation
• Stock rotation (FIFO)

Matric

Computer literacy

Verbal & written communication

Punctuality

Logical thinking