49 Plant Operator jobs in South Africa

Responsible for making batches of in-specification products.

Required outputs: functional

Receiving, Storage & Issue of Raw Materials Associated with Relevant Plant:

• Responsible for making job cards and checking that the correct raw materials are received as per relevant job cards.
• Co-ordinate other relevant parties, i.e. raw materials, planning, etc in order to expedite production of product batches.
  
  

• Ensure production vessels and pipes are drained/cleaned prior to manufacturing, i.e. avoid cross contamination of products.
• Ensure that manufacturing instructions (SOP’s) are followed.
• Follow laid down operating Works Instructions for the operation of plant equipment.
• Complete appropriate log sheets where/when applicable.
• Ensure that product samples as per sampling instructions are taken.
• Required to drive a forklift and to maintain medical fitness to drive a forklift in order to successfully renew the forklift driver’s license annually.
• Meet production/packaging quality standards as specified by the incumbent’s Production Plan.
• Complete relevant quality control schedules and report quality control problems to the Team Leader.
• Adhere to laid down company rules and regulations.
• Ensure that the plant is always clean and in a safe condition at all times.
• Work in other work areas other than the incumbent’s normal work area as directed by the Team Leader.
• When production demand drops required to carry out other ad hoc tasks as directed by Management.
• Assist with stock takes.
• Assist Management with problem solving tasks.
• Report all non-conformance issues to the Team Leader.
• Sign all relevant areas on job cards pertaining to the incumbent’s level of authority.
• Attend retraining on all relevant plant Works Instructions, SOP’s for the areas under the incumbent’s control every 2 years.
• Assist with conducting of planned job observations (PJO’s) on all the Works Instructions and SOP’s on other areas not under the incumbent’s control.
  
  

• Ensure that machinery/equipment is kept in good and safe working conditions.
• Identify and maintain stocks of critical spares for the incumbent’s plants.
• Ensure that maintenance costs on the plants under the incumbent’s areas of responsibility are kept to a minimum.
• Report all equipment breakdowns to the Team Leader after submitting maintenance job card to the Maintenance Dept.
• Initiate ordering of spares via the Team Leader.
• Supervise maintenance contractors ensuring that maintenance jobs are effectively completed.
• Minimise downtime by reporting breakdowns and ensuring repairs are carried out timeously.
• Co-ordinate preventative maintenance systems for equipment under the incumbent’s control.
• Responsible for day-to-day maintenance of the plant/equipment under the incumbent’s control.
  
  

• Work with/assist R&D personnel on the production of trial batches of new products on plants under his control.
  
  

Location: Queenstown-Lakes, Otago
Type: Full Time, Permanent

Wilson Contractors are a well-established locally owned and operated company and specialise in civil contracting – we deliver a range of services including bulk earthworks, roading, drainage, infrastructure and site works to clients throughout Central Otago Southern Lakes and Southland since 2003.

We are currently looking to expand our experienced machine operator crew due to an increase in forward workload for the Central Otago and Southern Lakes area. We are looking for experienced machine operators to fill positions in our Central Otago branch.

We are looking for 5-10 Permanent fulltime roles, working Monday-Friday with some Saturdays if required, 80 hours of work fortnightly.

Machine Operator – Earthmoving Plant Operator

The ideal candidate with be able to demonstrate the following:

• Hold a current NZ drivers’ licence, Class 2 with WTR endorsements (ideally Class 4, training can be provided to the right candidate)
• 2+ years’ experience operating a range of machines in civil construction from excavators, rollers, grader and small to medium trucks
• Good attitude to the care and maintenance of machinery
• Physically fit
• Able to work unsupervised but also be a proactive team member
• Demonstrate a commitment to health and safety
• Good communication skills
• Positive can-do attitude

We offer the following benefits:

• Good rates of and training opportunities.
• The chance to live in Central Otago / Queenstown Lakes region.
• Healthcare benefits.
• Family atmosphere, good support, good people.

All applicants must have NZ Residency or a valid NZ Work Visa

If this sounds like the job you are looking for, please apply now and send your CV + cover letter through.

Wilson Contractors
Rapid 329, SH6
Kingston-Queenstown Highway 9371


E:
P: 03 451 0047

• Matric
• Technical Certificate in Brewing / Malting

• 2 Years in production operations
• Malting or brewing plant experience

• Operate germination, steeping, and kilning equipment
• Record process data and adjust parameters
• Perform basic maintenance tasks
• Shift work

Join us to apply for the Junior Chemical Plant Operator (Jnr CPO) x6 role at Sasol .

Sasol is a global integrated chemicals and energy company with a 70-year heritage. We leverage our expertise and technologies to safely and sustainably source, manufacture, and market chemical and energy products worldwide. Joining Team Sasol means becoming part of a company that values its people and fosters diversity and inclusion.

Closing date: 21 August 2025

Ref number: 9159

Location: Secunda, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Role Category: Process Implementation

Job Title: Junior Chemical Plant Operator (Jnr CPO) x6

Coordinate and oversee maintenance and repair services for specific processes within a production line, including control panel management and troubleshooting.

• Report work progress to supervisors.
• Participate in risk assessments to enhance safety.
• Maintain good housekeeping and waste disposal procedures.
• Work independently and understand business KPIs.
• Apply safety protocols and participate in shift handovers.
• Identify training needs and incorporate them into PDP.
• Conduct on-the-job coaching and plant equipment presentations.
• Perform IMS inspections to promote plant sustainability.
• Work effectively in teams and play a key role during emergencies.
• Provide and receive feedback to/from other disciplines.
• Contribute to toolbox talks for safety improvements.

Occupational Trade Qualification/Certificate with 3+ years relevant experience.

• Work process optimization
• Effective communication
• Production resource and risk management
• Project quality management
• Managing complexity
• Equipment utilization
• Driving results and accountability

Sasol is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Preference will be given to qualified applicants from designated groups and persons with disabilities, with reasonable accommodations provided as needed.

PERMANENT POSITION – PROCESS TECHNICIAN

Process Technician Position has become available at Rocbolt Technologies.

Role objectives:

• Analyze a production process and implement continuous improvement techniques to increase efficiency and standardize work methods

Minimum Requirements:

• Relevant University Degree or Diploma Qualification will be an advantage.
• Previous experience as a Process Technician or Technical Support.
• Be able to communicate well, read & write in English.
• Be able to work and cope well in a team.
• Own transportation arrangement.

Key Responsibilities include the following: (not exclusively)

• Design and implement best practices, routines and innovative solutions to improve production rates, quality of output and product reliability.
• Provide correct tools to the operations team/operators to ensure high standards of product and process quality.
• Assist production teams as required to maintain production flow consistently with cycle time requirements.
• Establish process scrap parameters and ensure operators are trained and competent to operate within the set standards.
• Enforce adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s). Plan and implement revisions and improvements to meet the new standards as the manufacturing operating systems mature.
• Perform process analysis and make recommendations for improvement, support a continuous improvement mindset and activities in the team.
• Ensure basic administrative activities are completed, as required.
• Improve Line equipment uptime using data analysis and trend monitoring.
• Develop and implement short-, medium- and long-term improvement plans for implementation in the manufacturing process.
• Take responsibility for investigating and introducing new engineering technologies and strategies.
• Undertake root cause analysis and ensure Permanent Corrective Actions (PCA’s) are implemented while ensuring product quality.
• Optimize processes to meet objectives of lowering cost and/or improving productivity.
• Help in the assembly and maintenance of engineering and other technical files.
• Provide training to the operators and provide proof of competence.
• Work in conjunction with the Maintenance team in relation to planning, schedules and assist in maintaining and upkeep of equipment.

Interested candidates who meets the above-mentioned criteria are required to hand in a 1-page application/motivation letter, and all relevant credentials to no later than 25 July 2025

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following :

Training and Development of Staff :

• Design and implement comprehensive training programs for Process Technicians and Trainee Process Technicians.
• Ensure ongoing professional development and upskilling of team members to align with industry best practices and organizational goals.

Ensuring Production Targets :

• Monitor and ensure that set production targets are met daily.
• Implement strategies to achieve zero defects in production processes through rigorous quality control and continuous improvement efforts.

Changeovers and SMED Training :

• Oversee and manage changeovers to ensure minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.
• Develop and deliver training programs on Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) techniques to operators, focusing on quick and efficient changeovers.

Documentation of Critical Information and SOPs :

• Ensure accurate and up-to-date documentation of critical operational information and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Review and update documentation regularly to reflect changes in processes or best practices.

Root Cause Analysis and Problem Solving :

• Facilitate daily Root Cause Analysis and problem-solving sessions based on issues identified in Daily Operations Meetings (DOM).
• Develop and implement corrective actions to address and resolve recurring problems.

Training on Preventive Maintenance :

• Ensure that operators are trained in basic preventive maintenance tasks (Autonomous Maintenance) to enhance equipment reliability and reduce downtime.

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A leading packaging manufacturer is seeking a skilled Process Technician to join their team in the Western Cape.

Requirements:

• N5 – N6 in Electrical / Mechanical Engineering
• Proven working experience with injection moulding machines
• Experience in training and guiding subordinates
• 5 - 10 years’ experience within plastic manufacturing environment

Correspondence will only be conducted with shortlisted candidates. Should you not hear from us within 3 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.

An established manufacturing company seeks a skilled Process Technician to join its production team. This role is vital to ensuring optimal machine performance, maintaining production efficiency, and upholding safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge of production equipment and the ability to troubleshoot and maintain injection moulding machinery independently.

Duties & Responsibilities

Technical Operations:

• Identify, report, and resolve technical issues on production equipment (machines, moulds, etc.)
• Conduct fault analysis and resolve issues related to product quality, processing, moulds, and mechanical/hydraulic/pneumatic/electric malfunctions
• Install moulds and read technical drawings
• Collaborate with quality teams to maintain high-quality standards
• Identify and report necessary spare parts

Machine Setting:

• Independently develop, document, and adjust machine settings
• Ensure machines are correctly set for each production run
• Take appropriate safety precautions when performing tasks requiring safety override

Maintenance:

• Develop and implement maintenance plans and checklists
• Perform regular maintenance in accordance with schedules
• Document all maintenance activities
• Coordinate with service suppliers as approved by management

Management & Reporting:

• Coordinate with the Maintenance and Production Managers regarding machine availability
• Maintain open communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Analyse defect logs and propose process improvements
• Log performed tasks and assist with supplier communication

Health & Safety:

• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety protocols
• Maintain high housekeeping standards in the work area
• Report and address any safety issues, incidents, or near misses

Food Safety & Quality:

• Adhere to food safety standards specific to the site
• Apply Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Support the company's FSMS (Food Safety Management System)

General:

• Act as a role model in technical knowledge and conduct
• Support the team in your absence by ensuring access to the required information
• Proactively pursue self-development and technical innovation

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• Bachelor's degree or Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant machine setting experience in a manufacturing environment
• Sound understanding of technical drawings
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in safe working procedures and equipment testing
• Ability to act decisively and under pressure
• High emotional intelligence and teamwork capabilities
• Leadership potential and strong interpersonal skills

Other Requirements:

• Passion for a career in packaging and injection moulding
• Awareness of environmental considerations