PET Process Technician

Job Description:

We’re looking for a talented PET Process Technician to join our dynamic production team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for technical excellence and a drive for continuous improvement in the manufacturing environment. Ensuring production equipment is in good operating conditions and well maintained, ensuring correct setting of machines, and doing fault analysis in case of malfunction or rejects.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Identify, report, and rectify all technical areas of concern on assigned production equipment (machines, moulds, etc.)
2. Have an in-depth understanding of:
1. Product and its quality criteria
2. Process (material feeding and drying, injection moulding, reheat stretch blow moulding, and injection blow moulding)
3. In-depth knowledge of all equipment, detailed for assigned equipment
4. Mould installation
5. Technical principles and drawings (e.g. assemblies and spare part finding, pneumatic, hydraulic, electric)
3. Fault analysis and problem solving
1. Independently do fault analysis and problem-solving in case of (teamwork as needed)
2. Product quality, processing issues
3. Mould issues
4. Machine malfunction (mechanic/hydraulic/pneumatic/electric)
5. Recognize and report problems to Maintenance Manager & Production Manager other than the assigned equipment
4. Independently develop maintenance plans and checklists (teamwork as needed)
5. Ensure maintenance is done at required intervals according to the plans:
1. By yourself
2. By service suppliers as agreed by the Maintenance Manager & Production Manager
3. Document maintenance according to the plans
6. Identify spares needed for assigned equipment:
1. In general
2. As a preventative measure identified during maintenance checks
7. Independently develop machine settings (teamwork as needed)
8. Set and check that machines are correctly set for each run
9. Document settings and setting adjustments centrally
10. If needed (for fault finding, etc.), the technician is allowed to temporarily run the machine with a bridged safety switch, while present at the machine. He must be aware of the risk that comes with such action and it is his responsibility to ensure he does not get himself or others into dangerous situations. He must ensure he takes the right precautions (e.g. know the movements of the machine; special PPE like face shield, etc.) for such actions. He is also responsible for ensuring that nobody else (e.g. packer) gets close to or into the “unsafe” area of such a machine.

Management:

1. Liaise with the Maintenance Manager & Production Manager (in charge) to ensure machine availability vs. major maintenance intervals
2. Have an overview of what needs to be done and report to the Maintenance Manager & Production Manager
3. Give completion dates and fulfil tasks required by Maintenance Manager & Production Manager
4. Ensure sound relationships and communication with internal work-related staff (QC, Production, etc.) and external (Bowler Plastics Toolroom, Technical department, suppliers, etc.)
5. Strive for improvement, research, and make suggestions

Administration (job):

1. Log jobs performed
2. Analyze Defect Register together with the Maintenance Manager & Production Manager to improve production results
3. Contact external suppliers as agreed with the Maintenance Manager & Production Manager to assist in solving problems (quotes on service, spare parts, etc.)
4. Spares
1. Have an overview of existing stock for equipment
2. Spare part analysis (= keep stock vs. source at breakdown)
3. Report parts needed to Maintenance Manager & Production Manager and assist in the decision to have on stock or source at the breakdown
4. Assist Maintenance Manager & Production Manager in the ordering process (e.g. prepare documents, follow up on orders)
5. Plan for the year ahead, assist Maintenance Manager & Production Manager with work on budget for maintenance

Health & Safety:

1. Ensure and enforce that aspects in the area of responsibility conform to Health and safety requirements
2. Maintain housekeeping standards in the area of responsibility (e.g. ensure cleanliness assigned machines and areas)
3. Work safely and report on safety hazards or issues
4. Report any accidents, incidents, and near misses
5. Apply the company’s quality principles and standards
6. Maintain Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
7. Food safety standards are site specific, and at these sites employees should:
1. Apply the site’s food safety principles and standards
2. Report any food safety hazards or issues to your Supervisor/Manager
3. Comply with and maintain all GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) in relation to the Company’s FSMS (Food Safety Management System)
8. Realistic assessment of own strengths and development areas and undertake actions to address weaknesses, if any, that hinder the fulfilment of your objectives
9. Keep abreast of innovation and technical improvements for further self-development and the development of the company
10. Teamwork and cooperation
11. Self-Management
12. Leadership and interpersonal relationships
13. Product and service quality
14. Perform additional tasks as required from time to time
15. Ensure team knows what to do and where to find information if you are not available
16. Inform yourself about and apply the company's principles and standards
17. Set an example, be a role model for your team and others in the way you work and behave

The employee accepts that he/she may be required to carry out any other tasks as required by management based on operational requirements.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Grade 12 with a Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
• Experience: 5 years’ relevant setting experience
• Technical Knowledge:
• Sound understanding of drawings
• Fundamentals of fault finding and equipment testing
• Sound knowledge of H&S and safe working procedures
• Installation of parts & related equipment
• Fault finding and problem solving
• Good communication skills
• Ability to act decisively and urgently
• High level of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
• Skills:
• Passionate to progress a career into Packaging and PET Processing for the future with an appreciation of environmental concerns and impacts.
• Able to make good business-aligned judgment decisions at an operational level whilst maintaining maintenance standards, practices & procedures in line with defined and communicated authority and as per instructions.
• Responsible for all activities linked to position as defined.
• Ensure escalation to the appropriate level of authority.
• Ensure transparent, responsive and open communication between colleagues.

How to Apply:

Submit the following documents in one PDF:

1. Detailed CV
2. Cover letter outlining your suitability for the role
3. Copies of relevant qualifications

Applications should be sent to samanthajobs@wcp.co.za. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.