Process Operator

Dreaming big is in our DNA. It’s who we are as a company. It’s our culture. It’s our heritage. And more than ever, it’s our future. A future where we’re always looking forward. Always serving up new ways to meet life’s moments. A future where we keep dreaming bigger. We look for people with passion, talent, and curiosity, and provide them with the teammates, resources and opportunities to unleash their full potential. The power we create together – when we combine your strengths with ours – is unstoppable. Are you ready to join a team that dreams as big as you do?

The Key Purpose of this role is to Safely execute and control brewing production processes on a shift basis to achieve required production volumes, product quality, plant reliability, and cost efficiency, in line with VPO standards, while contributing to continuous improvement and team development.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

Shift-Based Production Performance and Processes

• Interpret and implement the production plan for the shift
• Monitor and control production processes using VPO tools and standards (OWS, Team Rooms, 5S, etc.)
• Perform quality analysis to ensure process quality and productivity targets are achieved
• Manage waste, by-products, and material usage on shift
• Ensure and maintain a safe and healthy work environment

Shift Team Performance

• Communicate effectively within the shift team and across departments
• Apply escalation procedures to reduce reaction time to abnormalities
• Execute VPO implementation plans in line with standards
• Ensure proper understanding and application of VPO standards
• Execute shift goals and ensure performance targets are met

Administration

• Apply all required administration systems and procedures
• Ensure shift administration is completed accurately and on time in line with VPO standards
• Contribute to individual and team development initiatives

Problem Solving

• Apply structured problem-solving and decision-making techniques
• Initiate problem-solving activities based on OWS triggers
• Complete 5 Whys and quick fix routines where required
• Support abnormality reporting and follow-up actions

Development

• Drive individual development plans
• Ensure compliance with training requirements and training buckets
• Execute CAP and SKAP development plans

Operating and Process Control

• Operate manual equipment in brewing process areas according to work instructions
• Support the plant control system under guidance of the E&F Technician Artisan
• Review process performance against targets and record short stops
• Initiate corrective actions where deviations or negative trends occur
• Record waste, losses, and product movements on approved systems
• Respond rapidly to upstream and downstream process triggers
• Perform housekeeping and apply 5S principles while maintaining safe work practices

Maintenance of Plant and Equipment

• Perform in-depth cleaning, lubrication, and inspection of equipment as per maintenance schedules
• Execute simple autonomous maintenance tasks where applicable
• Identify defective plant and escalate to the Process Artisan or Team Leader
• Assist with running repairs during shift operations

Quality Control and Analysis

• Carry out required quality checks and analyses as defined in work instructions
• Record quality results accurately on relevant information systems
• Apply structured problem-solving where quality deviations occur

Communication and Continuous Improvement

• Actively participate in shift meetings and team goal reviews
• Use communication tools such as shift logbooks to share critical information
• Complete effective handovers between shifts
• Identify and report sources of waste and improvement opportunities

Key Attributes & Competencies:

• Strong process and operational discipline
• Logical and analytical problem-solving ability
• Ability to operate effectively in an unstructured environment
• Team-oriented with strong communication skills
• High levels of initiative, energy, and ownership
• Strong achievement drive and continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to develop own skills and support the development of others

Minimum Requirements:

Education

• Matric or equivalent (NQF Level 4)
• National Diploma or equivalent qualification (desirable)
• Institute of Brewing and Distilling Certificate (desirable)
• Completed traineeship

Training

• Minimum of 12 months on-the-job training
• Completion of required SKAP process training

Experience

• 6 months to 5 years’ experience in a brewing environment or
• Experience in a process-controlled manufacturing environment, preferably FMCG or food manufacturing
• Understanding of the Brewing Value Chain from raw material handling through fermentation, filtration, and packaging (desirable)
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft applications and SAP