Packaging Head Technician

SUMMARY:
Our Howick based food manufacturing client requires a Packaging Head Technician to ensure production line optimal design, manage production targets and oversee maintenance on machinery.

POSITION INFO:
Responsibilities: Production Line Design & Operational Excellence Design, lay out and set up production lines according to best manufacturing practice. Continuously refine lines to eliminate bottlenecks, waste and downtime and achieve operational perfection. Improve line efficiency, flow and ergonomics to raise throughput and reduce cost per unit. Specify, source, install and commission new machinery and equipment as the operation grows. Document line standards, standard operating procedures and work instructions. Production Targets - Volume & Quality Responsible for daily, weekly and monthly production volume targets across all lines. Ensure product quality against internal and food safety specifications. Monitor, record and report line output, efficiency and quality performance. Drive root-cause analysis and corrective action on any volume or quality shortfall. Ensure the production environment meets all food safety and quality standards. Machinery & Maintenance Oversee the preventative maintenance plan for all machinery and equipment. Schedule and oversee planned maintenance to minimise unplanned downtime. Diagnose, repair and restore machinery to full operating condition. Maintain a critical spares inventory and manage equipment suppliers and service providers. Keep accurate maintenance records, asset registers and service histories. Team Leadership & Safety Lead, train and develop the technical and line teams to operate machinery correctly and safely. Ensure health, safety and HR processes are followed in the area. Champion continuous improvement and best-practice manufacturing across the operation. Reporting Ensure all production and efficiency reports are submitted on time. Ensure maintenance and downtime reports are accurately recorded and submitted on time. Qualifications: English fluency in writing and talking A relevant technical or engineering qualification (mechanical, electrical, production\/industrial or a recognised trade) Min 5 years experience in a manufacturing \/ production environment Min 5 years experience in machinery maintenance Min 3 years experience in production line design or process improvement Min 2 years experience in people management Abilities: Strong mechanical and electrical machine maintenance ability Production line design and process improvement expertise (lean \/ continuous improvement an advantage) Good Excel skills and computer literacy in MS Office