Bagging Plant Operator

Job description:

Purpose of the Role

To safely and efficiently lead the operation of the Auto Bagging facilities within the Emulsions and Tank Farm Plants.

The role ensures continuous, high-quality bagging and packaging of product, provides frontline supervision to operators, supports the Shift Manager, and ensures full adherence to safety, quality, and production requirements within a high-risk chemical manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Control

• Achieve shift production targets for bagged emulsion product.
• Minimise downtime through efficient operation and quick response to equipment issues.
• Maintain consistent product flow from CBEP and Auto-Bagging Plant.
• Optimise bagging line speed while protecting equipment and product quality.
• Ensure correct setup, calibration, and operation of auto-bagging machinery.

Equipment Monitoring and Maintenance Support

• Perform routine equipment checks, cleaning, adjustments, and minor repairs.
• Ensure proper functioning of weighers, sealers, conveyors and palletisers.
• Accurate reporting of equipment faults and coordination with the maintenance team.
• Reduce repetitive breakdowns through proactive action and monitoring.

Reporting and Documentation

• Accurate completion of production logs, shift reports and downtime records.
• Ensure full compliance with SOPs, work instructions, and housekeeping standards.
• Maintaining traceability and documentation for all bagged products.
• Effective shift handover communication.
• Housekeeping and Operational Discipline
• Maintain high housekeeping standards throughout all bagging areas.
• Ensure compliance with operational procedures, work instructions, and documentation requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise efficiency and reduce waste.

Minimum qualification and experienced requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• N3–N6 Electrical, Mechanical, or Instrumentation Engineering
• Chemical Plant Operations qualification
• Relevant production/manufacturing qualification (advantageous)
• SHE training (advantageous)
• 3–5 years’ experience in a chemical or high-risk manufacturing environment
• Experience operating automated bagging or packaging systems
• Exposure to emulsions, tank farm, or explosives manufacturing (advantageous)
• Experience working in shift-based production environments

Competencies & Skills

• Strong safety orientation and risk awareness
• Technical aptitude and mechanical understanding
• Problem-solving and basic troubleshooting capability
• Leadership and supervisory ability
• Attention to detail and strong quality focus
• Effective communication and reporting skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet production deadlines
• Team collaboration and interpersonal effectiveness

Working Conditions

• Shift work, including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
• Exposure to high-risk chemical manufacturing environment.
• Physically demanding role (standing for long periods, lifting, and moving materials).
• Strict compliance with safety procedures and PPE requirements at all times.