The overall purpose of the job is to assist the production team in completing pre-operational checks on equipment, review components of raw materials and the finished product, troubleshoot and resolve any issues along the production line processes and operate the dryer machine.

Key duties and responsibilities
1. Review the daily production plan and assess all materials requirements with the Production Manager.
2. Operate the dryer, monitor gauge readings, take readings from evaporator machine and injector status, and adjust where necessary.
3. Complete production log sheets (daily production report) at the end of each production shift;
4. Oversee cleaning and sterilization of the sifter and other related equipment after production (CIP);
5. Perform plant start up and shut down procedures daily.
6. Provide on the job monthly trainings to machine operators, and attend all company trainings provided on a periodic basis.
7. Oversee and supervise machine repairs and maintenance as often as required;
8. Continuously monitor and report on production work in process, production efficiency, consumption, scrapping, waste, and all key production metrics and effectively implement corrective action for variances identified;
9. Check machinery and gather information about the functioning and maintenance requirements before a new shift is begun;
10. Prepare and provide feedback to the Production Manager on process improvement ideas and support in the implementation of continuous improvement activities to optimise results and improve productivity;
11. Co-ordinate with HR in regards to availability of labour during shifts;
12. Ensure that production line workers always adhere to the company’s Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) standards and procedures including reporting and incidences of accidents or deliberate non-compliance of the same;
13. Ensure that all applicable food safety standards are implemented;
14. Verify all the applicable Critical Control Points (CCPs) and Operational Prerequisite Programmes (OPRPs), Prerequisite Programmes (PRPs);
15. Authority to stop the machine in case of any critical deviations.
16. Report and record in the incident register all risk issues and incidents identified during daily operations in a timely manner to the EHS team; and
17. Transfer knowledge to your subordinates.

Working relationships
Internal Relationships: Engineering, EHS, HR, QA
External Relationships: None

Knowledge, experience and qualifications required
• Diploma in mechanical engineering from a recognised institution
• Minimum of 5 years’ related experience

Competencies
Technical & Behavioural competencies
• Mechanical engineering skills
• Knowledge of machine operations
• Knowledge of milk powder production
• Working knowledge of GMP requirements for food and dairy products and ensuring that UHT facilities and processes conform to GMP Standards.
• Leadership skills
• Effective communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and patience
• Ability to multi-task
• Good time management
• Ability to work with a team
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Organisation and strong attention to detail

Responsibility for finances and physical assets
• The job holder has no responsibility for equipment, finances or stock except for the work tools assigned
Decision-making
• The job holder has no final authority on key decisions in the department other than routine decisions related to execution of work.
Information
• The job requires normal level of confidentiality

Working Conditions
Working Environment: The jobholder is exposed to noticeable disagreeable conditions.
Job Hazards: The jobholder is exposed to occupational hazards such as accidents.