Machine Operator

Unilever is currently hiring for Machine Operator

Reports to:Production Engineer

Scope: Local

Location: Boksburg

Terms & Conditions: Full Time

ABOUT UNILEVER

Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. You will work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. You will lead innovations, big and small, that will make our business win and grow. You will learn from brilliant business leaders and colleagues who provide mentorship and inspiration so that you can become a better you.

JOB PURPOSE

Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world.  If you are a Machine Operator, then this role is just for you!

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE:

Safety

• Adheres to Company emergency procedures, safety rules and regulations and eliminates potential SHE hazards in work area.

• Performs behavioral safety observations and corrects unsafe behaviour.

Workplace hazards

• Reduce costs due to waste and minimize impact to health, safety and the environment through working to eliminate waste and through the correct management of waste and hazardous materials.

• Must actively contribute to an eco-efficient environment.

Operational Activities

Start up/ shut down procedures

• Performs pre-start checks, start-up, and shutdown of machinery according to SOPs.

Operations

• Operates, maintains, and adjusts machinery according to SOPs.

• Monitors and records waste and rework.

• Supports operators during start-ups and abnormal conditions.

• Performs size and variant changeovers.

• Provides break relief to ensure continuous production.

• Conducts Autonomous Maintenance tasks up to AM Step 7.

• Makes minor adjustments as part of AM Step 5 activities.

• Inspects the line regularly, resolving or escalating issues.

• Ensures proper handover with incoming operators.

Material Handling

• Monitors material levels and communicates shortages when the Line Operator is unavailable.

• Retrieves materials from storage when levels are low and alerts relevant personnel if stock is unavailable.

Quality

• Performs visual quality checks on materials and products, and takes action when standards are not met.

• Maintains hourly traceability records.

• Logs and resolves issues using EWO and implements corrective actions.

• Conducts all required HACCP quality checks.

Administration

• Assists with PAMCO recording when needed.

• Logs equipment stoppages and breakdowns for troubleshooting and handovers.

• Conducts hourly plant checks and completes log sheets.

• Performs WCM activities and records M1/M4 tags in SAP.

• Supports Line Operator in updating WCM boards.

Engineering

• Performs scheduled autonomous maintenance and minor repairs (e.g. replacing belts, hoses, knives).

• Assists artisans during major breakdowns by following instructions and supporting repair work.

Continous Improvement

• Uses performance metrics to identify and prioritize production losses.

• Monitors line issues and clearly reports problems

Problem Solving

• Supports Engineering in identifying root causes using structured problem-solving tools.

• Leads quick improvement projects (e.g. Kaizens) on the line.

• Initiates first-level problem solving (5 Whys) and proposes improvements; escalates complex issues to the Team Leader.

Leadership and Relationships

• Performs line changeovers.

• Maintains good working relationships with cross-functional teams.

• Proactively escalates issues to Line Operator, Shift Coordinator, or support teams as per procedure.

Physically Ability

• Requires agility to move between workstations and carry loads.

• Needs good hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity for assembly and control tasks.

• Adequate sight and smell are essential for monitoring and quality checks.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED

Experiences & Qualifications

• Working experience in detergent manufacturing

• Minimum matric NQF 4

Skills

• Problem solving

• Critical Thinking

• Mechanical Aptitude

• Physical Stamina

• Team work

• Adaptability

• Hand tools

Leadership

• Critical SOL (Standards of Leadership) Behaviors

  • PASSION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE: Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results. Has an owner’s mindset, using data and insight to make decisions.

  • PERSONAL MASTERY: Sets high standards for themselves. Actively builds own wellbeing and resilience.

  • CONSUMER LOVE: Whatever their role, always looks for better ways to serve consumers. Invests in time inside and outside to understand the needs of consumers.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?

Please apply via this portal as e-mail applications will not be processed.

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicates from all walks of life! This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. 

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.

#LI-DNP