MACHINE OPERATOR PREFORM

Manufacturing

Job Overview

Running high-speed injection moulding machines to convert PET resin into high-quality preforms for bottling lines. The role includes monitoring machine parameters, performing quality checks, executing changeovers, autonomous maintenance, and ensuring zero harm and zero defects.

Job Purpose

To safely and efficiently operate the preform injection moulding line according to work instructions, achieving daily production targets while maintaining world-class quality, safety, and housekeeping standards.

Key Accountabilities and Outputs

· Operate and monitor preform injection moulding machines per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs/Work Instructions).

· Load correct PET resin, masterbatch, and additives; monitor dryer, hopper levels, and material feed.

· Perform hourly quality checks (preform weight, length, gate, wall thickness, defects, crystallinity) using calibrated gauges and destructive/non-destructive tests.

· Execute colour/size changeovers, mould changes, and start-up/shutdown procedures.

· Carry out Level 1-2 Autonomous Maintenance (Cleaning, Lubrication, Inspection, Tightening – CLIT) and basic fault finding.

· Maintain 5S housekeeping standards and clean machine & surrounding area at shift start/end.

· Report all deviations, downtime, scrap, and safety incidents immediately.

· Adhere strictly to SHEQ, food safety (FSSC 22000), and statutory requirements.

Adherence to the Quality, Food Safety, Health, Safety and Environmental Standards

•  Enforce health, safety, and environmental protocols in utility operations, including handlingof hazardous materials like CO2. Conduct risk assessments, ensure compliance with local regulations (e.g., OSHA equivalents), and participate in audits.
• Adherence to Standards: Ensure strict adherence to Quality, Food, Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards.
• Enforcement: Enforce all food safety and health regulations, policies, and requirements at all times to guarantee a secure work environment.
• Personal Hygiene: Maintain exceptional personal hygiene as per the organization’s code of conduct.
• Contamination Control: Raise awareness about potential physical product contamination and implement control measures to prevent it.
• Health and Safety Measures: Take reasonable precautions to prevent health and safety hazards. Follow the prescribed incident reporting procedure in case of accidents.
• Knowledge and Compliance: Stay updated with relevant business information, policies, processes, and procedures. Enforce compliance with legislative and statutory requirements, as well as GMP’s (Good Manufacturing Practices). Training: Attend and enforce the implementation of learnings from training sessions related to Quality, Food Safety, and Health and Safety. Housekeeping: Maintain high levels of cleanliness and orderliness within the work environment.
• Training: Attend and enforce the implementation of learnings from training sessions related to Quality, Food Safety, and Health and Safety
• Housekeeping: Maintain high levels of cleanliness and orderliness within the work environment.

Qualifications and Experience

· Grade 12 / Matric (essential).

· Certificate in Injection Moulding, Plastics Technology, or N2/N3 Mechanical/Electrical (advantage).

· Minimum 1–3 years’ experience as Machine Operator in PET preform or injection moulding environment (Twizza & CCBSA benchmark).

· Computer literacy for production data entry.

Key Qualities

· Strong safety mindset and understanding of Lock-Out/Tag-Out.

· Attention to detail and ability to perform precise quality measurements.

· Basic fault-finding and problem-solving (5-Why).

· Team player with good communication and shift-handover discipline.

· Physical fitness and ability to work rotating shifts

· Positive attitude and willingness to learn