Process Technician – Printing

Location: Chloorkop, Kempton Park

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Working Arrangement: Fully On-Site

Reporting To: Production Manager

Role Overview

An established manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Process Technician – Printing with strong Flexographic printing experience and previous experience operating at a Supervisor or equivalent level.

The primary purpose of this role is process development, standardisation and capability building, rather than routine machine operation. The successful candidate will develop and maintain machine operating centrelines, support setups and changeovers, lead technical problem-solving, develop Standard Operating Procedures and ensure that operators are properly trained and competent.

The position reports to the Production Manager and will play an important role in maintaining consistent print quality, stable production processes, reduced waste and improved operational performance in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Development and Standardisation

  • Develop, document and maintain machine operating centrelines for Flexographic printing and converting processes.

  • Optimise operating parameters to improve print quality, colour registration, ink performance and production efficiency.

  • Monitor process capability and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and waste reduction.

  • Ensure that production processes are standardised, controlled and consistently followed.

• Flexographic Printing Support

  • Provide technical support across Flexographic printing processes.

  • Apply sound knowledge of ink systems, printing plates, anilox rollers, substrates and drying systems.

  • Support colour consistency, accurate registration and print quality across relevant substrates.

  • Troubleshoot complex printing problems, including:

    • Colour variation

    • Ink build-up

    • Plate wear

    • Web instability

    • Registration problems

    • Print defects

• Setups and Changeovers

  • Enable production teams to complete simple and routine machine setups independently.

  • Lead or assist with complex machine setups and changeovers.

  • Provide technical support during difficult setups and process interruptions.

  • Help improve changeover consistency and reduce unnecessary production downtime.

• Root-Cause Analysis and Continuous Improvement

  • Conduct structured root-cause analysis for recurring quality, process and downtime problems.

  • Develop and implement appropriate corrective actions.

  • Provide technical input into continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Support new product introductions and equipment upgrades from a printing-process perspective.

• SOPs and Technical Documentation

  • Develop, review and maintain Standard Operating Procedures, work instructions and technical standards.

  • Ensure that machine centrelines and operating procedures are properly documented and followed.

  • Keep documentation aligned with applicable quality and safety requirements.

  • Support internal and external audits by ensuring that required procedures and operating standards are available and consistently applied.

• Training and Competence Development

  • Train operators and technicians in:

    • Machine operation

    • Process control

    • Print-quality standards

    • Routine setups

    • Basic troubleshooting

  • Assess and verify operator competence against defined operating standards.

  • Promote knowledge transfer and technical skills development within the production team.

  • Provide appropriate technical direction and guidance at a Supervisor or equivalent level.

• Cross-Functional Support

  • Work closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance and other technical teams to resolve process and product-quality concerns.

  • Support downstream processes such as embossing, folding, cutting and packaging from a process-stability perspective.

  • Work cross-functionally with Maintenance teams when resolving mechanical and equipment-related problems.

  • Work shifts, overtime or outside normal working hours when operationally required.

Minimum Requirements

• Matric or an equivalent qualification.

• A trade-related qualification in Printing, Graphic Arts, Flexographic Printing or Industrial Printing.

• At least three years’ relevant Flexographic printing experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Previous experience operating at a Supervisor or equivalent level.

• Equivalent experience may include positions such as:

  • Printing Supervisor

  • Process Technician

  • Senior Printer

  • Printing Team Leader

  • Technical Specialist

• Candidates must, however, have performed responsibilities equivalent to supervisory-level work, including providing technical guidance, leading problem-solving and supporting the training or development of operators.

Technical Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Strong practical knowledge of Flexographic printing principles and colour-process control.

• Experience working with anilox rollers, inks, plates, substrates and drying systems.

• Knowledge of machine centrelines and process standardisation.

• Experience troubleshooting complex Flexographic printing problems.

• The ability to develop and maintain SOPs and technical work instructions.

• Experience training operators and assessing their competence.

• Sound mechanical aptitude.

• The ability to work effectively with Maintenance and other technical teams.

• Basic computer literacy for documentation, reporting and production systems.

• The ability to work in a high-volume, shift-based manufacturing environment.

Skills and Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and technical problem-solving skills.

• A practical and hands-on approach.

• Strong communication and coaching ability.

• Good organisational and documentation skills.

• The ability to guide and develop production employees.

• Strong attention to quality, process control and consistency.

• The ability to work effectively across Production, Quality and Maintenance teams.

• The ability to remain effective in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The Offer

A competitive, market-related cost-to-company package will be offered, based on the successful candidate’s qualifications, Flexographic printing experience and suitability for the role.