Technical Job At Unga Holding
Recruit Finds
Nairobi, Kenya
Job summary
Assistant Technical Machine Operator at Unga Holding
About this role
Packing Line Operator Job Opportunity in FMCG
A manufacturing company is looking for a capable and dependable professional to support its packing line operations. The role is focused on ensuring that daily packaging activities run smoothly while maintaining the required standards for product quality, workplace safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and production efficiency.
The successful candidate will report to the Fawema Operator and will play an important role in making sure the assigned packing line meets its daily production expectations. The position requires someone who can work carefully around machinery, maintain accurate production records, identify problems early, and follow established operating and safety procedures.
This is a hands-on opportunity for a candidate with experience in the FMCG environment, particularly someone who understands machine operations, maintenance, grain processing, and Autonomous Maintenance.
Main Focus of the Role
The person appointed to this position will be responsible for supporting seamless execution of the packing line throughout the assigned shift. This includes achieving production targets, checking product weights, verifying product identification and dates, maintaining packaging quality, keeping the work area clean, and ensuring that machinery operates safely.
Accuracy is particularly important in this role. The operator is expected to carry out regular checks during production and record the results correctly. Any production interruptions, machine faults, safety concerns, or other operational issues should also be identified and communicated promptly.
The position also involves working with other members of the production team and taking responsibility for the condition and performance of the assigned process.
Meeting Daily Production Targets
One of the key expectations is to achieve the planned production volume for the assigned packing line. The operator should consistently attain at least 85% of the planned production volume.
Maintaining this level of performance requires attention to the production process throughout the shift. The operator should remain focused on keeping the line running effectively while also ensuring that quality and safety requirements are not compromised.
Shift continuity is another important part of production performance. At the end of a shift, the operator is expected to conduct a physical handover and complete the necessary documentation. This allows the next shift to understand the status of the line and any relevant operational information.
The operator must also maintain proper shift discipline by starting packing activities according to the stipulated schedule after the required 30-minute break period.
Quality Checks During Packing
Product quality is a major responsibility attached to the position. The operator will be expected to perform check-weight verifications every 10 minutes before and during the packing process.
These checks must be completed accurately and recorded properly. The purpose is to ensure that the packed product continues to meet the required weight specifications.
The operator will also verify product identification and date coding at 30-minute intervals. This includes checking that the correct dates have been stamped and confirming that the baler is being used properly.
Approved product changeover procedures must also be followed whenever the line moves from one product to another. Careful verification during these activities helps ensure that the correct product information is maintained throughout the packaging process.
Packed products should be inspected continuously. The operator needs to check that packets have been folded and sealed uniformly and that glue has been applied completely and consistently across the packet folds.
Maintaining GMP and Housekeeping Standards
Cleanliness and proper housekeeping are important parts of the job. The operator will be expected to maintain Good Manufacturing Practices across the assigned packing line.
The line should receive the required housekeeping attention after every product changeover and again at the end of the shift. The operator will also be responsible for ensuring proper sanitation of equipment through the required deep-cleaning process.
Packaging materials must be carefully controlled. This includes balers, packets, tickets, and other consumables used during the shift. The operator must count these materials accurately, reconcile the figures, and record them on a shift-by-shift basis.
The role also involves inspecting equipment and processes for any traces of infestation. Any concerns identified during these inspections should be handled through the appropriate reporting and escalation process.
The operator will further provide AM and PM support relating to equipment maintenance, including activities aimed at improving access to hidden areas of equipment.
Machine Safety and Autonomous Maintenance
Safe machine operation is an essential requirement of the position. The operator must ensure that safety mechanisms on the packing machinery remain functional throughout operations.
Doors, guards, and safety switches must be checked and kept operational. Under no circumstances should these safety mechanisms be bypassed.
The role also includes basic Autonomous Maintenance activities. These tasks involve routine cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and identification of defects on packing machinery.
The operator should pay attention to the condition of equipment while carrying out normal duties. Identifying a defect early can help ensure that the appropriate team is informed before the issue develops into a larger operational problem.
Machine faults, maintenance requirements, and safety risks should be escalated promptly to the designated operators or supervisors.
Recording Downtime and Line Stoppages
Accurate production information is another important part of the position. Whenever the packing line experiences downtime or stops operating, the operator must record the event correctly.
Records should include the duration of the stoppage and the reason behind it. This information provides a clear account of what happened during the shift and supports efforts to understand operational challenges.
The operator is therefore expected to remain attentive throughout production and make sure that important events affecting the line are properly documented.
Supporting Continuous Improvement
The position is not limited to routine machine operation. The successful candidate will also participate in activities aimed at improving the efficiency of the packing process.
The operator will be expected to improve operational efficiency through PaTaMu and identify process challenges that may create bottlenecks. PDCA should be used to help address these challenges.
Participation in planned training is also required. These training activities are intended to strengthen the employee's competencies and improve their ability to perform the responsibilities of the position.
The operator will participate in monthly HK Performance Reviews with the supervisor. They will also support activities connected to Unga's FIRST culture code and take part in organizing site events and initiatives when guided to do so.
Communication, Coaching and Accountability
The role involves working as part of a wider production team, making communication an important responsibility.
The successful candidate will participate in F2F discussions through accountability meetings and take part in coaching and mentoring activities involving palletizers and tapers.
Effective communication should be maintained within the team so that operational matters are clearly understood. The employee is also expected to take ownership of the assigned process and ensure that issues raised during operations receive the necessary attention.
Where an issue cannot be resolved at the appropriate level, it should be escalated on time to ensure that the required action can be taken.
Process ownership, accountability, communication, and timely escalation are therefore important expectations for anyone taking up this position.
Who Can Apply?
The position requires a candidate with a Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Applicants should also have at least three years of work experience within the FMCG industry.
Experience in machine operations and maintenance is required. The candidate should also have experience in the grain processing industry and a good understanding of Autonomous Maintenance.
Troubleshooting ability is another important requirement because the role involves monitoring machinery, identifying defects, recording stoppages, and escalating equipment-related problems.
Computer proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Office, is also required.
Skills and Experience Required
A suitable candidate should be able to work carefully in a production environment while following established procedures. The role requires practical understanding of machinery and maintenance activities, as well as the ability to identify operational problems.
Experience in FMCG and grain processing will help the candidate understand the demands of the position. Knowledge of Autonomous Maintenance is also important because routine cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and defect identification form part of the daily responsibilities.
The ability to troubleshoot problems is necessary, while computer skills will support accurate documentation and other work requiring Microsoft Office.
Final Overview
This Packing Line Operator opportunity is suited to a technically trained professional who has experience working with production machinery in the FMCG environment. The role combines machine operation, quality verification, housekeeping, safety, maintenance support, production recording, and continuous improvement.
The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to daily production performance while maintaining the required standards for product quality, GMP, machine safety, and accurate operational reporting.
Candidates with a Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, at least three years of FMCG experience, machine operations and maintenance experience, grain processing experience, Autonomous Maintenance knowledge, troubleshooting skills, and MS Office proficiency can apply for the position.
