Technical Operator - Labeller at Seven Up Bottling Company

Safely operate, set up, change over and perform first-line (team) maintenance on the assigned PET-bottle labeller machine (e.g. SACMI, SIDEL or SIDEL Rollquattro), applying labels accurately and securely to meet branding and regulatory standards. Maintains label quality, machine throughput and availability, carries out basic documentation of machine events, and sustains GMP/GHK and safety standards around the assigned work area.

Job Details

• Carries out pre-operation checks, prepares and starts up the labeller (dryer, infeed, label reels, vacuum drum, glue and cutter units) and drives start-up timing as per plan after every production run.
• Operates the labeller within typical control parameters, monitoring label dispensing, cutting, gluing and application to ensure accurate, secure, wrinkle-free labelling and correct eye-mark/label position.
• Performs label-film reel installation, set-up and adjustment, and prepares for and executes changeovers promptly to minimise downtime.
• Reports observed machine deviations and breakdowns to the technical team and ensures they are resolved promptly and permanently; reduces all forms of waste (label film, glue, rejected bottles) in the work area.
• Adheres to GMP/GHK standards on shift, hands over the area with 100% compliance, and executes GMP audits and CAPs as per the planned weekly calendar.
• Understands the monetary impact of label-film, glue and rejected-bottle losses on product and plant profitability; puts Quality First.
• Wears clean uniform with 100% PPE compliance on the shop floor; no jewellery worn in production areas.
• Ensures zero tolerance to drinking/eating on production lines and prompt cleaning of the labelling station and conveyors during shift.
• Reports all near-misses/non-conformances during his/her shift and follows through with responsible persons for resolution.
• Ensures all label quality-control parameters are within acceptable targets on shift (e.g. label alignment & positioning, adhesion, wrinkle/bubble-free finish, eye-mark detection, correct label/closure per SKU, packaging-material inspection & sorting before use).
• Is responsible for label film, glue and other packaging material on the shop floor; ensures materials are properly staged and is accountable for usage and reconciliation.
• Ensures product is available as at when due and promptly escalates delays that may affect production continuity to the Shift Team Leader.
• Strictly adheres to SBC, ISO 9001 quality system and all other management systems and PI standards, and to all statutory, regulatory, safety and environmental requirements.
• Informs the Shift Team Leader on the need for working tools and ensures proper control and safekeeping of tools and change/format parts (e.g. star-wheels, centring bells).
• Escalates promptly, per the existing escalation matrix, any non-conformity observed during the production process.
• Documents all machine events in the production log book (stops, alarms, changeovers, reel changes) and completes all required shop-floor documentation; performs a structured shift handover.
• Ensures all machine guarding and safety interlocks are in place at all times during the production run; acts as a safety ambassador for self and machine, controlling entanglement, crushing and repetitive-strain hazards.
• Champions team/first-line maintenance and drives its effectiveness for own work area.
• Establishes and maintains cross-functional relationships with team and stakeholders.
• Builds and reinforces relationships with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Production Planning and relevant regulatory agencies or their representatives; coordinates closely with the filler and downstream packaging to keep the line synchronised.
• Drives continuous improvement on the labeller by exploring global and industry benchmarks and employee input to improve label quality and machine efficiency (OEE).
• Learns and implements best practices from outside and shares own best practices within SBC.
• Raises improvement ideas that promote process automation and the use of technology within the business.

Requirements

• A minimum of OND in Food Science/Technology, Engineering or General Sciences.
• Minimum of 1–3 years relevant hands-on FMCG operation and maintenance experience.
• Knowledge of bottling/labelling operations and PET packaging.
• Understanding of the financial impact of decisions (material losses, rejects, downtime).
• Ability to build and leverage relationships to improve results.
• Open-minded and willing to experiment and try new things and improvement initiatives.
• Hands-on experience operating roll-fed labellers (SACMI / SIDEL / SIDEL Rollquattro) on PET lines.
• Good understanding and experience of current WC manufacturing methodologies.
• Good understanding of HQSE modalities and codes.
• Good understanding of GMP and GHK requirement for immediate work area on the production line.
• Good oral communication, influencing and relationship skills.