VACANCY

Site : Maidstone Mill

Job Title : Packaging Technician

Grade : C2

Reports to : Packaging Manager

Department : Packaging Station

Main purpose of the job

To plan and co-ordinate Maintenance on high-speed volume machinery, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Morale at Packaging department, in order to achieve the required standard of product quality, OEE and output in the most efficient and effective manner.

• Understanding of both Mechanical and Electrical maintenance of the packing machinery is essential.
• Effect high quality maintenance on high volume Packaging machinery and associated plant on a planned maintenance system within prescribed budgets.
• Undertake repairs on plant equipment during production operations and thereby ensuring continuous production flow
• Develop programs for new equipment and plants.
• Maintain DCS/PLC systems.
• Calibrate instruments, repair and maintain control gear and associated equipment to ensure operation within set standards.
• Maintain and improve existing systems, and Instrumentation networks (hardware and software) and perform changes/modifications as required.
• Improve/ automate old manual processes
• Ensure adherence to Tongaat Huletts policies, procedures and applicable SA legislation.  i.e., ISO, OSH & HSEQ practices, SHEQ system requirements.
• Ensure that FSSC 22000 practices are maintained 
• Work on a shift basis as and when required
• Carry out weekly Standby duties on a rotational basis

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12, N3 or more and relevant Trade Test Certificate.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in Production Maintenance
• Minimum three years Engineering exposure in a FMCG environment involving high volume packaging machinery and associated equipment, preferably within the Sugar Industry / FPA. 
• Experience of supervising and running a high-speed packaging line would be highly advantageous
• A superior performance track record indicating a disciplined work ethic with passion for maintaining quality
• Demonstrated understanding of relevant legislation, specifically health and safety and labour legislation
• Leadership ability (ability to lead the plant and will be required to act in supervisory role from time to time)
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to facilitate problem solving in a team forum
• High level of resilience and ability to operate in a high-pressure environment and maintain a high standard.
• Exposure to HACCP, GMP, ISO and OHS Act practices.
• Good engineering diagnostic abilities

Personal Qualities

• A team player, dedicated employee with good communication skills
• Innovative and proactive in identifying opportunities to improve processes and automation.

      Closing Date: 21 August 2026

      Applications must be sent to : https://www.tongaat.com/south-africa-vacancies/

Please note that in terms of the company’s diversity and inclusion policy, this position has been bonded for employment equity candidates.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us in 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Contact information

KRISANTHA PILLAY