Packaging Technical Operator

Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) was incorporated in 1969 and over the years KWAL has become a leading East African beverage champion in the manufacturing, exporting and importation of a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. KWAL is a HEINEKEN OpCo.

Function: Supply Chain
Sub Function: Supply Chain – Production
Type of Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 18-06-2025

Join KWAL and be a part of something bigger, as we accelerate excellence as a proud member of the HEINEKEN global family.  While we unlock new opportunities and shape the next chapter of our journey, KWAL is embedding a high-performing, agile business driven by innovation and purpose. If you’re energized by transformation and inspired to make a meaningful difference, this is your moment to lead change and grow with a business that’s going places – fast!

Job Purpose

This position is responsible for ensuring that the assigned machine runs optimally in terms of quality and quantity within a safe working environment. The role holder also ensures good collaboration with co-workers to help the team achieve high levels of productivity in alignment to KWAL and Heineken overall organisational goals and objectives.

Main Responsibilities

Machine operations 

• Operate the assigned machine in accordance with the operating procedures to ensure proper operation of the machine and safe working environment.
• Perform SKU & Products machine changeovers.
• Prepare all necessary tools, equipment and materials required for the assigned machine in compliance with the approved processes and procedures.
• Prepare and submit reports to the Line Controller of downtime and the product quality index at their station with the aim of driving enhanced performance.
• Perform the adjustments and setting of the assigned machine to ensure quality output at their station and reduction of product wastage while upholding safety and product quality standards.
• Inspect inputs and outputs for quality to identify causes of defects and rectify to ensure product quality and minimize wastage.
• Record all breakdowns.

Compliance with standards 

• Inspect the quality of dry goods to ensure conformance to the established standards for a high-quality product index.
• Monitoring of Critical Control Points (CCPs) and Operational Prerequisite Programs and reporting deviations and also taking corrective actions.
• Comply with all applicable quality, safety, health, and environmental standards such as ISO 9001, 22000/ HACCP where applicable.
• Comply with all applicable quality, safety, health, and environmental standards such as ISO 9001, 22000/ HACCP where applicable.
• Operate the assigned machine in accordance with the operating procedures to ensure proper operation of the machine and safe working environment.

Front Line Maintenance/ Autonomous Maintenance (AM)

• Liaise with maintenance for major breakdowns and to ensure that the machines are serviced on time and routinely to reduce plant downtime.
• Carry out minor/routine (autonomous) maintenance of the respective machine, ensure that cleaning is done before and after every production run, and comply with plant/equipment scheduled maintenance.

Quality at Source

• Inspect inputs and outputs for quality to identify causes of defects and rectify to ensure product quality and minimise wastage.
• Participate in the actual changeover process to ensure the product quality is upheld in the next shift.
• Inspect and ensure quality control on the lines are adhered to and executed as per the agreed plans and strategies in place.
• Ensure that the assigned machine runs optimally in terms of quality and quantity within a safe working environment.

TPM and Continuous Improvement

• Support the TPM way of working.
• Support the implementation of the improvement activities.

Minimum Required Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Academic Qualifications

• Diploma in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics or Production Engineering

Experience 

• Entry Level, No experience Required

Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Health and safety
• Maintenance and root cause problem solving skills
• Ability to control quality in a process
• Autonomous maintenance
• Documentation skills

Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to work effectively in a team
• Demonstrate a deep commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs. This includes actively seeking feedback, anticipating customer preferences, and tailoring services to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and understanding. This includes using appropriate channels and styles to convey messages and actively listening to feedback.
• Physical Stamina and Strength
• High level of integrity
• Ability to work under minimal supervision
• Seeks innovative ideas and approaches to improve products and processes
• Continuously seeks new opportunities to enhance products and services
• Utilise analytical skills to identify issues and develop effective solutions
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good Interpersonal skills