Job Description

Job Title:
Labelling & Vario-Pack Machine Operator / Technician

Department:
Manufacturing – Beverages Production

Location:
Kiambu County

Reports To:
Production Supervisor – Beverages

Direct Reports:
None

Job Purpose
The Labelling & Vario-Pack Machine Operator / Technician is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining the labelling and packing equipment within the beverages production line. The role ensures accurate label application and efficient shrink packaging while maintaining high production efficiency and minimizing process wastage. The incumbent will support machine troubleshooting, preventive maintenance activities, and ensure accurate documentation of machine performance and material utilization.

Key Responsibilities
1. Machine Operations
• Operate and monitor Krones and Sacmi labelling machines and Vario-Pack packaging machines to ensure smooth production processes.
• Ensure correct label application, bottle alignment, and shrink packaging quality in line with production standards.
• Set up and adjust labelling recipes for new bottle formats to ensure accurate label placement and packaging quality.
• Monitor machine performance and respond promptly to operational issues to maintain continuous production flow.

2. Machine Maintenance & Troubleshooting
• Plan and execute preventive and autonomous maintenance activities for labelling and packaging equipment.
• Troubleshoot basic electrical, mechanical, and operational faults in the labelling and packaging machines.
• Work closely with the engineering team to escalate and resolve complex machine breakdowns.

3. Production Efficiency & Waste Control
• Ensure machine operations support production efficiency above 85% while maintaining process wastage below 1%.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and recommend improvements to reduce machine downtime and packaging defects.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving machine performance and reliability.

4. Documentation & Reporting
• Maintain accurate machine logbooks, including operational data, maintenance activities, and production performance.
• Record and track machine downtime incidents, including root causes and corrective actions.
• Develop action plans based on downtime history to improve machine reliability and efficiency.

5. Material Management & Reconciliation
• Ensure accurate reconciliation of labels, shrink film, and other packaging materials used during production.
• Monitor material consumption and report variances to the Production Supervisor.
• Ensure proper waste segregation and accounting in line with operational procedures.

6. Spare Parts & Inventory Support
• Maintain a good understanding of machine spare parts requirements, particularly for labelling equipment.
• Monitor availability of critical spares and follow up with engineering or stores to ensure adequate inventory levels.
• Support proper documentation and tracking of spare parts consumption.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience
• ITI Certificate or Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field.
•
Minimum 7–8 years of experience operating Krones and Sacmi bottling line equipment.
•
Hands-on experience with labelling machines and Vario-Pack packaging machines.
• Practical knowledge of machine troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and packaging processes.

5. Competencies & Skills
• Strong technical troubleshooting ability for production equipment
• Good understanding of labelling and packaging processes in bottling operations
• Attention to detail in label application and packaging quality
• Basic electrical and mechanical fault diagnosis capability
• Strong machine monitoring and reporting discipline
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

About Career Directions Ltd

CDL is a proactive Human Resource Management consultancy firm specializing in Strategic Labour Force Outsourcing, Recruitment, Training, Payroll Processing and Total Human Resource Management. Since 2003, we have been a one-stop shop for all HR related queries and support in and around East Africa. We champion best practice in Human Resource while going the extra mile to proactively address workers needs in order to achieve optimum productivity & profitability.

Our Mission

To support and contribute to our partners success while improving the lives' of the community.

Our Vision

To be a partner of choice in providing quality manpower outsourcing solutions.

Our Core Values

1.Professionalism: Conducting our business in the most professional way

2.Respect: Giving due respect to self and others and maintain the environment of teamwork and growth.

3.Passion: To be passionate in all we do.

4.Integrity: To act with honesty and integrity without compromising the truth.

Industry

HR & Recruiting

Company Size

51-200 employees

Headquarters

Nairobi, KE

Year Founded

2003

Website

cdl.africa

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