Packaging Artisan

About the role

AB InBev Africa is seeking a Packaging Artisan to keep the packaging process running safely, efficiently, and in line with established work instructions. This position centers on process-area operation, non-destructive quality checks, and routine maintenance, with strong emphasis on asset care.

The company describes a culture built on ambition, curiosity, and teamwork, with a focus on helping people grow and contribute their strengths to shared goals.

Core responsibilities

The role covers day-to-day process control, equipment upkeep, communication, problem solving, and continuous improvement. It also includes supporting safe operations, maintaining quality standards, and escalating issues when needed.

Operating and process control

• Run the process area according to the prescribed work instructions and usage standards.
• Complete the required quality inspections in line with quality control and analysis procedures.
• Log waste in the correct records or systems, then review waste patterns to spot issues or improvement opportunities early.
• Track process performance against targets and maintain all short interval control records.
• React quickly to upstream or downstream issues that lead to stoppages.
• Use the approved problem-solving methods defined in the work practice.
• Keep the work area orderly by applying 5S principles and following safe work practices.
• Identify unsafe behaviors or conditions and help correct them.
• Support teammates in completing their tasks.

Maintenance of plant and equipment

• Perform detailed cleaning, lubrication, and inspection of machines according to the work instructions and maintenance planner schedule.
• Carry out routine maintenance tasks as scheduled.
• Escalate larger equipment issues to the team leader when they cannot be resolved during routine maintenance.
• Take part in maintenance and cleaning days.
• Support the maintenance team in line with the planned schedule.
• Participate in maintenance postmortems and related support activities.
• Watch for recurring patterns during routine maintenance.
• If trends point to deeper problems, take corrective action with support from the SBU, maintenance controller, or maintenance support.

Quality control and analysis

• Carry out non-destructive checks and analyses while operating the line.
• Follow the checklist of inspections provided in the work instructions.
• Record quality results in the relevant documents or information systems.
• When output falls short of quality standards, attempt to diagnose and fix the issue using the proper methods.
• Escalate unresolved quality problems to the team leader for guidance.

Communication and teamwork

• Take an active part in shift meetings by asking questions, confirming understanding, and contributing ideas.
• Use the gap list to capture problems, risks, and improvement ideas.
• Stay aligned with team goals and join goal review sessions.
• Participate in FFA activities when required.
• Use communication tools such as the shift logbook to stay informed and keep others updated.

Problem solving and improvement

• Apply the right troubleshooting methods when issues arise.
• Bring in teammates or escalate to the team leader if a problem cannot be solved independently.
• Confirm that resolved issues have truly been eliminated.
• Use run/control charts and trend analysis to identify waste and process variation.
• Apply short stop analysis, Pareto charts, and similar tools to find simplification opportunities.
• Record improvement opportunities on the team gap list and involve others or specialists as needed.

Minimum requirements

Applicants should have at least a Diploma, or an equivalent qualification, in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering. Prior experience in a packaging process environment is required, and the role calls for shift work, quick reactions to out-of-control situations, strong attention to detail, and solid problem-solving ability.

Additional information

The role is graded as Band X. AB InBev Africa is an equal opportunity employer and will fill the position in line with its employment equity plan and talent requirements. The advertisement lists only the minimum requirements, and management may consider additional relevant information during shortlisting.