Operator – Processing 2 (Concentrated Products)
Company: Clover
Position: Operator
Reference Number: CLO260813-1
Department: Production
Job Type: Permanent
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Queensburgh, KwaZulu-Natal
Country: South Africa
Industry: Food Service / FMCG & Food Production
Minimum Education: Grade 12 / National Certificate / NQF 4
Closing Date: 20 August 2026
Job Overview
An opportunity is available for an Operator to join the Production team in Queensburgh, KwaZulu-Natal. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating, monitoring and controlling processing equipment within the Processing 2 (Concentrated Products) factory.
This position plays an important role in ensuring that production processes operate efficiently while maintaining product quality, equipment reliability, safety and hygiene standards. The Operator will work according to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and will be required to monitor plant processes, maintain accurate production records, manage process materials and supplies, and assist with maintenance and troubleshooting activities.
The role is suited to an individual with relevant FMCG or food production experience who understands machine operation and is comfortable working in a production environment. The successful candidate must be prepared to work shifts, weekends and public holidays as required by the operation.
The Operator will also contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving production efficiency, reducing operating costs and minimising losses.
Key Responsibilities
Plant & Equipment Operations
The Operator will be responsible for operating and monitoring processing equipment in accordance with established procedures.
Key duties include:
- Operating processing equipment according to Standard Operating Procedures.
- Monitoring and controlling plant processes.
- Ensuring equipment operates efficiently and safely.
- Identifying abnormalities in processing equipment and plant operations.
- Monitoring key production variables throughout the production process.
- Taking appropriate action when operating conditions fall outside required standards.
- Ensuring that production targets and quality requirements are supported.
- Minimising losses during machine and plant operations.
The Operator must maintain a strong understanding of the equipment under their control and ensure that operating procedures are consistently followed.
Production Records & Monitoring
Accurate production information is an important part of the position.
The successful candidate will be required to maintain records relating to:
- Production volumes.
- Production yields.
- Plant uptime and downtime.
- Utility consumption.
- Production performance.
- Process variables.
- Other production information as required.
Records may need to be completed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, depending on operational requirements.
The Operator must ensure that production information is accurate, complete and available for reporting and operational decision-making.
Quality Assurance
Maintaining product quality and protecting the integrity of raw materials are key responsibilities.
The Operator will:
- Ensure quality assurance requirements are followed.
- Maintain the integrity of raw materials.
- Protect the quality and integrity of finished products.
- Understand and interpret Quality Assurance results.
- Take appropriate corrective action when required.
- Follow established quality and food safety procedures.
- Report quality-related concerns where necessary.
The successful candidate must understand the importance of consistent quality throughout the production process.
Cleaning & Hygiene
The Operator will participate in programmes and procedures designed to maintain high levels of plant cleanliness and hygiene.
Responsibilities include:
- Participating in plant cleanliness programmes.
- Conducting Cleaning in Place (CIP) activities.
- Preparing processing equipment for sanitation.
- Following required hygiene procedures.
- Maintaining clean and safe working areas.
- Supporting sanitation requirements within the production environment.
These responsibilities are particularly important within a food production environment where cleanliness and hygiene standards must be maintained consistently.
Raw Materials & Process Supplies
The Operator will monitor the usage and availability of process chemicals, raw materials and other production supplies.
This includes:
- Monitoring process chemical usage.
- Monitoring inventories of process supplies.
- Minimising unnecessary losses.
- Ensuring materials are used efficiently.
- Maintaining the integrity of raw materials.
- Reporting shortages or operational concerns where required.
Effective material management contributes to reducing production costs and improving overall operational efficiency.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
The Operator will work closely with the maintenance department to support reliable plant operations.
Responsibilities include:
- Communicating equipment-related problems directly to the maintenance department.
- Assisting with plant maintenance activities.
- Performing preventative maintenance activities when required.
- Assisting with diagnosing maintenance-related problems.
- Supporting troubleshooting activities.
- Reporting equipment abnormalities promptly.
- Preparing equipment for maintenance or sanitation when required.
- Supporting plant safety programmes.
The Operator should be able to recognise equipment problems and communicate technical concerns clearly to maintenance personnel.
Continuous Improvement
The role also contributes to improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
The successful candidate will assist with:
- Efficiency improvement initiatives.
- Reduction of operating costs.
- Minimising machine and material losses.
- Improving equipment utilisation.
- Identifying opportunities to improve production processes.
- Supporting programmes designed to improve plant performance.
A willingness to identify problems and contribute ideas for better ways of working will be valuable in this position.
Minimum Requirements
Candidates applying for the Operator position should meet the following requirements:
Education
- Grade 12 or equivalent NQF Level 4.
- A tertiary qualification in Operations is required/advantageous according to the listed requirements.
Experience
- 2–5 years of relevant experience in FMCG or food production.
- Experience applying job-related concepts, techniques and processes at the required level.
- Knowledge or experience in machine operation.
Other Requirements
- Fluent in Business English.
- Willing and able to work shifts.
- Willing to work weekends and public holidays when required.
- Comfortable working within a production environment.
- Able to follow SOPs and established safety and quality procedures.
Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following competencies:
Achieves Results Effectively
The Operator should be focused on achieving production requirements while maintaining quality, safety and operational standards.
Acts With Honesty and Consistency
The successful candidate must demonstrate integrity, reliability and consistency when performing production duties and maintaining records.
Commitment and Motivation
The role requires someone who is motivated, committed to their responsibilities and willing to contribute to the overall success of the production operation.
Working Environment
This is a permanent production position based in Queensburgh, KwaZulu-Natal. Because the production facility operates according to operational requirements, the successful candidate must be flexible regarding working hours and prepared to work shifts, weekends and public holidays.
The role involves working around processing equipment and requires employees to consistently follow workplace safety, hygiene, quality and operational procedures.
Important Job Details
Position: Operator
Reference: CLO260813-1
Department: Production
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Location: Queensburgh, KwaZulu-Natal
Industry: Food Service / FMCG & Food Production
Minimum Education: Grade 12 / NQF 4
Experience: Relevant FMCG/Food Production experience
Closing Date: 20 August 2026
This is an opportunity for a production professional with machine operation experience and an FMCG or food production background to join a permanent production environment. The successful candidate will play a hands-on role in operating processing equipment, monitoring production, maintaining quality, supporting maintenance and ensuring that safety and hygiene standards are consistently upheld.
Applicants should ensure their applications are submitted before the closing date of 20 August 2026.