Plant Processing Specialist

Plant Processing Specialist

This role focuses on improving and stabilising injection moulding processes within a high-volume rigid plastic packaging environment, ensuring mould efficiency, product quality and reliable plant performance.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Plant Processing Specialist is responsible for optimising injection moulding operations and supporting consistent, high-quality production in a busy manufacturing facility.

Key areas of responsibility include

• Improving mould efficiencies by reducing setup and cycle times across assigned machines and moulds
• Analysing and optimising material handling and processing techniques to ensure stable, repeatable production
• Working closely with the Maintenance Department to plan and execute the mould maintenance programme
• Collaborating with Shift Teams and Team Leaders to maintain optimal production performance and minimise downtime
• Ensuring machinery and moulds are correctly maintained, serviced and stored to protect asset condition and performance
• Conducting mould and material trials when required, documenting settings, results and recommendations
• Ensuring that products consistently meet quality standards and specification requirements
• Maintaining high standards of housekeeping and safety in line with manufacturing and ISO procedures
• Managing injection moulds to maximise efficiency, reliability and service life
• Supporting Research and Development initiatives, including trials on new moulds, materials or process improvements
• Assisting with the maintenance of injection moulding machinery and moulds, including fault finding and minor repairs
• Attending to machine breakdowns and call-outs when required to restore production safely and promptly
• Providing training and development for setters, including coaching on machine setting, troubleshooting and best practice

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Essential requirements and competencies

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• Mechanical background is essential, with practical exposure to machinery and equipment
• Extensive experience in advanced plastic processing within an injection moulding environment
• Proven experience in maintenance management, preferably in a manufacturing or plastics processing plant
• Experience in Polymer Technology, including extruders and injection moulds
• Injection moulding machine setting experience is essential, with strong understanding of process parameters and optimisation
• Willingness to work shifts when operationally required
• Sound knowledge of ISO procedures and adherence to documented standards
• Methodical approach to problem-solving, with the ability to diagnose and resolve process and mechanical issues
• Positive attitude with high levels of enthusiasm and self-motivation
• Strong logical and analytical thinking ability, able to interpret data and process trends
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all organisational levels
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment, supporting production, maintenance and technical colleagues
• Genuine commitment to operational excellence and consistent, reliable service to internal customers

NICE TO HAVE
These attributes will strengthen your application

• Experience in high-speed, high-volume rigid plastic packaging manufacturing
• Exposure to structured continuous improvement initiatives within a plant environment
• Previous involvement in training or mentoring technical staff

WHY JOIN US

The role sits within a specialised manufacturing environment focused on rigid plastic packaging, where process stability, mould performance and product quality are central to day-to-day operations. The plant typically runs multiple injection moulding and related polymer processing lines, supported by formal maintenance and ISO-based quality systems, providing a structured setting for disciplined technical work.

This context suits professionals who value clear procedures, measurable performance standards and the opportunity to refine complex processes over time. Close collaboration with production, maintenance and technical teams forms a core part of the role, creating regular exposure to diverse equipment, mould technologies and polymer applications.

To apply, please submit your CV and relevant supporting documents through the designated application channel.