Bottling Supervisor - Meredale at Willowton Group

Background to the Company 

Willowton Group has been in operation since 1970 and has grown to become one of Africa’s leading edible oil processors, as well as one of the leading competitors in the South Africa's FMCG market.
The group operates across South Africa with manufacturing facilities in Pietermaritzburg, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. Willowton Group has recently completed expanding its manufacturing operations into Zambia and Zimbabwe, with aspirations to further extend its reach to customers throughout Africa.
A wide range of products encompasses edible oils, rice, margarines and spreads, beauty, toilet and laundry soaps, candles, baking and industrial fats. Well-known brands include, amongst others, Sunfoil, Sunshine D, D’lite, Crown, WoodenSpoon, and Allsome rice.
Key to the group’s success are the sound foundations of service excellence, continued investment in technology and human resources and the hands-on involvement of the directors in the day-to-day running of the business.

By combining flexibility and vision with a sound business approach, the company is set to strengthen its position in the FMCG market even further, now and into the future.  

Principal Accountabilities

•  Supervising and coordinating the activities of bottling line operators to ensure smooth and efficient operation of the bottling line.
•  Overseeing the setup, operation, and maintenance of bottling equipment, including fillers, cappers, labellers, and conveyors.
•  Monitoring production schedules and ensuring that production targets are met while maintaining quality standards.
•  Conducting regular inspections of equipment and machinery to identify any issues or maintenance needs, and coordinating repairs as necessary.
•  Enforcing safety procedures and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations to create a safe working environment for all employees.
•  Training and developing bottling line operators to improve their skills and performance, and providing ongoing guidance and support.
•  Implementing quality control measures to ensure that products meet company standards and customer requirements.
•  Managing inventory levels of packaging materials, such as bottles, caps, labels, and cartons, and coordinating replenishment orders as needed.
•  Monitoring production costs and identifying opportunities to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
•  Collaborating with other departments, such as production planning, maintenance, and quality assurance, to optimize overall production processes.
•  Maintaining accurate production records and reports, including production volumes, downtime, and quality control data.
•  Resolving any issues or disputes that may arise during the bottling process, and escalating more complex issues to management as needed.
•  Implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance bottling processes and increase productivity.
•  Participating in the development and implementation of new bottling technologies or equipment upgrades.
•  Assisting with the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for bottling operations.  

Desired Qualifications

•  A tertiary qualification with a production management diploma would be acceptable.
•  A diploma in packaging technology would be advantages.
•  Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in production management in a bottling or manufacturing environment.
•  Strong technical knowledge of bottling equipment and processes, including fillers, cappers, labellers, and conveyors.
•  Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and coach a team.
•  Solid understanding of health and safety regulations and practices, with a commitment to creating a safe work environment.
•  Ability to analyse production data and identify opportunities for process improvements.
•  Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
•  Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.