Control and Automation Specialist at Coca-Cola Beverages Africa

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa is the largest African Coca-Cola bottler, accounting for 40% of all Coca-Cola volumes on the continent.  CCBA is a market leader in the NARTD (non-alcoholic ready-to-drink market) in Africa. CCBA has an extensive footprint in Africa, employing approximately 14 000 employees in Africa, and approximately 7 000 employees in South Africa. 

Key Purpose Statement

The primary role of the Control and Automation Specialist is to maintain the plant and associated devices to the original installed state. In doing so it must ensure that plant availability and product quality is maintained at minimum cost; without sacrificing standards. He or she will also be required to provide continuous improvement initiatives that would enable more cost-effective manufacturing in a highly competitive market. The role also entails the need to provide coaching within his or her field of expertise to develop the skills of other technical peers.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Operational Support

• Provide specialist support to the shift-based teams during operations. This will include standby and day-shift support.
• Where requested, assist as a functional expert in problem-solving. This must be undertaken in support of the process artisan.
• Provide guidance and advice to the shift-based teams on machine operation, machine fault finding and correct responses to machine failure modes. Provide coaching, mentoring and knowledge transfer of machine operation to shift-based teams.

Planned Maintenance

• Take part in maintenance planning meetings, contributing suggestions and clarifying work required.
• Carry out work during the planned maintenance window in accordance with the planned maintenance schedule issued by the Planner.
• Where scheduled work cannot be completed, feedback to the Maintenance Planner for direction. This may involve rescheduling the work or prioritising outstanding work.

Routine Maintenance

• Carry out routine maintenance activities in accordance with the maintenance schedule.
• Where problems have been uncovered during routine maintenance, these must be resolved using the appropriate problem solving techniques.
• Carry out condition monitoring activities where these have been allocated to the technician in accordance with the CM schedule.

Running Repairs

• Partake in carrying out running repairs on plant and equipment, or support the shift artisans in carrying out repairs.
• When carrying out repairs, assess the problem and determine a course of action.
• Solicits external specialist assistance where required; e.g. OEMs (as agreed with the Packaging Engineer).

Problem-Solving

• Apply the correct problem-solving methodologies to resolve problems
• Solicit additional resources to assist in problem-solving or escalate to the Packaging Engineer for direction.

Housekeeping and Safety

• Operate in a safe manner at all times, and to identify and highlight unsafe work practices so that these may be corrected.
• Carry out work according to the work instructions and adhere to appropriate CCBA policies and procedures.
• Carry out housekeeping tasks, and apply 5S principles during the execution of their duties.

Skills, Experience & Education

Qualifications

• N6 with Trade Test (Millwright)
• National Higher Diploma/Bachelors Degree/ Masters Degree (electronic/industrial) as added advantage
• 5 years work experience (FMCG an added advantage)
• PLC programming software training.
• HMI development/programming software training.
• PC literacy essential - Microsoft packages.
• Knowledge of SAP.

Experience

• Packaging machines (within the specialist area) and functionality

Key Attributes and Competencies

• Diagnostic ability
• Coaching skills
• Teamwork
• Result and Execution Driven
• Resilient and energetic
• Customer focused
• Contribute to self and team development.
• Must be a self-starter and be able to work under the pressures
• Must have an appreciation for quality and technical standards.
• Must be able to liaise with Machine Suppliers (OEMs) and Technical Support from COF.
• Must be able to carry out mechanical and electrical maintenance work.