Production Operator - Stretch Blow… at ExactoCraft · Wellington

Job Description

We are seeking a technically-minded and self-reliant Machine Operator to run a stretch blow moulding line at our site on a farm near Wellington. This is a stand-alone position: you will be the person on site, responsible for starting the line up, running it, shutting it down safely and keeping every piece of equipment on the site in good working order.

The ideal candidate has a strong technical eye, the discipline to work to a written procedure every time, and the maturity to work without a supervisor looking over their shoulder. Because there is no maintenance crew on site, hands-on mechanical ability matters as much as machine operating. You will stay in regular contact with our production team in Blackheath, who rely on you for an accurate picture of what is happening on the line.

Key Responsibilities

· Machine Operation: Safely start up, operate and shut down the stretch blow moulding line and all auxiliary equipment.

· Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Carry out routine and preventive maintenance on all equipment on site; diagnose and fix basic mechanical, pneumatic and electrical faults to keep downtime to a minimum.

· SOP Compliance: Work to standard operating procedures without exception, and complete the production paperwork accurately and on time.

· Quality Control: Check product quality through the run, set aside anything outside specification, and act before a problem becomes a batch.

· Material & Data Tracking: Accurately record production output, cycle times, waste, raw material usage and maintenance performed.

· Reporting & Communication: Report progress, production figures and any problems to the Blackheath team on a regular agreed basis. You are our eyes and ears on site.

· Self-Management: Manage your own day, keep the line and work area clean and safe, and escalate anything beyond your scope promptly rather than working around it.

· Continuous Learning: Use a technical eye to learn the process from our senior operators and grow into full ownership of the line.

Requirements & Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience

· Matric (Grade 12) is a mandatory requirement.

· Experience in plastics manufacturing – stretch blow moulding, blow moulding, injection moulding or extrusion – is highly preferred, but see "Trainee applicants welcome" below.

· Practical maintenance experience: comfortable with hand tools, basic electrics and pneumatics.

Key Competencies & Skills

· A strong technical eye and a systems-thinking mindset – understanding how material, machine settings and final product connect.

· Proven ability to follow standard operating procedures precisely, every time.

· Able to work independently, without daily supervision, and to stay productive on their own.

· Clear communication, by phone and in writing, with a team based elsewhere.

· Accurate logging of technical and production data; strong attention to detail.

Location & Practical Requirements

· You must live in, or be able to relocate to, the Wellington / Paarl area. The site is on a farm, so reliable transport is essential.

· Flexibility to work occasional overtime as production demands require.

Added Advantages

· Relevant technical qualifications, trade-related certificates or specialised courses attended.

· A valid driver’s licence.

· Forklift, lifting equipment or first aid certification.

Trainee applicants welcome

If you have matric – particularly with technical subjects – and a genuine interest in machinery, we would like to hear from you even without factory experience. The right candidate will be trained on the equipment by our experienced operators in Blackheath, who will act as mentors until you are signed off to run the line on your own.

What We Offer

· R45.00 – R49.00 per hour, depending on experience — roughly R7 800 to R8 500 per month total cost to company.

· Retirement annuity and other benefits included in the package.

· Full training and ongoing mentorship from senior operators at our Blackheath factory.

· A permanent position with real ownership of a line, and room to grow with a developing operation.

Pay: R45,00 - R49,00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Education:

• High School (matric) (Required)

Work Location: In person