Labelling & Vario-Pack Machine Operator / Technician

Job Title: Labelling & Vario-Pack Machine Operator / Technician
Department: Manufacturing – Beverages Production
Location: Kiambu County
Reports To: Production Supervisor – Beverages
Direct Reports: None

Job Purpose
The Labelling & Vario-Pack Machine Operator / Technician is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining the labelling and packing equipment within the beverages production line. The role ensures accurate label application and efficient shrink packaging while maintaining high production efficiency and minimizing process wastage. The incumbent will support machine troubleshooting, preventive maintenance activities, and ensure accurate documentation of machine performance and material utilization.

Key Responsibilities
1. Machine Operations
• Operate and monitor Krones and Sacmi labelling machines and Vario-Pack packaging machines to ensure smooth production processes.
• Ensure correct label application, bottle alignment, and shrink packaging quality in line with production standards.
• Set up and adjust labelling recipes for new bottle formats to ensure accurate label placement and packaging quality.
• Monitor machine performance and respond promptly to operational issues to maintain continuous production flow.
2. Machine Maintenance & Troubleshooting
• Plan and execute preventive and autonomous maintenance activities for labelling and packaging equipment.
• Troubleshoot basic electrical, mechanical, and operational faults in the labelling and packaging machines.
• Work closely with the engineering team to escalate and resolve complex machine breakdowns.
3. Production Efficiency & Waste Control
• Ensure machine operations support production efficiency above 85% while maintaining process wastage below 1%.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and recommend improvements to reduce machine downtime and packaging defects.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving machine performance and reliability.
4. Documentation & Reporting
• Maintain accurate machine logbooks, including operational data, maintenance activities, and production performance.
• Record and track machine downtime incidents, including root causes and corrective actions.
• Develop action plans based on downtime history to improve machine reliability and efficiency.
5. Material Management & Reconciliation
• Ensure accurate reconciliation of labels, shrink film, and other packaging materials used during production.
• Monitor material consumption and report variances to the Production Supervisor.
• Ensure proper waste segregation and accounting in line with operational procedures.
6. Spare Parts & Inventory Support
• Maintain a good understanding of machine spare parts requirements, particularly for labelling equipment.
• Monitor availability of critical spares and follow up with engineering or stores to ensure adequate inventory levels.
• Support proper documentation and tracking of spare parts consumption.

Qualifications & Experience
• ITI Certificate or Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field.
• Minimum 7–8 years of experience operating Krones and Sacmi bottling line equipment.
• Hands-on experience with labelling machines and Vario-Pack packaging machines.
• Practical knowledge of machine troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and packaging processes.

Competencies & Skills
• Strong technical troubleshooting ability for production equipment
• Good understanding of labelling and packaging processes in bottling operations
• Attention to detail in label application and packaging quality
• Basic electrical and mechanical fault diagnosis capability
• Strong machine monitoring and reporting discipline
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment