A leading organization in the non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverage manufacturing sector is inviting applications for the position of Operator Technical within its manufacturing operations in Kenya. This opportunity is available within a well-established production environment that plays a significant role in beverage manufacturing and distribution across the African continent. The role is designed for individuals with hands-on technical expertise, a strong understanding of process operations, and a consistent focus on quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
The Operator Technical position is a permanent role within the manufacturing job category and is based in Kenya, with work locations in Nyeri and Eldoret. The role forms part of a structured production team and reports directly to the Shift Team Leader. It is suitable for professionals who are experienced in equipment maintenance within food processing environments and who are capable of operating within standardized operating procedures while maintaining high-quality and safety standards.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the organization, the purpose of the role, and a detailed job description outlining the duties, responsibilities, and expectations associated with the Operator Technical position. The content is structured to support clarity and ease of understanding for candidates reviewing the opportunity on a third-party job board.
Company Overview
The organization operates as one of the largest bottlers of non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages on the African continent. It accounts for a substantial proportion of beverage volumes produced and distributed across multiple African markets and maintains a strong reputation as a market leader within the sector. With an extensive operational footprint, the company employs thousands of individuals across Africa, including a significant workforce within South Africa and other regions.
The organization’s operations are characterized by large-scale manufacturing facilities, advanced production technologies, and standardized quality management systems. Its manufacturing plants support the production of a wide range of beverages and operate under strict quality, safety, and environmental guidelines. Employees within the organization are part of a structured operational environment that emphasizes compliance with operating procedures, continuous improvement, and teamwork.
Within Kenya, the manufacturing operations contribute to regional supply chains and support both local and national distribution networks. The Operator Technical role is an integral part of ensuring that production processes function efficiently, safely, and in accordance with defined quality standards.
Job Title
Operator Technical
Job Category
Manufacturing
Job Type
Permanent
Location
Kenya
Work locations: Nyeri and Eldoret
Reference Number
CCB260115-8
Closing Date
22 January 2026
Role Overview
The Operator Technical role is responsible for the effective operation of the process area in line with established work instructions and standard operating procedures. The position involves direct involvement in production processes, quality control activities, and autonomous maintenance tasks. The role places a strong emphasis on maintaining product quality, ensuring process integrity, and supporting smooth shift transitions.
The Technical Operator works as part of a shift-based production team and reports to the Shift Team Leader. The role requires a proactive approach to quality control, safety, and equipment care, ensuring that production targets are met without compromising on standards. The Operator Technical is expected to contribute to a stable production environment by identifying issues early, executing required checks, and supporting team objectives.
Key Purpose of the Role
The primary purpose of the Operator Technical position is to operate the assigned process area efficiently and safely while maintaining high-quality standards. The role focuses on executing both destructive and non-destructive quality checks, carrying out autonomous maintenance, and ensuring that production processes remain within defined parameters.
A key aspect of the role is the emphasis on quality control activities within the team. The Operator Technical plays an active role in monitoring product quality, identifying deviations, and ensuring corrective actions are taken where necessary. In addition, the role supports continuity between shifts by preparing the process area for the incoming team and ensuring that changeovers and cleaning processes are completed in accordance with requirements.
Detailed Job Description
The Operator Technical role encompasses a wide range of operational, quality, and maintenance-related responsibilities. The following sections outline the key duties and responsibilities associated with the position in detail.
Operation of the Process Area
The Operator Technical is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the assigned process area in accordance with documented work instructions. This includes starting, running, monitoring, and stopping equipment as required to meet production schedules and output targets. The operator ensures that machinery and process systems are functioning correctly and that any deviations from normal operating conditions are identified and addressed promptly.
The role requires close attention to process parameters, including temperature, pressure, flow rates, and other relevant indicators. The Operator Technical must ensure that these parameters remain within specified limits to support consistent product quality and safe operation. Where abnormalities are detected, the operator is expected to take appropriate action, which may include adjusting settings, escalating issues to the Shift Team Leader, or initiating corrective procedures.
Execution of Quality Checks
A core responsibility of the Operator Technical is the execution of both destructive and non-destructive quality checks. These checks are performed in line with established quality assurance protocols and are designed to verify that products meet defined specifications.
Non-destructive quality checks may include visual inspections, measurement of product attributes, and monitoring of process indicators that affect product quality. Destructive quality checks involve testing samples to assess internal characteristics or compliance with quality standards. The Operator Technical is responsible for accurately conducting these checks, recording results, and reporting any non-conformances.
The role requires a strong understanding of quality standards and the ability to identify trends or recurring issues that may impact product integrity. By maintaining a consistent focus on quality control activities, the Operator Technical contributes to minimizing waste, reducing rework, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Autonomous Maintenance Activities
The Operator Technical carries out autonomous maintenance tasks as part of routine operations. These tasks are aimed at maintaining equipment reliability and preventing unplanned downtime. Autonomous maintenance may include cleaning, lubricating, inspecting equipment, and performing basic adjustments within the scope of the operator’s responsibility.
By performing these tasks regularly, the Operator Technical helps to identify early signs of wear or malfunction. Any issues that fall outside the scope of autonomous maintenance are escalated to the appropriate maintenance personnel for further action. The role requires adherence to maintenance schedules and accurate documentation of completed tasks.
Focus on Quality Control Activities
Quality control is a primary focus of the Operator Technical role. The operator supports the team by actively monitoring quality indicators and ensuring that corrective actions are implemented when deviations occur. This includes working closely with team members to maintain awareness of quality requirements and reinforcing adherence to standard operating procedures.
The Operator Technical may be involved in root cause analysis of quality issues, providing input based on observations from the process area. By maintaining a strong quality mindset, the operator supports continuous improvement initiatives and helps to sustain high production standards.
Preparation for the Next Shift
An important aspect of the role is preparing the process area for the next shift. This involves ensuring that equipment is left in a stable and safe condition, production data is accurately recorded, and any outstanding issues are communicated effectively during shift handover.
The Operator Technical is responsible for completing required documentation and providing clear information to the incoming team regarding process status, ongoing issues, and any actions that may be required. Effective shift preparation supports continuity of operations and reduces the risk of errors or delays.
Changeovers in Line with Requirements
The role includes responsibility for carrying out changeovers in accordance with production requirements. Changeovers may involve adjusting equipment settings, replacing components, or preparing the process area for a different product or production run.
The Operator Technical ensures that changeovers are completed efficiently and in line with documented procedures. This includes verifying that all necessary adjustments have been made and that the process area is ready for production following the changeover. Attention to detail during changeovers is essential to prevent quality issues and ensure smooth transitions between production runs.
Cleaning-in-Place Activities
Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) activities are an integral part of maintaining hygiene and product safety within the manufacturing environment. The Operator Technical is responsible for carrying out CIP processes in accordance with standard operating procedures.
This includes preparing the system for cleaning, monitoring the cleaning process, and verifying that cleaning parameters meet required standards. Proper execution of CIP activities helps to prevent contamination, maintain product quality, and comply with hygiene regulations.
Good Manufacturing Practices
The Operator Technical is expected to maintain Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) at all times. This includes adhering to hygiene standards, following correct handling procedures, and ensuring that the process area remains clean and orderly.
The role requires consistent compliance with GMP requirements, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and adherence to site rules. By maintaining GMP standards, the Operator Technical supports a safe and compliant manufacturing environment.
Ensuring Process and Quality Integrity
Ensuring the integrity of both the process and the final product is a key responsibility of the Operator Technical. This involves monitoring critical control points, ensuring that process conditions remain stable, and responding appropriately to deviations.
The operator plays a role in safeguarding product quality by ensuring that only compliant products proceed through the production process. This may include isolating non-conforming products, initiating corrective actions, and supporting investigations into quality incidents.
Safety Responsibilities
Personal and machine safety are critical aspects of the Operator Technical role. The operator is responsible for following all safety procedures and ensuring that equipment is operated safely at all times.
This includes conducting pre-operational safety checks, identifying potential hazards, and reporting unsafe conditions. The Operator Technical must ensure that safety guards and protective devices are in place and functioning correctly. By maintaining a strong safety focus, the operator contributes to a safe working environment for all team members.
Experience and Skills
The Operator Technical role requires practical experience in equipment maintenance within a food processing environment. The position involves working with production machinery and process systems, requiring a solid understanding of mechanical principles and operational practices.
The role also requires computer and technical skills to support the use of production systems, monitoring tools, and documentation processes. The Operator Technical must be able to interpret technical information, follow detailed instructions, and accurately record production and quality data.
Education
The role requires a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. This educational background supports the technical and mechanical aspects of the position and provides a foundation for understanding production equipment and maintenance activities.
Reporting Structure
The Operator Technical reports directly to the Shift Team Leader. This reporting relationship supports clear communication, effective supervision, and alignment with shift objectives. The operator works as part of a broader production team and collaborates with colleagues to achieve operational goals.
Work Environment
The role is based within a manufacturing plant environment and involves shift-based work. The Operator Technical operates in a structured setting with defined procedures, safety requirements, and performance expectations. The work environment requires attention to detail, adherence to standards, and the ability to respond effectively to operational challenges.
Conclusion
The Operator Technical position offers an opportunity to work within a large-scale manufacturing operation that plays a significant role in the beverage industry across Africa. The role is suited to individuals with technical expertise, experience in food processing environments, and a strong focus on quality and safety.
By operating process areas, executing quality checks, performing autonomous maintenance, and supporting shift operations, the Operator Technical contributes directly to production efficiency and product integrity. The role requires a disciplined and detail-oriented approach, as well as the ability to work effectively within a team-based environment.
This opportunity is ideal for professionals seeking a permanent role within manufacturing operations and who are prepared to take on responsibility within a structured and standards-driven organization.
