Senior Machine Setter

JOB DESCRIPTION

Industry: Manufacturing

Shift: Permanent night shift -- no rotation

Employment Type:

Full-time

K2 Recruit is seeking five experienced Senior Machine Setters on behalf of our client, a manufacturing business seeking technically competent, hands‑on professionals to support efficient, safe and consistent production operations.

The successful candidates will be responsible for setting up, adjusting and optimising production line equipment, executing efficient product changeovers and maintaining stable machine performance to achieve production output and quality standards.

This is a key role in ensuring that machinery operates according to defined process parameters, production runs smoothly and product quality is maintained throughout the manufacturing process.

• Set up and prepare production machinery in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Configure machines for the correct product formats, packaging sizes and filling parameters.
• Execute efficient machine changeovers between production runs to minimise downtime and maintain production flow.
• Ensure all machinery is correctly set up, adjusted and ready before production commences.
• Monitor and adjust machine settings to maintain required production output, efficiency and consistency.
• Maintain critical process parameters, including fill levels, sealing, torque and other specified operating settings.
• Identify early warning signs of machine performance issues and take appropriate corrective action within the scope of machine setting.
• Perform basic troubleshooting relating to machine setup, adjustments and process settings.
• Escalate mechanical, electrical and complex technical faults to the Machine Technician when required.
• Monitor machine performance and support continuous production by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and minimise unnecessary downtime.
• Maintain product quality by ensuring that machines operate within defined process parameters.
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), hygiene requirements, workplace safety procedures and 5S standards.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment.
• Follow established procedures consistently and communicate production or equipment‑related concerns to the relevant team members.

• Matric / Grade 12.
• A formal technical qualification is essential.
• Approximately 2--5 years' experience in machine setting or a production manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrable experience setting up, adjusting and operating production machinery.
• Practical experience performing machine changeovers and configuring equipment for different products, formats or packaging requirements.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and an understanding of production equipment.
• FMCG or cosmetics manufacturing experience will be advantageous.
• Experience working in a GMP-controlled manufacturing environment will be advantageous.

Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of:

• Production equipment operation and machine-setting principles.
• Machine setup, adjustment and changeover procedures.
• Process parameters and the importance of maintaining consistent machine performance.
• Production efficiency, output monitoring and downtime reduction.
• Basic fault identification and troubleshooting.
• Escalation procedures for mechanical, electrical and complex technical faults.
• Quality control, GMP, hygiene and workplace safety requirements.
• SOP compliance and 5S workplace organisation.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Hands‑on, mechanically inclined and technically confident.
• Detail‑oriented, disciplined and methodical in their approach to machine setting.
• Proactive in identifying potential equipment or production issues.
• A practical problem‑solver who can respond efficiently to operational challenges.
• Quality‑conscious, with a strong focus on consistency and accuracy.
• Able to work under pressure in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Reliable and comfortable working a permanent night shift.
• An effective communicator who works well with production colleagues and technical teams.
• Accountable for following procedures and maintaining safe operating standards.

• Important shift and remuneration information:
  These positions operate on a permanent night shift, with no shift rotation.
• No overtime will be paid, as the basic salary offered is above the applicable overtime earnings threshold.