Machine Operator- Winery - 2 Positions at Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL)

Job Purpose

Under the guidance of a Blender, the Job holder offers support in  blending of spirits, wines, juices , RTD, receipt of raw materials, offloading of bulk cream/Spirit/Wine, and operation of cellar equipment . The position follows standard work methods and practices safe work habits to ensure Primary Production is as efficient and safe as possible.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities 

Area 1: Cellar Operations 

• Under moderate supervision, performs basic, routine wine making and blending tasks including but not limited to: cleaning and sanitizing Cellar fittings, hoses, fixed process lines, tanks, pumps, filters and water processing equipment; 
• Bulk liquid movements including pumping, racking, filtration, tank to tank liquid transfer and bulk liquid offloading
• Operate pumps, plate and frame filters, centrifuge, Tetra Pak Processing unit, and water processing equipment. Carry out daily autonomous maintenance of machines, monitor and report operational malfunction
• Participate and deliver on E2 & MDWT requirements
• Measure and calculate routine workplace data.
• Keep confidentiality on product related formulations and information
• Responsible for compliance with the requirements of SOPs, policies and corporate operational efficiency/environmental measures cascaded to this position. 
• Proper identification of product in tanks 
• Retain necessary process documents for all tasks undertaken at different process steps 

Area 2: RO Machine Operation

• Operate and Maintain Reverse osmosis Plant to produce optimum Quality and Quantity of potable water
• Inspect, service and repair components of the water treatment plant including water intakes, pipes, water storage vessels, chemical treatment equipment controls, circulation pumps and valves
• Maintain general administration of Ro Operations to ensure adequacy of water supply for Blending and CIP Processes
• Prepare Job cards for servicing and repairs
• Inspect the RO Plant on a continuous basis to ensure effective operations
• Establish & Implement CIP and Autonomous Maintenance Plans
• Ensure conformance to Preventive Maintenance Plans
• Maintain Operational logs and Maintenance reports and provide the same to Line Manager/Engineering on a daily basis
• Management of RO Inventory

Area 3: Reports

• Cleaning logs
• Raw material & Chemical reconciliation reports
• Pasteurization logs
• Fermentation logs
• Machine Operation logs
• Material Receipt Reports
• MDWT reports
• 5s reports
• Safety reports
• Equipment Maintenance Reports
• Processed Water Quality Reports

Area 4: Safety 

• Work in line with the requirements of the Best Safety, Occupational, Health and Good Manufacturing
• Identify work place hazards for permanent removal

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma in Food Science and Technology, Industrial Chemistry, or related field
• At least one (1) years’ experience in Syrup room operations, Tetra Pak processing unit operations or Alcoholic beverage blending operations
• Practical experience in use of MS packages and ERP systems.

Competencies/Attributes

• In-depth knowledge of production processes related to the manufacture of Wines/spirits/RTD and operation of Cellar equipment 
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to determine the root cause of a problem.
• Excellent analytical skills
• Ability to carry out blending calculations and interpretation of formulations
• Ability to set priorities and work independently within set guidelines.
• High level of Integrity.