Junior Operations Technician

PURPOSE OF JOB

Responsible for feed process technology and engineering support to all De Heus business units and support when implementing major projects.  Responsible for protection of company assets through development and implementation of best practice asset management principles.  Development of De Heus production and engineering staff with regard to feed process technology and engineering skills.  To provide increased depth to the Operations team.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS 

Equipment Support & Troubleshooting

• Assist senior engineers and maintenance technicians with resolving machine breakdowns.
• Help inspect and monitor key equipment such as grinders, pellet mills, extruders, mixers, conveyors, and bagging lines.
• Report abnormal equipment behavior and help carry out corrective actions.
• Support routine lubrication, alignment checks, and basic mechanical tasks under supervision.

Production Process Monitoring

• Monitor production processes such as grinding, mixing, conditioning, pelleting, cooling,      and packing.
• Ensure machines run within the required parameters (temperature, moisture, throughput).
• Collect operational data and report deviations to senior staff.
• Help operators troubleshoot small process issues or adjustments.

Preventive Maintenance (PM)

• Assist in executing preventive maintenance schedules.
• Help keep maintenance logs up to date in the CMMS (or manual system).
• Participate in inspections of motors, gearboxes, bearings, and pneumatic/hydraulic systems.
• Support cleaning and preventive shutdown activities.

Continuous Improvement & Efficiency

• Identify simple improvements to reduce downtime, waste, or energy usage.
• Support Kaizen and Lean activities within the feed mill.
• Assist with small improvement projects (new chute design, minor layout change, feed flow improvements, etc.).
• Help improve SOPs for operators and maintenance teams.

Quality & Safety Compliance

• Follow all feed safety, hygiene, and GMP guidelines (FSSC, ISO, HACCP).
• Ensure equipment is operated safely and in line with plant policies.
• Help monitor product quality during processing (granulation, moisture, pellet durability).
• Assist in root-cause investigations for quality or process issues.

Documentation & Reporting

• Record downtime, breakdown causes, and corrective actions.
• Maintain checklists, PM records, and daily engineering reports.
• Assist with equipment manuals, process instructions, and change documentation.

Teamwork & Learning

• Work closely with operators, senior engineers, and maintenance teams.
• Participate in on-the-job training sessions about feed mill equipment and processes.
• Learn PLC basics, process automation, and plant utilities (steam, air, dust extraction).

Project Management 

• Development and Implementation of Project Management good practice and structure within DHSA including:
  • Project Planning
  • Project Communication and Stakeholders
  • Project Monitoring
  • Post Project implementation Review
• Provide support to business units on large and complex operational projects ensuring they meet both the budgeted expenditure and timeline targets.

Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Feed Mill Technology.
• 0–2 years’ experience (feed mill or manufacturing exposure preferred but not required).
• Basic knowledge of mechanical systems, electrical fundamentals, or automation.
• Willingness to work shifts and learn feed milling processes.
• Knowledge in Engineering and Production Process Technology
• Feed Milling Technology will be preferable
• PLC Technology

Skills

• Leadership skills
• Problem solving and decision making skills
• Conflict handling skills
• Communication and influencing skills
• Relationship building and team leadership skills
• Quality Awareness
• Computer skills (MS Office)
• Written communication skills
• Negotiation skills
• Mentoring and staff development skills

Behaviours

• High Performance
• Positive,  pro-active, results-driven attitude
• Innovative
• Highly ethical and principle-driven
• Committed, dedicated, motivated
• Self-starter and follow-though
• Energy, drive, courage and tenacity
• Required to work with minimum supervision

Adverse Working Conditions

• Travel and extended work hours.
• Dust
• Heights

Applicants must submit a comprehensive CV, with work-related references to hrsa@deheus.com

Closing date:    19 January 2026

Please note that only applicants who meet the stipulated minimum requirements will be considered. If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks of the closing date, kindly consider your application unsuccessful. De Heus reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised.