Forklift Driver – QPro Feeds
- Location: Vrede
- Department: Production Packing
- Industry: Animal Feed Manufacturing / FMCG
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Position: Forklift Driver
Job Purpose
The Forklift Driver is responsible for coordinating production packing processes, operating forklifts safely, handling final products and packaging materials, supporting inventory control, and ensuring efficient packing operations within the production environment. The role contributes to maintaining productivity, food safety standards, quality assurance, and operational efficiency within the feed manufacturing process.
Key Responsibilities
Production Packing Operations
- Coordinate daily packing and palletising activities.
- Assist with filling, stitching, stacking, and moving finished products.
- Ensure correct packaging materials are used for each production batch.
- Monitor product quality throughout the packing process.
- Verify bag weights and stitching quality according to standards.
Start-Up and Shutdown Procedures
- Prepare the production packing area before each shift.
- Follow approved start-up procedures.
- Perform end-of-shift shutdown procedures.
- Ensure housekeeping standards are maintained before and after shifts.
- Verify operational readiness of scales, scanners, printers, and equipment.
Forklift Operations
- Conduct daily forklift inspections before use.
- Operate forklifts safely according to company procedures.
- Transport ingredients, packaging materials, and finished products.
- Move completed pallets to designated storage areas.
- Ensure safe loading, unloading, and storage practices.
Inventory and Stock Control
- Perform stock counts after production batches.
- Monitor packed product inventory.
- Balance stock on hand and transfer stock to warehouse operations.
- Reconcile stock variances and report discrepancies.
- Maintain accurate inventory records.
Packaging Material Control
- Receive packaging materials according to production schedules.
- Verify product types and quantities.
- Update stock control records.
- Ensure packaging materials match production requirements.
Equipment Monitoring and Maintenance
- Monitor equipment performance during operations.
- Report equipment faults and abnormalities.
- Assist in maintaining machinery efficiency.
- Support preventative maintenance activities.
- Ensure equipment operates within specified standards.
Quality Assurance and Food Safety
- Perform quality inspections on packed products.
- Monitor compliance with food safety requirements.
- Protect products from contamination and damage.
- Adhere to company quality assurance procedures.
- Ensure final products meet packaging and quality specifications.
Administration and Reporting
- Complete daily control sheets and operational records.
- Maintain production documentation.
- Update registers and stock records.
- Submit reports accurately and on time.
Communication and Coordination
- Communicate with warehouse and production teams.
- Participate in shift handovers.
- Liaise with supervisors regarding operational issues.
- Ensure smooth coordination between departments.
Housekeeping and Safety
- Maintain a clean and organised work area.
- Ensure cleaning equipment is available and used correctly.
- Follow health and safety procedures.
- Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Identify and report safety hazards.
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
- Grade 12 (Matric).
- Valid Forklift Licence.
Experience
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in the FMCG industry.
- Experience operating forklifts in manufacturing or warehouse environments.
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work shifts.
- Willingness to work overtime when required.
- Physically fit and able to work in a production environment.
Required Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills
- Forklift operation.
- Stock control and inventory management.
- Production packing processes.
- Equipment operation and monitoring.
- Warehouse operations.
Quality and Compliance
- Quality assurance principles.
- Food safety regulations.
- Health and safety compliance.
- Operational procedures adherence.
Administrative Skills
- Record keeping.
- Production documentation.
- Stock reconciliation.
- Reporting and data capture.
Communication Skills
- Good verbal communication.
- Team collaboration.
- Internal stakeholder liaison.
- Shift handover communication.
Personal Attributes
- Reliable and responsible.
- Self-motivated.
- Detail-oriented.
- Team player.
- Safety conscious.
- Professional attitude.
- Ability to work independently.
- Strong work ethic.