Packaging Artisan – SAB (Newlands Brewery)

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Packaging Artisan Job Opportunity at SAB (Newlands Brewery) – Apply Before 7 August 2026

The South African Breweries (SAB), part of the global AB InBev group, is inviting applications for the position of Packaging Artisan at its Newlands Brewery in Cape Town, Western Cape. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Mechanical Fitter who is passionate about engineering, maintenance, manufacturing, and continuous improvement.

As a Packaging Artisan, you will play a vital role in ensuring that production equipment operates efficiently, safely, and reliably. You will perform preventative and corrective maintenance, troubleshoot mechanical faults, optimise production machinery, and contribute to delivering high-quality products while maintaining strict food safety and quality standards.

Job Details

  • Position: Packaging Artisan
  • Company: South African Breweries (SAB)
  • Parent Company: AB InBev
  • Location: Newlands Brewery, Cape Town, Western Cape
  • Job Type: Full-Time
  • Closing Date: 7 August 2026
  • Department: Packaging / Engineering
  • Industry: Manufacturing, Food & Beverage

About the Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining, repairing, and improving packaging plant equipment to maximise machine availability, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency. You will work closely with production teams to ensure machinery performs at optimal levels while complying with company safety policies and quality standards.

The role also requires participation in standby duties and involvement in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance production performance and reduce maintenance costs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Carry out planned, preventative, predictive, and breakdown maintenance.
  • Inspect, diagnose, and repair packaging plant equipment.
  • Maintain mechanical systems and associated production devices.
  • Perform equipment installations and machine changeovers.
  • Ensure maximum equipment reliability and availability.
  • Identify root causes of equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
  • Optimise machinery performance and production processes.
  • Complete maintenance documentation accurately.
  • Support continuous improvement and asset care initiatives.
  • Assist in reducing production losses and equipment downtime.
  • Maintain housekeeping standards in maintenance areas.
  • Comply with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations.
  • Follow food safety, quality assurance, and environmental procedures.
  • Participate in standby duties according to the maintenance roster.
  • Coach, train, and support machine operators on basic equipment care.
  • Work collaboratively with engineering, production, and quality teams.

Minimum Requirements

  • N3 Technical Qualification or higher.
  • Qualified Mechanical Fitter Trade Test.
  • Packaging or FMCG manufacturing experience will be advantageous.
  • At least 2 years’ post-trade experience is advantageous.
  • Experience maintaining industrial manufacturing equipment.
  • Computer literacy will be beneficial.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical manuals.

Knowledge and Technical Skills

  • Mechanical maintenance and repairs.
  • Preventative and predictive maintenance.
  • Fault finding and diagnostics.
  • Pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
  • Bearings, pumps, conveyors, gearboxes, and drive systems.
  • Industrial machinery maintenance.
  • Root cause analysis.
  • Equipment optimisation.
  • Production support.
  • Continuous improvement techniques.
  • Food safety and GMP standards.
  • Workplace safety procedures.

Personal Attributes

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Team player with good interpersonal skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Ability to prioritise work under pressure.
  • Strong planning and organisational skills.
  • Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
  • Commitment to quality workmanship.
  • High level of accountability and integrity.

Why Join SAB?

Working at SAB means joining one of South Africa’s most respected manufacturing companies and becoming part of AB InBev, the world’s leading brewer. Employees benefit from:

  • Career development and internal promotion opportunities.
  • Continuous technical and leadership training.
  • Exposure to world-class manufacturing systems.
  • A strong safety-first culture.
  • Opportunities to work with advanced production technology.
  • Inclusive and diverse workplace.
  • Competitive employee benefits.
  • Stable employment with a globally recognised organisation.

SAB is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Apply Here