Machine Lead Role at The Kimberly-Clark – Apply now!

Full-time

Kimberly-Clark

JOB DETAILS

🧑‍🏭 Job Title: Machine Lead
🏢 Company: Kimberly-Clark
📍 Location: Epping Mill, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
⏰ Employment Type: Full Time
🕒 Closing Date: 20 January 2026
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 881327
🏭 Work Type: Onsite Manufacturing Role

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Kimberly-Clark is a global leader in consumer and professional products, trusted by millions every day through iconic brands such as Huggies®, Kleenex®, Cottonelle®, Kotex®, and Scott®. With more than 150 years of innovation and market leadership, the company is committed to improving lives through essential products and responsible manufacturing.

Kimberly-Clark operates with a strong focus on sustainability, inclusion, safety, and employee development, offering meaningful careers in a high-performance environment.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Machine Lead role at the Epping Mill is a senior operational position responsible for leading machine crews on shift to achieve production, quality, safety, and cost targets. This role combines leadership, technical expertise, and continuous improvement to ensure world-class manufacturing performance in a fast-paced production environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety & Compliance

  • Lead the shift crew to achieve zero reportable incidents

  • Enforce compliance with all plant safety rules, procedures, and work instructions

  • Address safety non-conformances immediately and escalate unresolved issues

  • Promote a strong safety-first culture

Quality Management

  • Ensure quality issues are reported, logged, and resolved

  • Monitor EWMA and coordinate corrective actions

  • Maintain adherence to Quality Management Systems

  • Manage NCR processes and first-off inspections

Productivity & Performance

  • Lead crews to meet throughput, yield, and uptime targets

  • Troubleshoot downtime, waste, and delays with documented action plans

  • Manage changeovers using best practices and standard settings

  • Control labour, materials, and operating supplies to budget

Leadership & People Management

  • Manage and develop shift teams to achieve operational objectives

  • Conduct performance management, coaching, and one-on-one sessions

  • Facilitate Tier 1 meetings and participate in Tier 2 meetings

  • Manage absenteeism, discipline, and HR processes fairly

Technical Development

  • Support machine setup for trials and product changes

  • Provide technical input to maintenance teams

  • Drive multi-skilling and cross-functional capability within the team

  • Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • National Technical Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (advantageous)

Experience

  • Minimum 3–5 years’ experience on high-speed production equipment

  • At least 6 months in an acting Machine Lead or Shift Production Technician role

  • Diaper and/or femcare manufacturing experience (advantageous)

Skills

  • Strong leadership and decision-making ability

  • Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma knowledge (Blue Belt required)

  • Understanding of electrical, pneumatic, and adhesive systems (advantageous)

  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings

  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and planning skills

CV TIPS

  • Clearly outline leadership experience in manufacturing or production environments

  • Highlight KPI achievements related to safety, quality, and productivity

  • Include Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certifications

  • Use measurable results to demonstrate operational impact

BENEFITS

  • Competitive remuneration and performance-based rewards

  • Medical aid with employer contribution and gap cover

  • Provident fund, life cover, disability, and funeral benefits

  • Study bursaries and learning development opportunities

  • Comprehensive employee wellbeing and EAP programmes

  • Paid leave, parental benefits, and work-life balance support

  • Discounted company products and subsidised onsite facilities

COMPANY POLICY

Kimberly-Clark is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and fairness. Employment decisions are made without discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. All appointments are subject to relevant background and compliance checks in South Africa. The company maintains strict standards of conduct, safety, and ethical behaviour across all operations.

To apply for this job please visit kimberlyclark.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com.