Premier FMCG invites suitably qualifying candidates to apply for artisan assistant vacancy at their Kwazulu-Natal Base.
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reference: PF711 – Premier Lil-lets Durban
Closing Date: 11 September 2026
About Premier FMCG
Premier FMCG is a leading South African fast-moving consumer goods company with a strong presence across the country. The organisation is at the heart of South Africa’s FMCG industry and is responsible for producing and distributing a range of trusted and well-known products. Premier FMCG operates across several key divisions, including Bakery, Milling, Confectionery, Home & Personal Care, and Culinary.
The company is committed to innovation, collaboration, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. Premier FMCG promotes a high-performance culture where employees are encouraged to develop their skills, take responsibility for their work, and contribute positively to the success of the organisation.
As part of its commitment to its employees and consumers, Premier FMCG strives for excellence in everything it does. The organisation believes that its products and people should make a meaningful difference in the everyday lives of consumers. This position provides an opportunity for a technically minded individual to gain valuable experience while supporting the maintenance and reliability of production equipment and plant.
Job Purpose
The primary purpose of the Assistant: Artisan position is to provide support to the Maintenance Team in maintaining the overall efficiency, reliability, and performance of equipment and plant on site.
The successful candidate will assist qualified artisans and maintenance personnel with routine maintenance, fault finding, repairs, inspections, and general technical activities. The role requires an individual who is willing to learn, works well under pressure, follows safety procedures, and is committed to maintaining high standards of workmanship.
The position will also provide valuable on-the-job exposure to engineering, mechanical, electrical, and production-related systems within an FMCG manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
The Assistant: Artisan will be expected to support the maintenance function through a variety of technical and operational activities, including:
- Providing technical support to the Maintenance Team and assisting with day-to-day maintenance requirements.
- Assisting with troubleshooting and identifying faults on production machinery, equipment, and plant systems.
- Supporting qualified artisans during breakdowns, repairs, inspections, and preventative maintenance activities.
- Assisting with routine system maintenance to ensure that equipment remains safe, reliable, and operational.
- Participating in preventative maintenance programmes and reporting potential equipment problems before they result in major breakdowns.
- Assisting with plant and system upgrades, modifications, installations, and improvements as required.
- Following maintenance procedures, work instructions, and safety requirements when working on machinery and equipment.
- Keeping tools, work areas, machinery, and maintenance environments clean and organised.
- Participating in on-the-job training and continuously developing technical knowledge and practical skills.
- Communicating equipment faults, maintenance concerns, and operational issues to the relevant maintenance personnel.
- Supporting the Maintenance Team in minimising equipment downtime and improving plant efficiency.
- Ensuring that all work is performed in accordance with company policies, quality standards, and applicable legislation.
Experience and Qualifications
Applicants should ideally meet the following minimum requirements:
- At least 1 year of experience working in a production plant or manufacturing environment.
- Previous experience within the FMCG industry will be advantageous.
- Grade 12 / Matric qualification.
- A minimum of N3 Mechanical or Electrical studies will be advantageous.
- Practical exposure to mechanical, electrical, engineering, or production equipment will be beneficial.
- A willingness to learn and develop further technical skills is essential.
Candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic, reliability, technical interest, and a willingness to work as part of a maintenance team are encouraged to apply.
Skills, Knowledge and Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate a combination of technical knowledge, practical ability, and strong interpersonal skills.
Key competencies include:
- Engineering knowledge: A good understanding of engineering principles and an interest in mechanical and/or electrical systems.
- Industry knowledge: An understanding of manufacturing or FMCG production environments will be beneficial.
- Health and safety: Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) and the importance of maintaining a safe working environment.
- Quality management: Understanding of quality management principles and the importance of following established procedures.
- Accuracy and attention to detail: Ability to perform tasks carefully and identify potential problems or defects.
- Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with artisans, supervisors, operators, and other employees.
- Decision-making: Ability to assess situations and make appropriate decisions within the scope of the role.
- Problem-solving: Ability to assist in identifying faults and finding practical solutions to technical and operational problems.
- Physical ability: Ability to work in a demanding factory environment and perform tasks involving machinery and equipment.
- Supportiveness and teamwork: Willingness to assist colleagues, follow instructions, and contribute positively to the Maintenance Team.
- Reliability and accountability: Ability to arrive on time, complete assigned tasks, and take responsibility for work performed.
- Adaptability: Ability to adjust to changing production requirements, maintenance priorities, and operational conditions.
Working Conditions
This is a demanding position that requires the successful candidate to work effectively in a fast-paced and pressurised manufacturing environment.
The position is structured as a 6-day working position, and the employee will be required to work Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays according to the applicable shift roster.
The successful candidate will work within a factory environment that may be hot, noisy, and physically demanding. The role may involve working with and on heavy equipment, machinery, production plant, and technical systems.
Employees may also be required to work outside normal working hours, including after-hours work and overtime, depending on operational and maintenance requirements. The candidate must therefore be flexible and prepared to work according to the operational needs of the business.
Because maintenance activities can involve machinery and potentially hazardous environments, strict adherence to health and safety procedures is required at all times.
Diversity and Inclusion
Premier FMCG is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified individuals, including people living with disabilities.
By submitting an application for this position, candidates consent to the processing of their personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act) for recruitment and selection purposes.
Application Information
Position: Assistant: Artisan
Company: Premier FMCG
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Reference: PF711 – Premier Lil-lets Durban
Employment Type: Full-Time
Closing Date: 11 September 2026
Candidates interested in building their technical experience within a professional FMCG manufacturing environment are encouraged to apply before the closing date.
