Process Control Engineer

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) presents an exciting opportunity for a Process Control Engineer, to join the Midrand team at CCBA. These roles will report to the Engineering & Maintenance Manager.

CCBA is the 8th largest Coca-Cola authorised bottler in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola ready-to-drink beverages sold in Africa by volume. With over 14 000 employees in Africa, CCBA group services more than 800 000 customers with a host of international and local brands. CCBA group operates in 14 countries: South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi and the islands of Comoros and Mayotte.

Key Purpose

The Process Control Engineer ensures the reliability, optimisation, and standardisation of all Control & Automation systems across manufacturing. The role develops and maintains C&A standards, leads automation improvement initiatives, and ensures system integrity from PLCs to plant-level software. By driving process optimisation, enabling technical capability, and supporting strategic technology decisions, the Engineer ensures manufacturing systems perform safely, efficiently, and consistently.

The advert has minimum requirements listed. Management reserves the right to use additional or relevant information as criteria for short-listing. Only applications submitted through the e-recruitment portal will be accepted.

Key Outcomes

Develop Control and Automation Standards 

• Design a roadmap to enhance current and future resource development
• Evaluate current C&A landscape across CCBSA
• Analyse C&A environment and develop adequate standards for review by Manufacturing Systems and Engineering leads.
• Develop standardised processes and procedures in consultation with operational leads to ensure C&A stability and reliability.
• Assist with ensuring that the system architecture environment remains aligned with manufacturing systems standards and IT standards where applicable.
• Create and maintain a C&A community by enabling knowledge sharing and skill transfer

Lead C&A Performance Optimisation 

• Facilitation, implementation and project management of automation and control systems projects to satisfy the requirements of manufacturing within budget and timelines.
• Manage resources (both equipment and personnel) to ensure business continuity in short and long-term windows
• Identify and motivate technical CAPIN justification.
• Coach, guide and assist both direct reports and influenced roles in project and operational scenarios
• Lead and effectively manage change, supporting pre-implementation, execution and post-implementation for pure C&A initiatives and activities that impact on C&A
• Ensure the integrity and reliability of production systems software and hardware from PLC devices to back-up system by monitoring maintenance, adherence to standards and effective problem solving.
  Consult with COE and support on technology and policy decisions in terms of new equipment and managing existing installations

Extract Value from Manufacturing Systems

• Proactively optimise Process Performance, through appropriate Problem-Solving Techniques and statistical analysis in order to improve performance.
• Monitor and evaluate operational processes with respect to C&A
• Proactively engage relevant technical/functional resources to initiate problem solving when deviations occurs
• Ensure proven solutions are entrenched and ubiquitous where financially viable
• Evaluate cost/benefit ratio of proposals to ensure efficient investment in technology, enhancements and maintenance with respect to C&A
• Scope and define changes with input from operational requirements and supplier expertise and determine the best specification/cost ratio in order to adequately suit business needs. 
• Determine actual system utilisation to leverage current installations to full potential
• Technician competency development levels

Education

• BSc Engineering (Electronics) or BTech Electrical Engineering (Light Current), S4 Technical Diploma for Control and Automation.
• Certification in Industrial Automation, Process Instrumentation, or Control Systems preferred

Experience

• At least 8 years’ experience in process control or automation within a manufacturing environment (FMCG or beverage industry advantageous)
• At least 2 years in a leadership role managing technical teams
• Proven experience with PLCs, SCADA systems, and field instrumentation
• Experience with systems integration, network protocols, and MES solutions

Skills

• Advanced PLC Programming & Troubleshooting – Extensive experience with PLC hardware, software, and integration.
• SCADA/HMI Systems Expertise – Proficient in Wonderware ArchestrA, Intouch, and alarm management.
• Industrial Instrumentation & Signal Processing – Specialized in calibration, configuration, maintenance, and instrumentation protocols.
• Industrial Networking & Infrastructure – Strong knowledge of network configuration, industrial Ethernet, and cybersecurity principles.
• Control Systems Integration – Proven ability to unify disparate control and information systems across platforms.
• Manufacturing Process & Systems Understanding – Deep knowledge of manufacturing applications and operational processes.
• Data Analytics & Root Cause Analysis– Skilled in using analytics tools for process optimization and problem-solving.
• CMMS & Technical Documentation – Experienced with computerized maintenance systems and compliance documentation standards.
• Change Implementation & Digital Transformation – Expertise in planning and sustaining systematic operational changes.
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership – Effective in leading teams through continuous improvement and project initiatives.