About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1892, it has grown into a “total beverage company” with a portfolio of more than 200 brands. In South Africa, the Coca-Cola system operates through two primary entities: Coca-Cola South Africa (Pty) Ltd, which manages brand marketing and concentrate production, and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), the primary bottling and distribution arm.

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.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

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.