Nibs/Cake Packaging Operator at Barry Callebaut Group – Tema, Ghana
Barry Callebaut Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, is currently recruiting for a Nibs/Cake Packaging Operator position based in Tema, Greater Accra Region, Ghana. This is a full-time, on-site role focused on operating packaging machinery, conducting quality checks, and supporting smooth production flow in a cocoa processing environment.
If you have a technical background, hands-on experience in manufacturing or food processing, and a valid forklift licence, this opportunity may match your skills. The role reports to the Shift Supervisor and forms part of the production team responsible for bagging cake and nibs after pressing and nibs-making processes.
This AlertNaija247 guide explains the role in clear language, outlines who can apply, lists the verified requirements, and provides practical steps to prepare a strong application. All information below is based on the official job posting. Where details are not stated by the employer, this is clearly noted.
- Job Title: Nibs/Cake Packaging Operator
- Employer: Barry Callebaut Group
- Location: Tema, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
- Work Arrangement: On-site (full-time)
- Employment Type: Full-time, Entry level
- Reports To: Shift Supervisor
- Salary & Benefits: Not specified in the available job information
About the Job
Barry Callebaut is a global company headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It specialises in processing cocoa beans into high-quality chocolate and cocoa products for food manufacturers and professional users worldwide. The company operates production facilities across many countries and employs thousands of people. In Ghana, its operations include facilities in Tema that handle cocoa processing, pressing, and packaging of products such as cake and nibs.
The Nibs/Cake Packaging Operator role sits at the end of the pressing and nibs-making process. The operator runs the bagging machines that fill bags with cake or nibs, carries out quality inspections, labels products correctly, and moves finished bags to temporary storage using a forklift. The work demands attention to hygiene, food safety standards, accurate record-keeping, and the ability to work as part of a production team under shift conditions.
This position is practical and hands-on. It combines machine operation, quality control, basic logistics (forklift driving), cleaning and sanitation, and digital recording of production data. Candidates who enjoy structured factory environments, follow safety rules carefully, and can maintain focus during repetitive tasks are likely to find the daily work suitable.
For readers exploring related career paths in production or technical roles, you may also find value in reviewing opportunities such as the Manufacturing Specialist Expert Remote Job at YO IT Consulting, which offers a different perspective on manufacturing-related work.
What You Will Do
According to the official description, the main responsibilities include:
- Operating the cake and nibs bagging machines to fill bags at the end of the pressing and nibs-making processes.
- Conducting in-line quality tests (Critical Control Points – CCP) during bag filling, using the correct test pieces and following critical control procedures.
- Collecting in-process quality samples according to the defined sampling protocol, labelling them properly, and recording results.
- Inspecting finished products to ensure they are free of dirt, fines, bag defects, and meet the correct weight.
- Driving a forklift to move packed products to the temporary holding area in the warehouse.
- Inspecting, cleaning, and disinfecting packaging equipment, tools, and the workstation before the start of each shift.
- Cleaning inner and outer parts of equipment during planned preventive maintenance or after technical interventions.
- Maintaining high Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and hygiene standards at the packaging station and warehouse area.
- Printing SAP labels, pasting them on products, and scanning pallets after bagging.
- Verifying finished-product weights to check for over- or under-weight bags and reporting issues to the Shift Supervisor.
- Isolating, weighing, labelling, and sending defective products to the rework area; ensuring leftover products are properly labelled.
- Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and observing all safety regulations at all times.
- Reporting equipment defects or abnormalities promptly to the Shift Supervisor.
- Recording quality sample results in the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) using the Quality Control Application.
- Validating equipment downtime and process observations in MES.
- Recording bag weights and traceability information using the production form PD-FM-08 (online).
- Coordinating with the press operator and control-room operator to ensure smooth transfer of cake and nibs and avoid transport line blockages.
- Working with logistics forklift operators to keep temporary storage areas clear and prevent shop-floor congestion.
- Performing other duties as assigned, including general plant cleaning and supporting maintenance activities.
In simple terms, you will run packaging machines, check product quality throughout the process, keep the area clean and safe, move finished bags with a forklift, and accurately record production data in company systems.
Who Can Apply?
The employer is looking for candidates who meet the following verified requirements:
- Hold an NVTI Grade I or Grade II certificate in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Have a minimum of one (1) year post-qualification experience in a manufacturing, production, or food-processing environment.
- Possess a valid forklift licence (this is listed as mandatory).
- Demonstrate understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), hygiene standards, HACCP, and Food Defence/Food Safety requirements.
The role is classified as entry-level on LinkedIn, yet the one-year experience requirement and forklift licence mean it is best suited to people who already have some practical factory or processing experience rather than complete beginners.
Applicants must be able and willing to work on-site in Tema. Remote or hybrid options are not mentioned in the available job information.
Qualifications and Requirements
The official posting lists these requirements clearly:
NVTI Grade I or II in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Minimum one (1) year post-qualification experience in manufacturing, production, or food processing.
Valid forklift licence.
Additional abilities expected:
- Ability to perform in-process quality checks and Critical Control Point (CCP) monitoring.
- Ability to carry out cleaning, inspection, and sanitation of production equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate production records and process documentation.
- Experience using SAP, MES, or other production management systems.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively in a team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Ability to work under pressure, prioritise tasks, and consistently achieve production targets.
No specific academic degree beyond the NVTI certificate is required. No age limit, nationality restriction, or gender preference is stated in the available information.
Skills That Can Strengthen Your Application
While the requirements above are the official minimum, the following skills and experiences (drawn from the nature of the duties) can help you stand out when preparing your application materials:
- Previous work on packaging or bagging lines in food, cocoa, or similar processing plants.
- Familiarity with food-safety systems such as HACCP and GMP in a real factory setting.
- Practical experience operating or supporting industrial machinery and performing basic cleaning/sanitation of equipment.
- Hands-on use of SAP or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for recording production data.
- Proven ability to drive a forklift safely in a warehouse or production environment (licence is mandatory).
- Good written and verbal communication for shift handovers and reporting issues to supervisors.
- Attention to detail when checking weights, labels, and product quality.
- Ability to remain calm and organised when production targets must be met under time pressure.
If you have worked in any cocoa, chocolate, beverage, or food-processing plant in Ghana or elsewhere, highlight the specific machines you operated and the quality or safety procedures you followed. This makes your experience easier for the hiring team to assess.
Salary and Benefits
Salary is not specified in the available job information. Benefits are also not listed in the official posting. Barry Callebaut states a commitment to diversity and inclusion and to creating an environment where employees can grow, but no concrete benefit details (medical cover, housing allowance, shift premium, etc.) appear in the current advertisement.
Applicants should therefore treat compensation and benefits as items to clarify during the interview stage if shortlisted. Do not assume any particular package.
Location and Work Arrangement
The position is based in Tema, Greater Accra Region, Ghana (location code GT000). It is an on-site role. There is no indication of remote or hybrid working options.
Candidates must be prepared to report physically to the Tema facility for shifts. Reliable transportation to and from Tema is therefore important when considering this opportunity.
What You Need Before Applying
Before you start the application, confirm the following for yourself:
- You hold the required NVTI Grade I or II certificate in a relevant technical field.
- You have at least one year of post-qualification experience in manufacturing, production, or food processing.
- You possess a currently valid forklift licence.
- You understand basic GMP, hygiene, HACCP, and food-safety concepts.
- You are available to work full-time on-site in Tema.
- You can use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint at a functional level and are comfortable learning SAP or MES systems if you do not already know them.
If any of these core points are missing, the application is unlikely to progress. It is better to identify gaps early than to submit an incomplete profile.
Documents to Prepare
The official job advertisement does not list a specific set of documents. Standard practice for such roles in Ghana usually includes:
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting technical qualifications, forklift licence, and relevant factory experience.
- Copies of NVTI certificates.
- Copy of valid forklift licence.
- Any certificates related to food safety, HACCP, or GMP training (if you have them).
- National ID or passport for identification purposes if requested later in the process.
Because exact document requirements are not stated, prepare a clear, well-organised CV and have digital copies of your certificates ready. You can upload or attach them according to the instructions on the application portal.
Application Deadline
No application deadline is specified in the available job information. Positions of this type can close once a sufficient number of suitable candidates have been shortlisted. It is therefore advisable to complete and submit your application as soon as you have prepared the necessary materials, rather than delaying.
Important Things to Check Before Applying
AlertNaija247 recommends that every applicant verify the following before submitting:
- Confirm that the application link leads to the official Barry Callebaut careers portal (jobs.barry-callebaut.com).
- Double-check that your forklift licence is still valid and that the details match the information on your CV.
- Ensure your CV accurately reflects the one-year minimum experience and the specific technical certificate you hold.
- Read the full job description on the company site once more to make sure you understand the daily tasks.
- Be prepared to discuss food-safety practices and any previous experience with packaging or quality checks during interviews.
- Note that salary and benefits are not stated; plan to ask about them only if you reach the interview stage.
Taking a few minutes to verify these points reduces the risk of submitting incomplete or inaccurate information.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted through the official Barry Callebaut careers portal. Use the direct link provided below. Do not send applications to unofficial email addresses or third-party sites claiming to represent the company.
Steps typically involved (based on standard use of the portal):
- Click the “Apply for This Job” button or visit the official application page.
- Create an account or log in if you already have one on the Barry Callebaut talent community.
- Complete the online application form carefully.
- Upload your CV and any supporting documents requested by the system.
- Review all entered information for accuracy before final submission.
- Submit the application and note any confirmation message or reference number.
Always apply through the official channel. AlertNaija247 does not accept applications on behalf of any employer.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
From observing many manufacturing applications, the following mistakes frequently reduce an applicant’s chances:
- Submitting a CV that does not clearly state the NVTI grade and the technical discipline.
- Omitting the forklift licence or failing to indicate that it is currently valid.
- Listing experience that is less than one year or that is unrelated to manufacturing or food processing.
- Using a generic CV that does not mention packaging, quality checks, machine operation, or food-safety practices.
- Applying without reading the full list of responsibilities and then being unable to discuss them in an interview.
- Sending applications to unofficial email addresses or social-media accounts that claim to be recruiters for the company.
- Leaving fields incomplete on the online application form or uploading unclear scans of certificates.
Taking time to tailor your CV and complete the form accurately is more effective than rushing multiple incomplete applications.
Application Checklist
- Confirm you meet the NVTI Grade I/II and one-year experience requirements.
- Verify that your forklift licence is valid and ready to present if requested.
- Update your CV to highlight relevant machine operation, quality, and food-safety experience.
- Prepare clear digital copies of certificates and licence.
- Read the full official job description one more time.
- Use only the official Barry Callebaut application link.
- Complete every required field on the online form.
- Double-check spelling of names, dates, and contact details.
- Submit the application and keep a record of any confirmation.
AlertNaija247 Applicant Tip
Because this is a hands-on production role, the hiring team will place significant weight on practical experience and the ability to follow food-safety and hygiene rules. In your CV and any cover note, give concrete examples: the type of packaging line you worked on, the quality checks you performed, how you used a forklift, and any systems (SAP, MES, or similar) you recorded data in. Specific examples are more persuasive than general statements.
If you are currently exploring other roles while preparing this application, you may also find useful guidance in articles such as the Senior Sales Account Executive (SDR Role) Remote at Blacksmith Agency or the Customer Support Agent (Remote) at TalentPop App. These provide different perspectives on application preparation and remote work options that some candidates consider alongside on-site manufacturing positions.
Finally, treat the application process with the same care you would give to a production shift: check details, follow the stated procedure, and submit only when everything is accurate.
Apply Now
Ready to submit your application? Use the official link below to go directly to the Barry Callebaut careers page for this position.
We wish every applicant success. Prepare carefully, apply through the correct channel, and ensure all information you provide is accurate and complete.
This article is an independent AlertNaija247 career guide based on publicly available job information. It is not an official publication of Barry Callebaut Group. Always refer to the employer’s official website for the most current details.