Career Opportunities at Howden

The Big Picture:

Howden Power is looking for a Technical Buyer responsible for the purchasing of goods, materials and services to ensure that the company operational needs are met, taking into account price, quality and delivery and to ensure continuity of supply.

What needs to be done?

• Manage the buying process for a given set of goods in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets.
• Ensure continuous supply of required goods and materials and communicate any supply problems which may pose a risk or impact on business operations.
• Apply sourcing policy, interface between supplier and entity with respect to specifications and budgets.
• Research and evaluate areas of opportunity and reduce costs where possible.
• Ensure that a professional and consistent approach is taken in relation to all supplier relationships.
• Ensure compliance to company guidelines, purchasing policies and procedures during supplier negotiations and contracts award process.
• Assess tenders and quotations from potential suppliers.
• Prepare purchase orders in line with final negotiations with selected suppliers and in line with organizational targets and requirements.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety standards in compliance with company policy and legislative requirements in order to ensure a safe working environment.

What do you need to bring?

• Supply Chain Management/ Purchasing Diploma or equivalent.
• Qualification in Mechanical/ Electrical Engineering.
• 5 years’ experience in similar role preferably within the engineering environment.
• Must be able to read and understand drawings C/W LOP’s / Material list
• Computer literate and proficient in ERP Systems.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Results orientated with the ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good negotiation skills.
• Resilient, self-motivated and able to work well under pressure.

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The Big Picture:

• Howden Africa Compressors & Turbines division is looking for an experienced Driver to transport and deliver goods in Sasolburg, Gauteng and surrounding areas and other provinces within South Africa.

What needs to be done?

• Check delivery vehicle as per vehicle check list, including oil and water levels and record any damages, and faults and report such findings.
• Check number of goods for deliver, and plan and instruct crew on sequence of product to be packed.
• Assist in loading process.
• Complete log sheets as required.
• Check customer storeroom for allocation of space for delivery.
• Assist customer in offloading process.
• Report complaints or difficulties experienced to Supervisor.
• Count and check returns before loading.
• Read and record kilometres and hand over to relevant person.
• Ensure delivery invoices are properly completed and hand over to relevant person.
• Follow routes as determined by the planner.
• Gain product knowledge and understand handling requirements.
• Assist with general tasks in the warehouse and where required.
• Adhere to all Quality, Environmental and Safety aspects.

What do you need to bring?

• Grade 12
• Valid Driver’s License–Code EB minimum with PDP.
• Minimum 5 years related experience.
• Excellent driving skills with good eyesight.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) with ability to handle customer queries.
• Must be computer literate.
• Must be able to travel extensively on a daily basis

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The Big Picture:

• Howden Africa Compressors & Turbines Division is looking for a qualified Machinist to perform machining of turbomachinery parts of various machines to a high quality standard and tight tolerances. The position is based in Sasolburg.

What needs to be done?

• Review samples, drawings or instructions to understand specifications of output
• Take measurements and mark material for cutting or shaping
• Plan the sequence of necessary actions for the completion of a job
• Select appropriate machines (e.g. lathes) and position or load material for a job
• Monitor machine while working to adjust the feed, maintain temperature and identify issues
• Determine and program size of batches and speed of machine
• Monitor output to ensure consistency with specifications and discard defects
• Inspection of parts as per QCP and sign off
• Perform routine machine maintenance and repair minor damages
• Sign off job cards
• Mark up drawings if required
• Operate machine in a safe manner
• Make up of sketch for pre-machining. Maintain Health and Safety on all site as per Howden standard.

What do you need to bring?

• Trade tested as Turner or CNC Machinist
• Matric/ Grade 12 certificate
• Minimum N3 Mechanical Engineering qualification.
• 3 - 5 years’ experience in machining procedures and techniques
• Experience in using and/or programming manual, semi-automated or automated tools and machines (lathes, grinders etc.)
• Ability to use precision tools (e.g. calipers,mics) to take accurate measurements
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics and manuals
• Knowledge of metal properties and other material
• Mathematical and analytical abilities
• Medically fit to lift heavy items
• Knowledge of turbo machinery, compressors, turbine rotors and fans.
• Good communication skills
• Must be customer service orientated
• Must be computer literate.
• Available to work overtime

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The Big Picture:

Howden Africa Compressors & Turbines Division is looking for a qualified Fitter to provide service on a multi brand of compressors and turbines. Inspection and assembly of Compressors in the workshop. Diagnosing errors or technical problems and determining proper solutions. The position will be based in Sasolburg.

What needs to be done?

• Be able to read wiring diagrams, drawings and be familiar with Compressors and turbines
• Perform service/repair of compressors and turbines. Perform service/repair on multi-brand compressors; both oil flooded and oil free. Perform service/repair of refrigerated/desiccant air dryers.
• Navigate multi-brand compressor controllers to obtain data to assist in troubleshooting
• Diagnose errors or technical problems and determine proper solutions
• Produce timely and detailed service reports
• Must be able to complete tasks in a timely, self-directed manner
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team 
• Ensure required Spares is available before services are started.
• Keep data base of tools required per job
• Maintain Health and Safety on all site as per Howden standard.

What do you need to bring?

• Trade test Certificate in Fitting
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Minimum N3 Mechanical Engineering qualification
• A minimum of 3 years related experience in rotating field.
• Basic technical knowledge of rotating equipment, reciprocating compressors, gas compressor engines & turbines.
• Proficient in problem-solving both in mechanical and electrical, process analysis; capacity to troubleshoot and correct problems in high-pressure situations.
• Read and comprehend written technical information in the form of technical manuals, drawings, parts books, and relevant publications is essential.
• Must be medically fit and be familiar with job site safety requirements.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and overhead crane
• Must be customer service orientated
• Must be computer literate.
• Good communication skills

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The Big Picture:

Howden Africa Compressor & Turbine Division is looking for a Workshop Supervisor to manage shop floor personnel, material & machines to manufacture designed products within budget to customer requirements. Provide a safe working environment for workshop personnel. The position will be based in Sasolburg.

What needs to be done?

• Co-ordinate sequence of manufacture, verify all material received for manufacturing, to ensure that there are no delays in the manufacturing of products within agreed time framework and within estimated costs.
• Calculate / estimate material and resources required for the order to ensure the job is manufactured within estimated costs to ensure correct margins is achieved.
• Purchase material and sub contract work in time to ensure no delays occur and jobs are delivered on time
• Hand over the drawings, WDP, material, hours provided, assignment and feedback to artisans to the effect that work is carried out to set standards within agreed time framework.
• Quality control, coaching and monitor welding processes, check & verify products that are ready for dispatch. Liaise with inspectors & NDT technicians to ensure the risk is minimised and the workshop standards meet Howden Standards & customer requirements.
• Manage workshop personnel, i.e. leave, employee relations, training requirements. Prepare overtime list and sign timesheets. Ensure staff are motivated, positive, focused & well informed.
• Ensure & implement environmental, health and safety standards to ensure that the company comply with relevant legislation requirements and company policies to provide a safe working environment to all employees.
• Monitor & control departmental expenditures to ensure that the department meets or exceeds the annual purchasing budget.
• Maintain workshop machines in good working order and draw up Capex applications as and when required. Maintain a maintenance schedule on all machines.
• Maintain all workers qualifications to ensure they are qualified to do the required work.
• SOX Compliance: Adhere to Sarbanes Oxley and AX controls

What do you need to bring?

• Grade 12 Certificate
• N3 – N6 qualification
• Qualified Fitter and Turner.
• 5 years as a Workshop Supervisor within a fitting and manufacturing environment
• Industrial engineering experience
• Proficiency in interpretation of drawings and subsequent calculation of material and process requirements.
• Coaching skills
• Expert understanding of the tools / machines used for the various functions.
• Computer literate (Intermediate level)

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The Big Picture:

• Howden Africa (Pty) Ltd is looking for an experienced Facilities Manager to manage the facilities at all Howden sites to ensure the efficient and effective maintenance of the Howden Facilities including the Workshop Structures, Offices and common areas. Responsible for the monitoring and managing of security operations by implementing policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment for employees, customers and visitors, and management of all other services required. The role will also be responsible for the implementation of the environmental plan ensuring consistency with company strategy, commitments and goals.

What needs to be done?

• Site Management: Provide optimal control over assets to ensure that assets are properly maintained and safe for use. Ensure that the buildings, offices and facilities are in an operable and safe condition. Liaison with City Power and JHB Water on continuity of supply and fault rectification. Recording of meters for monthly Electricity and Water readings. Negotiate and maintain SLA’s on critical equipment and Services which is in line with the Company’s Authority Levels. Compile and manage the annual maintenance expense and capital expenditure budgets.
• Security: Manage the Policies and Procedures in line with the Company’s Site Security Manual. Communicate the respective Manual with the Security Contractor and have regular meetings to ensure all aspects are covered. Maintain and update property loss and prevention programme. Evaluate incidents and determine course of action and close out NCR’s with the Security Contractor. Install, maintain and upgrade CCTV System, Electrical Fencing, Fire Suppression Systems and location alarm systems.
• Environmental Management: Lead the planning and implementation of environmental projects as per targets agreed with the EHS Department. Manage the projects (within budget), goals and deliverables in line with the Group’s EHS Goals. Co-ordinate project staff, both internally as well as externally. Provide monthly / annual reports to Management. Project evaluations and assessments of results.
• Services Management: Negotiate and implement SLA’s for Cleaning, Pest Control, Waste Sorting and Canteen Facilities in line with the Company authority levels. Negotiate annual increase % in consultation with Management. Investigate incidents and determine course of action to close out NCR’s with the various contractors. Ensure Contractor complies with the Health and Safety Standards set by the Company.
• Other: Attend the monthly Health and Safety Meetings implementing actions identified. Compilation of a weekly “contractor hours” report. Comply with all SOX Regulations. Experience in disciplinary enquiries (initiator and chairman role).

What do you need to bring?

• Grade 12
• Diploma / Degree in Facilities Management
• 10 years experience managing facilities (Premises, Security and other contractor facilities)
• Project Management experience.
• Sound understanding of accounting processes and budgeting.
• Sound understanding of statutory municipal regulations.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Computer literate – Microsoft Office Suite and an accounting package
• Experienced to operate within a Union Environment
• People Management experience
• Experience dealing with disciplinary enquiries including attending CCMA and Bargaining Council.