Career Opportunities at Sappi

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Senior Maintenance Engineer - Paper to supply competent and cost-effective maintenance and engineering support, service, advice, solutions, and techniques to maximise plant availability in a safe, and legally compliant manner

As a Senior Maintenance Engineer - Paper, you will be responsible for:

• Responsible for all statutory requirements in the section in accordance with the OHS Act.
• Ensure the maintenance team are educated, aware and comply to all SHEQ policies, procedures, best practices, and work instructions.
• Provide guidance to the teams, perform inspections, and maintain records.
• Ensure that work permit requirements are understood by all team members and stringently adhered to.
• Actively guide and monitor the team on the correct isolation and lockout procedures when performing maintenance work.
• Participate in plant safety committee meetings.
• Participate in the development of safe work procedures for the section and perform critical task analyses.
• Perform the targeted number of planned job observations.
• Support ISO9002 (Quality Management System), ISO14001 (Environmental Management Standards), ISO50001 (Energy Management System), ), ISO 55001, (Asset Management System) and OHSAS18000 (Health and Safety Management System) for engineering in the section. Educate the team on the requirements and monitor adherence to standards, policies, procedures, and work instructions.
• Ensure compliance of contractors to all SHEQ policies, procedures, best practices, and work instructions by performing walkabouts and inspections as well as checking their safety files.
• Actively drive the use of plant reliability monitoring techniques to ensure proactive maintenance and eliminate unplanned downtime.
• Develop shut plans for monthly, quarterly and annual shuts as required.
• Maintain an incidental shut list of work to be done during short notice opportunities.
• Participate in the commissioning of new and decommissioning of old equipment within the section according to sound engineering practices for all specific engineering disciplines.
• Participate to contract negotiations for engineering contracts as a technical specialist.
• Participate in a 5-year rolling maintenance spend planning process considering normal maintenance spend, Renewal maintenance spend and Maintenance Capital projects.
• Manage capital projects for equipment on time and within budget. These projects may cover any engineering discipline.
• Prepare daily, weekly and monthly maintenance reports using system and qualitative data.
• Provide weekly feedback to the Maintenance Manager on overall plant performance, unresolved engineering problems and cost control.
• Oversee the recruitment, recognition, performance management, remuneration, development and discipline of the section’s maintenance and production teams.
• Take direct responsibility for the development of direct reports.
• Provide on the job coaching to members of the team. Develop their ability to do predictive maintenance and problem solving.
• Develop and manage a section Succession Plan.

What are we looking for?

• BSc/BEng/BTech/Advance Diploma in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering with at least 5 to10 years’ experience as an Electrical/ Mechanical Engineer in a heavy industry/manufacturing environment.   
• Government Certificate of Competency would be advantageous. (Factories).
• 5 years’ experience managing multidiscipline maintenance teams in a section/area.
• MDP or equivalent would be advantageous.

go to method of application »

Global Business Services is on the lookout for an experienced Creditors Clerk to accurately process invoices so that vendors can be paid on time for goods and services supplied to Sappi.   

As a Creditors Clerk, you will be responsible for:  

• All invoices received via e-invoice system to be verified in terms of SARS requirements. 
• Review all invoices that do not pass through the 3-way match (3-way match refers to data gathered from invoices received from vendor, purchase order, goods receipt) and are consequently not posted and investigate the reason for non-posting  
• Follow up on overdue workflows (an overdue workflow is defined as items older than 5 days) and clarify and rectify the reason for the delay
• Manage incoming e-mails and telephone calls from vendors regarding queries related to payment processes/invoices
• Execute and run payment proposals on SAP ensuring that the correct parameters are used 
• Analyse in depth vendor accounts to identify aged items appearing on the GRIR reports to identify possible items for write back
• Prepare monthly reconciliations for vendors as per the category requirements- this includes reconciliations required for GRIR clearing and audit requirements (External and Internal) 
• Performs the operational testing required when any financial system is upgraded/ changed
• Maintaining and updating of the four week rolling cash flow for FEC, CFC and SES and submitting to Supervisors weekly 

What are we looking for? 

• Matric certificate with a recently completed Diploma / Degree in Finance 
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working in an Accounting environment;
• SAP experience
• MS Office (advanced Excel skills).

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Jagenburg Operator to operate the winder and to manage the winder crew so that an efficient winder operation is maintained.
As a Jagenburg Operator, you will be responsible for:

• Responsible for all operational activities on the Jagenberg Rewinder.
• Liaise with the warehouse supervisor on the correct current and new MPSs and move on-put paper to the designated stacking area to eliminate time delays in winding uptime.
• Check which setups are being cut and the number of webs being cut.
• Do knife changes as and when required.
• Ensure that sufficient amounts of cores of the right size available.
• Keep track of orders using the MPS and log all rolls onto PTS and check that the correct setup is being displayed on PTS.
• Ensure that each rewound web coming off the winder meets quality requirements.
• Place correct size cores at the correct position for every new web.
• Thread the sheet through the winder for every new on-put web of paper.
• Splice paper in case of a web break.
• Set the slitter knives on web changes safely and accurately.
• Stick paper ends to core ends with gum tape.
• Operate ejecting mechanism on each wound set.
• Operate the lowerator when ejecting completed.
• Ensure that each web has the loose end glued and taped.
• Stick the bar code label to the correct core plug.
• Push paper webs onto the conveyor system in front of the winder.
• Operate the conveying system from the control panels.
• Remove all side runs via OTIS lift to the basement and remove all loose paper remaining.
• Maintain detailed records of all settings on the winder and downtime capturing.
• Communicate problems to the Shift Superintendent.
• Submit ideas and proposals for more effective machine utilization to the Shift Supt.
• Attend meetings as and when required.
• Ensure that the correct tools and materials are available at all times to carry out day-to-day activities more effectively.
• Ensure that proper communication and shift handover takes place at the end of his shift.
• Assist with shut tasks and start-ups on teh Paper Machine when called upon.

What are we looking for?

• Maths and Physical Science or N3 Pulp and Paper
• 0 – 6 Months relevant production experience

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced  Process Relief Operator for the purpose of the Relief Operator programme is to assist production in reducing overtime by providing leave/training relief.

As a Process Relief Operator, you will be responsible for:

• Takes and hands over the shift.
• Operate process/equipment according to best-operating practices.
• Complete section specific interventions/initiatives as planned and agreed for all the identified positions for the specific section.
• Relieves operators and carries out all tasks prescribed for these positions.
• Assists the foreman/operating staff at breakdowns and in the supervision of staff when necessary.
• Ensure accurate reporting by recording all incidents in the shift logbook.
• Reports all breakdowns, and faulty equipment to Foreman.
• Attend progress meetings with the section training representative, line supervisor and/or mentor, coach and act on any remedial action and/or additional requirements.
• Participates in shift activities (5 why problem-solving etc).
• Understand the SHEQ requirements of the job.
• Identify and take corrective action in terms of SHEQ conditions and hazards.
• Comply with all relevant SHEQ requirements.
• Maintains a high level of good housekeeping in the workplace at all times.
• Conducts regular BBS Observations.

What are we looking for?

• Matric with Maths and Science or  N3 in Pulp Paper
• National Diploma in Pulp and Paper or National Diploma in Chemical Engineering will be advantageous
• 0 - 3 Months experience as a Process Trainee or Production Intern

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Assistant Storeman to ensure that all equipment is delivered to the appropriate clients correctly, in the required condition, and on time. Responsible and accountable for the effiecient operation of receiving and maintenance of all stoke items.

As an Assistance Storeman, you will be responsible for:

• Perform Plant deliveries
• Perform daily material counts as required from the MRP Controller whilst issuing and binning the materials
• Handle or transport the materials in a careful and safe manner
• Issue materials as per issuing procedure and deliver said materials to the plant
• Relocate materials to new storage bins as and when required
• Maintain the security of the stores at all times by controlling and limiting access to the stores area
• Perform housekeeping with the team and ensure the stores comply with the 5S principles
• Ensure that the physical stock in the bin is as per SAP
• Work shifts if and when required per the company’s requirements
• Perform relevant tasks requested from Stores Supervisor and Materials Manager
• Create a safe work environment by identifying and managing day to day risks
• Report accidents, injuries and fires immediately to the Stores Supervisor or Safety Representative
• Ensure adherence to specific regulatory requirements
• Perform inspections and take corrective action where required
• Ensure no over flowing of waste bins
• Perform Waste Separation and disposal
• Coach and train new employees in area of responsibility
• Complete daily the after-hours delivery Log Book
• Complete Shift Handover logbook

 What are we looking for?

• Grade 12 (Maths & Science).
• EB Motor Vehicle Licence.
• Clerical and Engineering stores experience will be advantages

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Instrument Mechanician to safely perform maintenance tasks to ensure long-term plant reliability, thereby contributing to the overall equipment effectiveness.

As a Instrument Mechanician , you will be responsible for:

• Install, test, commission, modify and maintain instrument installations and DCS equipment according to engineering and production standards and requirements.
• Optimise control loops by loop tuning, investigations and fault-find process control systems.
• Perform instrument maintenance according to notifications and planned schedules, including during shuts.
• Remove defective instruments from the system, decontaminate, disassemble, and clean instruments, and replace defective parts as and if required.
• Calibrate readings on instruments according to standards.
• Record calibrations performed, parts and components used.
• Prepare schematic drawings, sketches and reports to reflect changes or alterations made on instruments, circuits and in systems.
• Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Required to work standby and overtime.
• Understand and comply with the Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) requirements.

 What are we looking for?

• Grade 12 or N3 Engineering.
• Recognised Trade Test Certificate as Instrument Mechanician.
• 2 Years post-apprenticeship experience with a focus on instrumentation fault finding in an industrial environment would be advantageous.
• SAP knowledge and proficiency with SAP PM will be advantageous.
• Valid driving license.

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Electrician to provide electrical services with specific responsibility for fault finding, identifying repair and replacement needs, installing, maintaining and upgrading electrical systems and equipment; and by ensuring that tools and materials are available and maintained.

As an Electrician, you will be responsible for:

• Install, test, connect, commission, maintain and modify electrical equipment, wiring and control systems as required. Examples include PLC, drives and control equipment.
• Perform electrical maintenance or remedial work according to SAP notifications, work orders and planned schedules, including during shuts. Complete notifications and work orders on the SAP system.
• Do fault finding on electrical systems during breakdown and effect the required repairs to keep downtime to a minimum. Participate in failure analysis.
• Complete daily and weekly inspections on electrical systems and their components according to a detailed checklist. Identify repairs required and recommend preventative maintenance to the foreman.
• Perform tests on AC and DC motors to determine the condition of the motor windings, insulation, and core lamination.
• Prepare status reports and activity logs as required.
• Electricians may be required to cover breakdowns after hours and weekends on a standby basis.
• Report all defects and equipment risks to the direct supervisor. Draw required spares from stores using the SAP picking list.
• Performs any other assigned tasks that fall within the scope of an Electrician.
• Required to work standby and overtime.
• Understand and comply with the safety, health, environment, and quality (SHEQ) requirements of the section.
• Comply and perform tasks as per the organisation’s policies, procedures, and best operating practices.
• Report all unsafe acts to the direct supervisor.

What are we looking for?

• Recognised Trade Test Certificate as an Electrician          
• Grade 12/ N3 Engineering
• 2 years post-apprenticeship experience with a focus on electrical fault finding in a heavy industrial environment would be advantageous
• Valid driving license

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Health and Safety Superintendent to implement Sappi’s Health and Safety strategies, policies, and procedures in ensuring compliance with relevant legislative requirements and reducing the mill’s risk profile.
As a Health and Safety Superintendent, you will be responsible for:

• Measure, monitor and report on health and safety legal requirements and certification system compliance and advise on action planning.
• Interpret and follow up on audit/inspection findings to ensure closure and implementation of corrective/preventive action
• Enforce compliance to life-saving rules, procedural, and all legal requirements. Recommend disciplinary action where applicable.
• Provide health and safety advice to management, contractors, and employees to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
• Develop, review and update procedures in compliance with ISO standards.
• Monitor critical safety jobs to ensure that correct procedures are followed.
• Facilitate health and safety qualitative and quantitative risk assessments and advise on action planning.
• Co-ordinate/facilitate health and safety awareness campaigns and events.
• Perform standby and call-out related functions.
• Serve on Hazchem Committee.
• Coach line managers and employees in the BBS process
• Co-ordinate Occupational Health and Hygiene surveys
• Play an advisory role in the correct implementation of management of change
• Participate in various mill meetings such as MBU, MDT, SBT, Safety meetings etc
• Assist with contractor safety requirements.  Facilitate contractor management systems, including review of contractor health and safety plans.
• Act as a health and safety specialist or officer when requested.
• Coach and advise health and safety representatives on methods to improve their safety inspections and reporting.
• Perform individual investigations and work with the Department of Labour in investigations by gathering information to determine underlying causes for fatalities, injuries, illnesses, damage incidents, reportable incidents, toxic chemical releases, or spillages.
• Facilitate root cause analysis for injuries and assist in compiling reports as well as facilitating weekly incident review meetings.
• Liaise with the medical department to resolve occupational health issues.
• Ensure legal appointments are kept up to date.
• Compile weekly and monthly safety statistics reports and ensure accurate record keeping for all incidents.
• Maintain assets and equipment.
• Prepare SHE communication for publication in various mediums.
• Participate in HAZOP and SWIFT for MOC. 

What are we looking for?

•  National Diploma in Safety Management or relevant NQF Level 6 qualification.
• Certificates in HIRA, RCAT & SHEQ Auditing.
• Professional membership with SAIOSH.
• Knowledge of ISO and BBS Systems, Isometrix, PJO’s and VFL’s.
• 3 to 5 years’ experience in a Health and Safety discipline within the manufacturing environment.

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Fitter and Turner to safely perform maintenance tasks to ensure long-term plant reliability, thereby contributing to the overall equipment effectiveness.

As a Fitter and Turner , you will be responsible for:

• Fit, assemble, grind and shape metal parts and sub-assemblies to maintain production machines and other equipment. Install, test, connect, commission, and modify mechanical equipment.
• Perform plant maintenance and remedial work according to SAP notifications, work orders and planned schedules, including during shuts. Complete notifications and work orders on the SAP system.
• Do fault finding on systems during breakdowns and repair the problem to keep downtime to a minimum. Participate in failure analysis.
• Complete daily and weekly inspections on equipment according to a detailed checklist.
• To cover breakdowns after hours and weekends on a standby basis.
• Report all defects and equipment risks to the direct supervisor.
• Scope and plan work orders as required.
• Draw spares from stores using the picking list in SAP.
• Performs any other assigned tasks that fall within the scope of a fitter.
• To work standby and overtime as required.
• Share knowledge with other fitters in the section and in other areas of the plant
• Understand and comply with the safety, health, environment, and quality (SHEQ) requirements of the section.
• Comply and perform tasks as per the organisations policies, procedures, and best operating practices.

 What are we looking for?

• Recognised Trade Test Certificate as a Fitter and Turner
• Grade 12 (Maths and Science) or N3 Engineering
• 2 years post-apprenticeship experience in a heavy engineering environment will be advantageous
• Valid Driving Licence

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Process Controller Uptakes #3 to safely and efficiently operate the equipment under his/her control, to ensure optimum production thereby reducing downtime and incorrect functioning of the plant.

 As a Process Controller Uptakes #3, you will be responsible for: 

• Effective handover of shifts and discussing relevant problems or changes affecting plant efficiency
• Control operating parameters such as basis weight, moisture, stock temperature, consistency, and stock chest levels 
• Complete the pre-start-up inspection of all equipment and machinery.
• Start-up and Shut down of machine/equipment as per required procedures
• Take corrective action when abnormal plant conditions exist, and report issues to the Shift Superintendent.
• Control the process from the DCS system concerning temperature, consistency, moisture, pressures, and chest levels to set standards
• Responsible for checks, and operational controls on the wet end and dryer.
• Understand the operation and controls of the Noss Cleaner system
• Control of formation, profiles, and moisture when making changes to the machine setup or speed.
• Thorough understanding of the vacuum system and its impact on the process
• Monitors LIS for quality records and takes the required action where necessary to maintain quality specifications.
• Responsible for effective clothing changes on the wet end
• Responsible for isolations and effective use of safe work procedures in the department
• Create a safe work environment by identifying and managing risks
• Accountable to ensure adherence to all safety BP’s and procedures 
• Record downtime and process data accurately 
• Responsible for capturing notifications for any defects in the plant and machinery
• Ensure compliance with notification and work order business processes

What are we looking for?

• Grade 12 Maths and Physical Science with relevant Post Matric Certificate or NQF Level 5 qualification 
• 3 years of relevant production experience

go to method of application »

We are hiring!

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Mechanical Fitter to safely perform maintenance tasks to ensure long-term plant reliability, thereby contributing to the overall equipment effectiveness.

As a Mechanical Fitter, you will be responsible for:

• Mechanical maintenance in the Plant, with knowledge of mechanical equipment, including, but not limited to, gearboxes, pumps, screens, bearings, and chains drives
• Schedule maintenance for the plant or area of responsibility according to notifications and Planned Schedules
• Perform fault finding on systems during breakdowns and repair the problem or correct equipment to keep downtime to a minimum
• Perform daily and weekly inspections on equipment according to a detailed inspection list
• Perform standby as required to cover breakdowns after normal working hours and weekends, report all deviations to the Maintenance Support Mechanical (Foreman)
• Report all unsafe acts to the Maintenance Support Mechanical
• Draw spares from stores utilising SAP as required by the task being performed
• Improve and maintain Master Data in SAP’s accuracy and comply with work order business processes and update as required
• Comply to Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality (SHEQ) requirements of the Mill and section
• Maintain a high level of housekeeping in the workplace and workshop at all times

What are we looking for?

• Recognised Trade Test Certificate as a Mechanical Fitter or Fitter and Turner
• Grade 12 (Maths and Science) or N3 Engineering
• 2 years post-apprenticeship experience in a heavy engineering environment will be advantageous
• Valid Driving Licence

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced  Engineer: Auto & Services to provide a professional systems/Instrumentation Engineering Support Service by managing and designing plant modifications and projects in accordance with Mill Procedures and Specifications.

As an Engineer : Auto & Services, you will be responsible for

• Manages varied multi-disciplinary plant modifications/project work from concept to commissioning and closeout. Make use of some internal but mostly external (contractor) resources; draws up Enquiry / Specification documents as required.
• Ensures that all modifications/projects conform fully to Mill Change Management Procedures, Mill Standard Specifications, Mill Safety Standards and the OHS Act.
• Design control system modifications for both process and maintenance improvement applications and advice on equipment selection.
• Provides technical support to and analyses breakdowns for Maintenance Engineers. Area of expertise to cover Instrumentation and distributed control systems.
• Identifies and addresses plant maintenance problems through meetings, inspections and feedback mechanisms in order to ensure excellence in engineering services provided.
• Oversees and ensures the provision, maintenance and integrity of plant drawings, technical documentation, process control software and equipment specifications by the institution and enforcement of effective control procedures.

​What are we looking for?

• B Tech Diploma (Control Systems or equivalent).
• 5 years industrial process control plus 3 years distributed process control in pulp and paper.
• At least 3 years supervisor experience.
• Knowledge and experience with ABB 800xA systems.
• Install and configure networks switches, with Vlan experience.
• Design, build and install fibre optic networks
• Servers
• Mantain backups in a networked environment

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Grinderman to ensure optimum plant availability through maintenance, overhaul, and repairs of machinery, equipment, and mechanical systems according to engineering specifications and safety standards, contributing to overall equipment effectiveness.

As a Grinderman, you will be responsible for:

• Maintain and improve the integrity of the company assets and systems through the machines, processes, equipment, and people.
• Install, test, connect, commission, and modify mechanical equipment.
• Complete notifications and work orders on the SAP system.
• Participate in failure analysis.
• Complete daily and weekly inspections on equipment according to a detailed checklist.
• Work overtime and perform standby duties as required.
• Report all defects and equipment risks to the direct supervisor.
• Draw spares from stores using a picking list in SAP.
• Fill out 5 Why/RCA failure analysis forms including capturing of evidence.
• Share knowledge with other artisans in the section and in other areas of the plant.
• Do quality control inspection on all equipment that must be prepared and make decisions if the equipment is repairable or not by using standard specialist equipment.
• Develop works procedure, tasks list and BOP’s (Best Operating Practices).
• Is required to work shifts, when needed to reduce workload.
• Operate the workshop overhead cranes, presses, and cleaning equipment
• Complete records once work is completed, and ensure all relevant information is logged on the system provided.
• Assist rigger to do roll and equipment changes on the grinding machine.
• Static balancing and crack tests will be performed on all grinding wheels.
• The use, care, and general maintenance of precision measuring equipment.
• Housekeeping to be done on a regular basis.
• Perform any other assigned tasks that fall within the scope of a Fitter and Turner.

What are we looking for?

• Grade 12 with Maths and Science or N3 Engineering Studies
• Recognised Trade Test Certificate as a Mechanical Fitter or Fitter and Turner/Grinderman
• 5 years post-apprenticeship experience in a heavy engineering environment /workshop will be advantageous
• Valid Driving Licence

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Master Technician: Hydraulics to provide an engineering and maintenance service by undertaking installation, maintenance, repair, and modification activities on hydraulic and lubrication equipment and systems of a complex nature

As a Master Technician: Hydraulics, you will be responsible for:

• Responsible for the modification of hydraulic and lubrication systems by configuring new components and installation to standardise equipment as far as possible to meet production and engineering requirements.
• Collaborates with others (e.g., contractors, vendors, etc.) for the purpose of implementing and maintaining services.
• To ensure that plant modification requests are submitted for all system modifications and approved by the relevant Production and Engineering personnel, including filing of documentation at the Drawing Office for future reference.
• Ensures drawings of plant hydraulic schematics, which are used for basic fault-finding, are updated timorously and correctly, and latest revision is filed at Drawing Office.
• Responsible for the commissioning of hydraulic and lubrication systems, new or modified installations by making final connection to the plant according to production and engineering requirements and standards.
• To ensure hydraulic / lubrication systems comply to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 system requirements.
• As a result of investigations, creates/initiates, or updates drawings, recommends maintenance plans and procedures.
• Responsible for oil sampling and implementation of recommendations as per oil sampling and analysis program.
• Participate as team member in MDT team that carries out technical investigations regarding maintenance problems to close out failures on all Hydraulic / Lubrications related failures.
• Carries out standby duties
• Utilise all Sappi systems in the execution of the maintenance strategy and realization of the objectives (SAP, PS, PM,CO,RCA & Activity Manager).
• Assist Maintenance Engineers with preparation of Maintenance budget.
• Support MDT
• Support Maintenance effort
• Shut implementation and supervision

 What are we looking for?

• NQF6: N. Diploma Engineering Studies
• Recognised Fitter Trade certificate
• Heavy industry experience – 3 to 5 years
• 3 years hydraulic system and maintenance experience (Advantageous)