Current Jobs at Sappi

As a Shift Millwright, you will be responsible to: 

• Diagnose, fault find and repair all mechanical breakdowns and defects mill wide
• Perform mechanical repairs by removing and replacing mechanical equipment such as pumps, valves, fans, gearboxes, pulleys, bearings and housings, couplings, mixers, v-belts, compressors, filter drums, hydraulic hoses, bolts and nuts, pins, crane grabs and cylinders and any other mechanical equipment in area of responsibility
• Overhaul equipment and change seals and bearings where required
• Remove and replace solenoid valves and directional control valves and block valves on pneumatic and hydraulic systems 
• Repair and unblock pneumatic lines and rotameters
• Change and clean oil filters
• Perform PVC welding and construction
• Top up oil levels on machinery as required
• Install, repair or replace automated lubricators, oil and air filters and breathers, pressure regulators and hydraulic cylinders
• Perform alignment (laser, dial gauge, straight edge, etc) on rotating equipment
• Perform rigging of equipment up to 1 ton
• Perform basic arc welding (low pressure pipes, support brackets, etc) and flame cutting (cutting of bolts, flanges, etc) as required 
• Perform maintenance activities on conveyor belt systems which includes tracking of conveyor belt, replacing pulleys, replacing rollers, replacing and making adjustments on scrappers, replacing skirting, etc
• Perform maintenance activities on baling line/Roll handling systems which includes tracking of conveyor belt/chains, replacing pulleys, sprockets, rollers, wrapping/tying machine components and making required adjustments
• Assist to perform maintenance activities to various plants within the mill during planned shutdown work
• Perform fault finding on electrical systems (cabling and components) during breakdowns and effect the required repairs to keep downtime to a minimum. 
• Trace electrical faults in electrical motors and control circuits by using relevant testers and meters
• Rewire burnt components/panels as required
• Perform electrical repairs by removing and replacing electric motors and the driven machinery
• Perform fault finding on PLCs and VSDs and effect required repairs where required
• Perform replacement/installation and termination of new or damaged LT cables where required

What are we looking for?

Relevant Qualifications & Experience

• Matric/Grade 12 and/or N2 in Engineering studies
• Recognised Trade Test certificate as a Millwright 
• Minimum of (2) years’ experience post trade test in a heavy industry environment whilst (5) years industry experience will be advantageous

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As a Process Controller, you will be responsible to:

• Shift Management, oversee shift transitions, utilize electronic reporting systems, and evaluate data from the previous shift to ensure smooth operations.
• Quality Control, review quality sheets and exception reports to maintain high standards.
• Forecasting, understand and act according to the shift forecast to ensure optimal plant performance.
• External Factors, assess and communicate external plant influences to the Shift Superintendent.
• Communication, maintain continuous and clear communication with the Shift Superintendent, Outside Operator, and other relevant parties.
• Plant Optimization, manage plant operations within current constraints (e.g., raw materials) and ensure a 70% solids concentration.
• Operational Tasks, execute production activities, including shutdowns, start-ups, pump changes, and handling logs, reports, and trends.
• Housekeeping & Maintenance, maintain good housekeeping practices, ensure prompt attention to equipment defects, and issue work permits as necessary.
• Safety & Compliance, create a safe work environment, manage risks, and adhere to safety procedures and legal regulations. Report accidents, injuries, and fires immediately.
• Administrative Duties, capture and record accurate data for plant efficiency calculations, and document plant deviations and notifications.
• Utilize SAP PM notifications, OEE entries, Daily Logbook, and LIS systems for reporting and documentation.

Required Minimum Qualifications: 

• Grade 12 with Maths and Psychical Science plus relevant post Matric Certificate NQF Level 5.
• S4 in Chem Eng or Pulp and Paper will be advantageous.
• Relevant plant licence will be advantageous
• 2 years’ experience in a Production Environment

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The main responsibilities of this job are: 

• Defines key performance indicators (KPI), as well as the monthly and annual objectives, in the areas of quality, cost, delivery, environment and people (QCDEP) for the Paper Mill. 
• Plans the plant operations to ensure the maximum utilization of the resources (i.e.; raw materials, energy, people) and develops and tracks improvement in reduction of planned downtime hours.
• Implement and drive a short-term plan (budget) and a long-term plan (up to 5 years) and executes the plans to develop the machinery, people and best practices to ensure a continuous improvement of the paper mill performance.
• Liaise with customer and suppliers and responds to customer feedback and takes corrective action if required, Initiates and supports the development of existing and new products when required.
• Facilitates TPM process, i.e. the plant and process analysis sessions, root cause analysis, supervisor development program, as well as the profit (continuous) improvement program (PIP).
• Leading a functional team that is responsible for the total Paper Mill function by coaching & mentoring and co-ordinate the activities of the team to utilise the skills and experience of each team member to achieve targets within the Department.
• Set goals, objectives and standards of measurement for the Paper Mill function.(SLA) and ensures a safe working environment with the development of safety and housekeeping strategies.
• Ensures that the Department complies in all respects with the relevant statutory requirements (OHS Act, Legal Appointment, etc) by implementing the necessary control measures and rectifying inadequacies and non-conformances.

The ideal candidate should have: 

• B.Sc (Eng), B Tech (Pulp & Paper)
• Management Development Programme (MDP) will serve as an advantage.
• Computer Literate (MS Office)
• A minimum of 10 Years’ experience in the Paper Manufacturing environment
• 5 years of Management experience

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As a Management Forester, you will be responsible for:

• Build, maintain and reinforce a “predict and prevent” safety culture in all integrated operations
• Inspect operations regularly to identify risks & ensure that timeous action (blanking & pest control, coppice management) is undertaken.
• Plan & conduct regular field inspections to ensure that crops, through the timing of operations (weed control, pest & disease management), achieve maximum yields within cost constraints.
• Ensure that plantations use the Fire Risk Management System (FRMS) to identify risks. Record & implement fire control procedures in order to ensure the effective protection of people, plantations and other assets from forest fires.
• Develop a tactical plan & ensure that the annual plan of operations for both commercial and open areas comply with standards and service level agreements
• Develop a pre-harvest plan per compartment in collaboration with the Contractor and Silviculture.
• Conduct a risk assessment per compartment in order to mitigate potential risks.
• Ensure that the Harvesting budget is managed effectively by ensuring sales target tons/per day is achieved.
• Compile in conjunction with Roads Engineer, annual tactical road maintenance plan.
• Scheduling of short-haul and loading operations to ensure rail/road transport is released on time.
• Ensure that company assets such as buildings, villages and company houses are maintained and managed effectively according to set standards (hygiene & legal compliance) and within budget constraints.
• Ensure that relations with communities, other internal and external stakeholders are effectively maintained and managed in order to ensure company image is upheld, risks mitigated and relationships enhanced.

What are we looking for?

• National Diploma in Forestry or related qualification
• Minimum of three years relevant experience.
• Valid driver’s license.

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As a Shift Instrument Mechanician, you will be responsible for:

• Conducting fault finding, breakdown assessments, and thinking beyond the fix.
• Executing breakdown and planned maintenance tasks in line with schedules and engineering practices.
• Reporting plant defects, downtime, and abnormalities accurately.
• Planning spares, tools, and resources required for maintenance jobs.
• Performing basic welding, cutting, fitting, and rigging where required.
• Supporting safety processes by conducting risk assessments and following isolation procedures.
• Ensuring correct tool selection and job preparation for quality execution.
• Sharing knowledge across teams and coaching peers on plant-specific systems.

What are we looking for?

• Matric with Maths and Physical Science or N3 Engineering Studies
• Recognised Trade Test Certificate as an Instrument Mechanician
• Minimum 2 years’ post-apprenticeship experience in an industrial environment (instrumentation focus advantageous)
• SAP PM experience or knowledge is advantageous
• Valid Driver’s License

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As a Project Manager, you will be responsible to :

• Consult with relevant stakeholders to develop detailed business cases for medium-sized to complex projects, determine the capital expenditure, return on investment, resource requirements, as well as assessment of risks and benefits in preparation of annual capital budget
• Prepare and manage annual capex and renewals budget based on input from plant cost centre managers, ensuring alignment with the mills and Sappi SA five year rolling capital/growth plan
• Review, develop, and coordinate all project justifications, cost  estimates, and execution plans
• Coordinate pre-feasibility studies for projects as required, utilising input from both internal and external resources to ensure that results are carefully documented and validated
• Determine the resource requirements for projects, including capex, operational cost, skill types, as well as the resources for the change management elements
• Ensure all engineering designs comply with the appropriate engineering standards and design codes
• Complete bid reviews and analysis of the equipment supply proposals
• Coordinate the execution of the mills projects to meet the plan that has been approved
• Prepare and present project reports to meet the requirements of PPC meetings
• Develop detailed project work breakdown structures in SAP and manage the project’s cost to plan
• Develop the mills cash flow forecast and ensure compliance with the forecast with input from the project responsible persons
• Drive the scheduling, procurement, installation, and commissioning of the new equipment and drive the testing, highlighting any identified design efficiencies.
• Ensure the department compliance with all statutory, safety, environmental, and mill procedures
• Manage the projects department, which includes the drawing office,  project team, and all project resources, managing project delivery and work output

What are we looking for?

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent
• BSc or National Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering or Pulp and Paper Processing would be preferred
• 5-8 years of project implementation experience in a manufacturing environment

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As a Payroll Accounting and Tax Consultant, you will be responsible to:  

• Prepare payroll third-party payments and ensure payment is executed per the service level agreement
• Review monthly journals and ensure all the balances are correct
• Prepare, reconcile and submit the monthly filing of statutory tax returns including the creation and distribution of IRP5s
• Have a good understanding of calculating employee and employer tax liability   
• Preparation and submission of audit requirements and queries
• Compile information for manpower budgets and preparation of cash flow forecasting
• Supervise direct report(s) including KPI discussions and supporting personal development
• Identify system and process change requirements by engaging with all stakeholders
• Support the payroll banking function to execute the monthly payroll on an ad hoc basis
• Maintain sound Payroll Governance and ensure Standard Operating Procedures are in place

What are we looking for? 

• Relevant Payroll or Finance Degree
• Minimum 3 Years Payroll experience
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office, Employee Central and SAP FI and HRM 
• Supervisory experience

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As a Buyer, you will be responsible for:

• Ensure that all materials and services are sourced and procured according to specification, in accordance with the procurement policy and/or as detailed in the sourcing strategy
• Category Management support and information assistance to be given to Commodity and Sourcing Managers
• Ensure that quality control procedures are implemented and adhered to by the suppliers.  Certificates of conformance are to be supplied where required
• Negotiate supplier payment terms unless already negotiated by Commodity and/or Sourcing Managers
• Liaise with the Technical department regarding specifications or samples tested, if any variance to specification the supplier is notified immediately, and action is taken to rectify
• Assist with achieving functional PIP objectives
• Highlight potential opportunities for items to be placed on contracts with the Commodity Specialist
• Ensure that contract and/or consignment stock are updated on the SAP system
• Implement and/or follow effective expediting procedures and monitor
• Assist in the Issuing of invitations to tender and assist in the evaluation and adjudication of tenders

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor's degree/Diploma/NQF Level 5-6 in Supply Chain/Procurement or relevant field
• A minimum of 3 - 5 years experience in an industrial, procurement, or materials management environment
• SAP MM experience
• Experience in the technical and/or manufacturing environment would be an added advantage

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As a Senior Quality Control System Engineer , you will be responsible to:  

• Develop QCS maintenance best practice systems, schedules, resource allocation, and budgets to meet production and QCS performance targets, aligning with the regional maintenance strategy and international standards.
• Provide input into determining production targets, including shrinkage, standard deviation, and final product quality, benchmarking against international practices for competitiveness.
• Maintain effective communication of Data and BUS Links between QCS, Distributive Control Systems (DCS), and Programmable Logical Systems (PLC) based on international standards.
• Prioritize and motivate capital expenditure projects for new equipment, technology, or upgrades, ensuring alignment with international best practices.
• Review the performance of all control loops and make improvements as necessary, benchmarking against international benchmarks on a continuous basis
• Maintain a safe working environment for the QCS Engineering team, adhering to the Sappi SHEQ system and international safety standards.
• Monitor compliance with ISO Standards, benchmarking against global quality standards for continuous improvement.
• Coordinate QCS duties and standby duties on all Sappi sites, prioritizing based on the nature of the breakdown and benchmarking against international response times.
• Manage QCS Department T&A, incorporating best practices for efficient workforce management

What are we looking for? 

• Recognized Engineering Degree or Diploma (NQF7) e.g., BSc/B Tech/NHD Elect Eng. (LC).
• Minimum 10 years’ experience with Quality Control System Engineering and at least 5 years supervisory experience
• DCS, PLC, and IT experience essential.
• Minimum 10 years experience within Pulp and Paper industry
• Extensive knowledge of Network Platform software and hardware, Smart Platform software and hardware 

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As a Risk Manager, you will be responsible for:

• Prepare and control the risk department business plan covering personnel, assets, installations, equipment, vehicles, insurance premium capex, and major contracts
• Set key performance indicators (KPIs) for team members, conducting regular performance reviews, and providing feedback to ensure continuous improvement
• Identify training needs and foster the professional development of team members. This might include mentorship, supporting certifications, or ensuring ongoing education in relevant areas such as risk assessment, compliance, or financial analysis
• Create a positive work environment and foster a culture that values open communication, risk awareness, and ethical behavior
• Management Representative for ISO 45001 and maintain the integrated management system (IMS) and review frequently Mill compliance and continuous improvement
• Ensure and advise on compliance with statutory requirements in the risk management field through the monitoring of legislative changes, consultation with legal experts, external legal compliance audits, corrective action plans, and internal audits
• Prepare and distribute relevant reports reflecting the Mill’s risk management status on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis
• Recommend risk control strategies to minimise risk exposure  and monitor the effectiveness of the risk management process
• Directs the Risk Specialist (Security and Emergency Preparedness) in terms of the mill’s emergency preparedness and response plans in terms of the minimum standards expected for the protection of company assets
• Ensure that suitable simulations/drills are held to test the emergency plans and prepare the emergency coordination teams
• Create and promote a culture where employees at all levels understand their role in maintaining safety and risk mitigation
• Initiate and oversee safety behavior programs that encourage all employees to take personal responsibility for safety
• Lead programs that recognize and reward individuals or teams for exemplary safety practices, thereby reinforcing positive behaviors within the safety culture
• Lead the organization’s crisis management efforts by ensuring that emergency plans are in place, employees are trained, and that there is a coordinated response to incidents such as natural disasters, health emergencies, or security breaches
• Liaise with insurance brokers, surveyors, assessors, mill personnel, company legal advisers, and legal counsel on all insurance matters when needed
• Ensure that corrective and preventive action is taken for non-conformances through correct channeling to the responsible people
• Ensure that legal requirements are complied with in all respects that the required registers are maintained and that the necessary documentation and investigations are forwarded to the Department of Labour
• Set annual targets, objectives, and action plans for the mill and risk department to achieve continuous improvement and to meet certification requirements
• Direct a communication strategy to generate awareness and knowledge of safety requirements with the employee and contractor employee workforce
• Directs the mill towards improvements required to reduce occupational hygiene exposures and to meet legal requirements

What are we looking for?

• B degree in at least one of the SHE disciplines
• 5 - 8 Years post-graduation experience within the SHE field of which 2 years should be in a Managerial field
• In-depth knowledge of health and safety-related legislation and licensing processes
• Strong computer literacy (MS Office Suite)