Job Openings at Sappi

Key Responsibilities:

• Assign, schedule, and complete maintenance tasks and opportunities.
• Improve master data accuracy and assist with work scoping.
• Report plant defects and downtime to the Foreman.
• Share knowledge and coach peers on plant-specific procedures.
• Obtain work permits in accordance with company policy.
• Conduct 60-second risk assessments as per standard procedures.
• Select and use the appropriate tools for each task.
• Perform maintenance tasks in line with engineering best practices.

Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12 or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
• Recognized Millwright trade certificate (Manpower or SETA accredited).
• Minimum of 2 years’ post-apprenticeship experience.
• Experience in mechanical/electrical fault-finding in an industrial environment.

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As an Instrumentation Mechanician, your role includes:

• Installing, commissioning, modifying, and maintaining instrument installations and DCS equipment to meet Engineering and Production standards.
• Optimizes Process Controls: Optimizes process control systems (DCS) through loop tuning and fault-finding to ensure performance requirements are met.
• Repairs and Replaces Instruments: Removes, cleans, repairs, and replaces defective instruments using appropriate hand tools.
• Assembles and Calibrates: Reassembles instruments and calibrates readings to ensure accurate function according to standards.
• Maintains Records: Records calibrations, parts used, and maintains inventory of spare parts.
• Creates Documentation: Prepares schematic drawings, sketches, and reports to document changes made to instruments, circuits, and systems.
• Supports Team Efforts: Performs assigned duties to ensure efficient functioning of the work unit.
• Promotes Safety and Compliance: Understands and adheres to Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) requirements, investigates incidents, identifies root causes of non-conformances, and maintains workplace cleanliness.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Recognized Instrumentation Trade Certificate accredited by Manpower or SETA.
• Preferably, a minimum of 2 years of post-apprenticeship experience, with a strong emphasis on instrumentation fault finding within an industrial setting.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Identify, report, and resolve irregularities in air-conditioning and refrigeration maintenance and installation
• Collaborate in the MDT team to investigate and resolve equipment failures
• Conduct inspections and report defects, failures, and anomalies to the Foreman
• Perform maintenance tasks according to work instructions, best practices, and manufacturer manuals at Ngodwana
• Troubleshoot plant and equipment issues causing production stoppages or reduced capacity
• Participate in standby duties as required
• Utilize Sappi systems (SAP, PS, PM, CO, RCA, Activity Manager) to implement maintenance strategies and achieve objectives
• Ensure compliance with safety policies, the OHS Act, and other statutory requirements, maintaining a safe work environment

Minimum Requirements:

• Industrial Air Conditioning Trade Certificate (Manpower or SETA accredited)
• Minimum 2 years of heavy industry experience
• Valid driver’s license
• Gas license (advantageous)

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Key Responsibilities

• Ensure full SHEQ compliance, maintain high housekeeping standards, uphold legal requirements, and investigate incidents to drive corrective actions.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks through proactive risk management and action planning.
• Oversee Engineering Spares, Raw Materials, and all MRO operations to support mill-wide performance objectives.
• Manage and optimise stores resources, stock levels, transport services, and rotable repair systems to ensure continuous plant support.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance across all material management systems (SIN, XCPIM) and maintain high-quality master data.
• Develop, implement, and review policies, procedures, and work instructions within the Materials Management function.
• Prepare and manage operational budgets, monitor working capital, and lead stock optimisation initiatives, including reduction of redundant materials.
• Lead, develop, and coach team members while managing discipline, succession planning, and overall capability growth.

Minimum Qualifications

• NQF Level 7 qualification in Engineering, Inventory Management, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Strong working knowledge of SAP is advantageous.

Minimum Experience

• 8–10 years’ experience in an engineering, manufacturing, or industrial environment.
• 5–8 years proven experience in materials management, including inventory control, warehouse operations, and stock optimisation (experience with consignment stock and contracts is an advantage).
• Minimum 5 years supervisory or management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, high-volume stores with strict compliance, accuracy, and safety requirements.
• Experience collaborating with maintenance, production, and planning teams to support plant reliability and operational continuity.
• Continuous improvement exposure (Lean, 5S, or similar) will be advantageous.

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As a Boiler and Turbine Specialist, you will be responsible to:

• Review critical performance parameters on a daily basis, actioning any deviations from specifications and keeping a historical account of operating parameters, monitoring  for long term potential deviations
• Optimise the performance of turbine generators and boilers and produce monthly reports on unit performances
• Address operating parameters out of specification through technical adjustments
• Manage and develop long term strategies for boiler life extensions
• Review and inspect the operating units  for efficient functionality addressing any potential risks to uninterrupted runability
• Identify improvement opportunities and coordinate trial initiatives
• Manage and support mills with annual shutdowns and boiler maintenance requirements as well as service level agreements with suppliers
• Mentor and guide employees in understanding the operating principles of boiler and turbine units
• Assist with problem solving and corrective action including the facilitation, initiation and participation in team based problem solving
• Develop best operating practices for boiler and componant optimisation for development and sustainability
• Stay abreast of international standards and trends to ensure latest technology evaluation at all times

What are we looking for?

• BSc Chemical /Mechanical / Electrical Engineering would be considered advantageous while other relevant qualifications will also be considered
• 10 years of Process engineering experience in specific relation to combustion with a minimum of 5 years’ engineering experience in Energy networks, Turbines, Boilers and or Environmental management.
• Potential candidates should possess a good understanding of boiler maintenance with strong operational experience to optimise boiler efficiency

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Description
Join Our Team as Mill Manager: Utilities & Service

• We are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to take ownership of our Utilities and Services operations. This role is perfect for a results-driven professional who is passionate about people, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Your mission will be to ensure the Utilities and Services section delivers optimal production output with top-quality results, minimal downtime, and the highest safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team of Production Managers and Process Engineers, ensuring smooth and efficient operations across Chemical & Recovery, Energy, and Services plants.
• Monitor monthly plant performance against strategic objectives and implement effective corrective actions.
• Grow and empower your workforce through career development, performance management, coaching, and aligned goal-setting.
• Drive cost efficiency by managing departmental budgets, controlling costs, and executing both short-term and long-term (5-year) improvement plans.
• Prepare and consolidate capital, fixed, and variable cost budgets for the department.
• Strengthen relationships with internal and external customers and suppliers, while contributing to strategic mill-wide initiatives.
• Ensure full compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental legislation and standards, while upholding excellent housekeeping and 5S practices.
• Champion continuous improvement, integrate business processes, and ensure accurate reporting and BBS observation performance.

Minimum Requirements:

• BSc Engineering / BTech Pulp & Paper or BTech Engineering.
• Management Qualification (advantageous).
• 10 years’ experience in a production environment, with at least 5 years in Energy or Chemical/Recovery.
• Minimum 5 years’ management experience.

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Description

Join Our Team: Projects Technician!

• We are seeking an experienced Projects Technician to join the Projects and Development Department. The role provides advanced technical support through the preparation of engineering drawings and ensures effective collaboration between construction and project teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with SHEQ, OHS Act, and mill safety standards across all projects.
• Prepare, draught, and manage all mechanical and piping engineering drawings.
• Maintain drawing registers, revisions, and documentation, and communicate updates to stakeholders.
• Develop conceptual and detailed manufacturing, layout, structural, and modification drawings.
• Manage fabrication data within production and quality management software.
• Collaborate with engineering, QC, contractors, and production teams to resolve technical issues.
• Inspect and verify design and fabrication quality, ensuring adherence to change management procedures.
• Provide advanced technical support, identify engineering improvements, and assist in developing mechanical standards.

Minimum Requirements

• NQF Level 6: Diploma / NH Dip / B.Tech / Advanced Diploma (Mechanical).
• 5+ years’ experience in a design office environment, preferably within heavy industry.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD (mandatory).
• Experience with Plant 3D, Autodesk Inventor, CADWorx and SAP will be an advantage.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Perform mechanical maintenance on plant equipment, with a focus on gearboxes, pumps, screens, bearings, and chain drives.
• Plan and execute maintenance activities for designated plant areas in accordance with Notifications and Planned Schedules.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose issues during breakdowns, ensuring swift repairs to minimize equipment downtime.
• Conduct detailed daily and weekly inspections of plant equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Provide standby coverage for after-hours and weekend breakdowns, promptly reporting any deviations to the Maintenance Support Mechanical (Foreman).
• Report all unsafe acts and conditions to the Maintenance Support Mechanical to ensure workplace safety.
• Participate in Behavioral-Based Safety programs to promote a safety-first culture.
• Use SAP to request and withdraw required spare parts from stores for maintenance tasks.
• Maintain and update Master Data in SAP, adhering to work order processes and ensuring accurate documentation.

What are we looking for?

• A recognised Trade Test Certificate as a Mechanical Fitter or Fitter and Turner.
• Possess a Grade 12 qualification with Maths and Science or a N3 Engineering qualification.
• Preferably have 2 years of post-apprenticeship experience in a heavy engineering environment.
• Must have a valid Driving Licence. 

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Description

Join Our Team as a Planning Administrator!

• We are looking for a dedicated Planning Administrator to manage SAP PM data, ensure data integrity, and assist the Planner in scheduling maintenance tasks to optimize plant availability, reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain housekeeping and manage task-related risks
• Ensure legal compliance, document control, and record-keeping
• Prepare and submit daily, weekly, and monthly reports
• Assist in managing plant maintenance costs within budget
• Create purchase requisitions, service acceptances, and confirm work orders
• Update SAP BOM and support master data administration
• Assist with shutdown planning and manage incidental shut lists
• Stand in for the Planner as required

Minimum Requirements:

• Completed Grade 12 / N3 with Maths & Science
• Technical or financial qualification (advantageous)
• 2 years of administration experience
• Planning experience (advantageous)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• SAP experience (SAP PM, RTP, and CO advantageous)
• Valid driver’s license

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As an Assistant Finance Officer  you will be responsible to:  

• Investigate and process local and foreign intercompany charges / recoveries and submit debit / credit notes to the relevant units
• Receive source documentation by email from Sappi companies and determine company codes, general ledger codes and tax codes involved, recording the entry in SAP using correct transaction type
• Confirm that all inter-company accounts balance once information is captured by running reports in SAP and comparing balances
• Prepare and send payment proposals (local and foreign) to the Finance Manager for the settlement of all intercompany accounts
• Prepare general ledger reconciliations for review including any GL recon required and not limited to intercompany
• Prepare and upload journals for all business units, including journals required to be uploaded by the general accounts team and  not limited to intercompany related journals
• Complete tax pack tabs accurately and completely addressing review queries from head office Tax department
• Confirm invoices are valid as per VAT act requirements and process customer payments timeously according to information receive
• Prepare weekly spreadhseet analysis from bank statements, listing all transactions and allocate to the correct categories
• Ensure that deadlines will be met to ensure continuity of operations and being to plan and organise period closing transactions in a timely manner

What are we looking for? 

• Accredited Degree in Accounting or Finance
• Post graduate degree in Accounting or Finance will be advantageous 
• At least 3 years of experience in an accounting position with experience using SAP FI
• Ms office with intermediate MS Excel experience