Job Vacancies at Sappi

We are hiring!

• At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed.
• We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.
• We are on the lookout for a Mechanical Engineer to maximize equipment performance in a safe, legal, and cost-effective manner.

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for:

Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality 

• Enforce statutory compliance, SHEQ policies, ISO standards (9000/14001/50001/45001), permit-to-work rules, and hazardous waste protocols.
• Educate and guide the technical team via regular inspections, detailed record-keeping, Safe Work Procedures, and Critical Task Analyses.

Operational Excellence

• Develop, implement, and audit maintenance standards and business processes to maintain equipment integrity and legal compliance.
• Lead root-cause failure analyses, coordinate corrective repairs, and execute both long-term and incidental shutdown planning.
• Analyze SAP maintenance data, manage external contractor alliances, and perform required standby and overtime duties.

Budget and Cost Control 

• Oversee maintenance expenditure, track weekly variances against budget, and handle purchase approvals within delegated authority.
• Propose cost-effective plant changes/business cases, support 5-year capital planning, and manage capital renewal projects on budget.

Reporting 

• Provide weekly reports to the Maintenance Manager Mechanical covering overall plant performance, engineering issues, and costs.

Build Customer Relations 

• Maintain proactive communication with internal and external customers/suppliers, responding promptly to feedback with corrective action.

What are we looking for?

• BSc / BEng / BEng Tech / Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 2 to 8 years’ maintenance experience in heavy industry.
• Supervisory experience and relevant management qualifications are advantageous.
• SAP experience would be advantageous.
• Government Certificate of Competence (Factories) would be advantageous.
• Registration as a professional engineer would be advantageous.

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
• Opportunities to travel.
• Market leading leave benefits.
• Employee wellbeing benefits.

go to method of application »

We are hiring!

• At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.
• We are on the lookout for an Aircon Technician to join our industry-leading team, where your technical expertise directly impacts production success. In this role, you will provide a specialist service to the customer on the repair, modification, overhaul, and problem-solving of a wide variety of general and specialized air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.

As an Aircon Technician, you will be responsible for:

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Drive Safety Standards: Ensure a safe working environment through the active development of safety and housekeeping strategies.
• Maintain Compliance: Guarantee the department complies in all respects with relevant statutory requirements (OHS Act, Legal Appointments, IRCA) by implementing control measures and swiftly rectifying non-conformances.

Plant & Machine Availability

• Specialist Maintenance: Identify, report, and action irregularities regarding air-conditioning and refrigeration maintenance and installation.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: Participate as a core member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) carrying out technical investigations to close out equipment failures.
• Inspections & Fault Finding: Perform detailed inspections, report defects/failures to the Foreman, and execute troubleshooting on plant equipment causing production stoppages or reduced throughput capacity.
• Execution & Best Practice: Complete maintenance tasks in line with work instructions, manufacturer manuals, and industry best practices.
• Systems Utilization: Utilize company maintenance systems (SAP, PS, PM, CO, RCA & Activity Manager) to execute the overall maintenance strategy and realize operational objectives.
• Standby Support: Carry out standby duties to ensure continuous plant support.

What are we looking for?

• Grade 12 (with Mathematics & Physical Science) or N3 Engineering qualification.
• Recognized Industrial Air Conditioning Trade Certificate (Manpower or SETA accredited).
• Minimum of 2 years' post-qualification experience in a heavy industry environment.
• Valid driver's license.
• Valid Gas License is highly advantageous.

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
• Opportunities to travel.
• Market leading leave benefits.
• Employee wellbeing benefits

go to method of application »

We are hiring!

• At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed.
• We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.
• We’re on the lookout for a Save-all Production Assistant to provide an effective administration and support function to the line manager

As a Save-all Production Assistant, you will be responsible for:

• Perform daily inspections on Kraft linear board, Newsprint and Groundwood thickeners / save-all’s.
• Identify any operational or mechanical problems and ensure that all problems are corrected.
• Report to Paper Specialist or Shift Superintendent if problems cannot be fixed in the run.
• Clean and maintain Thickeners/save –all daily.
• Ensure that thickeners/ save- all’s run at maximum efficiency at all time
• Prepare sector bags.
• Supervise contractors working on Thickener/save-all during shuts on ground wood.
• Ensure good housekeeping.
• Comply with all the relevant Safety, health, Environment, and quality requirements.

What are we looking for?

• Matric (Grade 12) with Math’s and Physical Science or an N3 in Pulp and Paper.
• N3 Engineering Studies will be advantageous.

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
• Opportunities to travel.
• Market leading leave benefits.
• Employee wellbeing benefits.

go to method of application »

We are hiring!

• At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.
• We’re on the lookout for an experienced Senior Risk Officer: Fire and Emergency to provide guidance, support, and enforce compliance with Sappi policies, procedures, legal obligations, and best practices that are pertinent to the industry, using a process of continuous identification and development. In addition, maintain the ISO 45001 certification for the plant.

As a Senior Risk Officer: Fire and Emergency, you will be responsible for:

• Lead and facilitate mill-wide fire Improvement initiatives aimed at eliminating chronic losses, reducing operational risk, and improving SHE performance
• Identify recurring SHE losses and systemic risks through trend analysis and facilitate cross-functional teams to implement sustainable corrective actions
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies to significant SHE incidents and operational losses
• Monitor and report on FIRE project progress, benefits realisation and sustainability of implemented improvements
• Drive standardisation and sharing of SHE and fire best practices across departments and other Sappi operations where applicable
• Support the integration of fire principles into daily operational management and routine work processes
• Facilitate risk-based improvement workshops and support departments in identifying opportunities to improve safety, reliability and operational performance
• Coordinate the continual improvement of mill fire prevention programmes and emergency preparedness systems
• Lead periodic reviews of fire risk assessments and ensure implementation of engineering and administrative controls for identified fire hazards
• Coordinate emergency response exercises, fire drills and post-exercise improvement plans to verify emergency readiness
• Support investigations of fire incidents and near misses, ensuring effective root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable corrective actions
• Liaise with emergency services, insurers and regulatory authorities on matters relating to fire risk management and emergency preparedness
• Conduct various internal and external audits (contractor audits, Supplier or Vendor audit, ISO Audit Safety Compliance audits
• Monitor changes in applicable legislation e.g., OHS Act, SANS standards, RSR, NFPA and advise on action planning, provide guidance to management on strategic and operational risk management.
• Enforce compliance with life-saving rules, legal, procedural and other requirements and initiate disciplinary processes for non-compliance.
• Follow up on findings to ensure closure and implementation of corrective or preventative action
• Provide technical advice to Management, Engineering, Contractors and Employees mill-wide to ensure compliance with the OHS Act, Construction Regulations, SANS codes, policies and other legislation
• Seek and recommend new methods or procedures or standards for implementation/integration in or with existing systems/modules to improve Sappi’s compliance with world-class standards
• Coach line managers, supervisors and departmental teams in FIRE methodologies and critical risk control implementation
• Facilitate learning from incidents by ensuring lessons learnt are communicated and embedded into work practices
• Conduct informal checks on procedures, work instructions and ensure that the plants adhere to the correct procedures for
• Respond to various emergencies mill-wide: gas, fire, chemical spillage, IODs, Medical cases
• Manage fire contractor processes including Contractor SHE files approval, pre-entry audit, and assisting contractors in complying with OHSA and Sappi's standards
• Maintain the ambulance through a checklist and maintenance schedule. Provide drivers for the ambulance; manage the ambulance
• Fire truck management and emergency vehicles and trailers
• Manage the fire store and all fire-related equipment
• Schedules for emergency equipment inspections as per SAP schedules
• Submit new fire protection systems and equipment to fire risk consultants for approval
• Log and manage all fire impairments

What are we looking for?

• Qualified Senior Fireman
• 5–8 years' experience in Fire Management, experience as a Leading Fireman/Officer within a Manufacturing Environment chemical or heavy industrial manufacturing environment, would be advantageous
• Experience in facilitating incident risk assessments and cross-functional improvement teams
• Knowledge of ISO 45001, and integrated management systems
• Certification in HIRA, RCAT, Fire Investigation, or equivalent
• Knowledge of Fire Pumps
• Training and knowledge of the Incident Command System would be advantageous 
• Experience in Fire Investigation and Reporting 

What’s in it for you? 

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi
• Opportunities to travel (dependent on the role)
• Market-leading leave benefits
• Employee wellbeing benefits

go to method of application »

We are hiring!

• At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.
• We’re on the lookout for Attendant: Conveyor to ensure the efficient operation of equipment in the Moist Depithing Plant so that optimum production rate is maintained on a continuous basis.

As Attendant: Conveyor, you will be responsible for:

• Checking for and clearing any blockages in chutes, conveyors, depithers or any machine where required.
• Assisting with changing of hammers and baskets (screens) when necessary.
• Visually checking conveyors, chutes, depithers and other plant machinery for defects which may require attention and reports to the Operator.
• Keeping plant clean by sweeping and removing dirt, feeds bagasse and pith back into the system.
• Removing the tramp iron from magnet into the tray and to the scrap bin during the shift.
• Sampling bagasse for quality checks and delivers to pulp mill lab.
• Changing slats on slats conveyor (assists fitter) and complete check list for the plant
• Understanding & complying with all SHEQ requirements of the job and maintain a high level of good housekeeping in the workplace at all times.

What are we looking for?

• Full N1 Pulp & Paper or NCV Level 2
• 2 years working experience in the Pulp Mill Operations
• Competency in the section is a definite advantage

go to method of application »

We are hiring!

• At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.
• We’re on the lookout for a Admin Assistant - Paper to provide an effective administration and support function to the line manager.

As a Admin Assistant - Paper, you will be responsible for:

• Plan and coordinate daily, weekly and monthly activities, including diary management, meetings, appointments and departmental events.
• Provide comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to the line manager and department, including correspondence, telephone calls, minutes and general office administration.
• Coordinate departmental meetings, events and functions, including conference rooms, catering, VIP visits and mill reviews.
• Prepare, update and distribute departmental reports and information accurately and within required deadlines.
• Manage departmental resources and procurement activities, including stationery, store requisitions, service requests and office equipment.
• Utilise relevant business systems to perform administrative functions, including SAP, BW reporting, PM Notifications, time management, costing and BBS data capturing.
• Maintain accurate departmental records, registers and compliance documentation, including inspection and calibration records, evacuation lists, downtime bookings, organograms and waste usage reports.
• Support a safe, organised and efficient working environment through SHEQ activities, BBS observations, 5S practices and effective coordination with HR and other departments.

What are we looking for?

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Certificate – Administration, NQF Level 5 will be advantageous
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in an Administrative or similar support role.

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
• Opportunities to travel.
• Market leading leave benefits.
• Employee wellbeing benefits.

go to method of application »

We are hiring!

• At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.
• We’re on the lookout for a Snr Process Controller to operate the Chemical Cellulose Plant processes and coordinate the plant activities on shift basis as efficiently as possible, ensuring effective performance of all aspects of the operating units.

As a Snr Process Controller, you will be responsible for:

• Ensure effective start-up and shutdown of production equipment and maintain stable plant operations in accordance with operating procedures and best practices.
• Optimise plant performance and production efficiency within current operating constraints, including raw material and service availability, while ensuring the efficiency of the assigned section.
• Manage and control production operations, including implementing rate changes, identifying process deviations, and ensuring equipment faults are reported and addressed promptly.
• Manage planned and incidental shutdowns, maintenance break-ins and breakdowns, including reviewing shut lists and maintenance plans, compiling start-up/shutdown plans, and ensuring effective execution.
• Ensure compliance with Safety, Health, Environment and Quality requirements by identifying and managing risks, enforcing safety business processes and procedures, and ensuring adherence to BBS and PJO requirements.
• Lead and develop operational personnel by effectively managing available resources, maximising capacity, coaching and mentoring team members, and testing and authorising new and re-licensed operators.
• Ensure effective Management of Change (MOC) for plant equipment, operating procedures and DCS software, ensuring changes are properly assessed, authorised, implemented and controlled.
• Ensure compliance and accuracy of operational systems and data by maintaining accurate master data, notifications and work orders, and complying with all relevant business processes.

What are we looking for?

• Relevant National Diploma in Pulp and Paper/Chemical Engineering or related fields.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ manufacturing experience in Pulp and Paper industry.
• Chemical Cellulose experience will be advantageous.

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
• Opportunities to travel.
• Market leading leave benefits.
• Employee wellbeing benefits.

go to method of application »

We are hiring!

• We’re on the lookout for a Forestry Manager - Silviculture & Harvesting to plan, execute & achieve the estate management & harvesting objectives for fibre production within resource & SHEQ parameters to ensure a sustainable and rateable fibre supply.

As a Forestry Manager - Silviculture & Harvesting, you will be responsible for:

• Assess & review the re-establishment program (planting & coppice regeneration), monitor the placement of the plant order with Nurseries, ensure the annual plan of operations (planting; weeding and fire protection) is aligned to budget and implemented; ensure the Temporary Unplanted “TUP” targets are achieved within budget constraints to ensure sustainable wood fibre supply and profits to stakeholders.
• Evaluate quality maintenance of all activities by conducting monthly infield audits (assess stocks planted and harvested; weed maintenance and fire preparations) on a minimum 10% of the months to maintain silvicultural standards; minimise risk and loss through timeous intervention.
• Ensure that all suppliers are informed of forecasted FDI and resources are readily available to immediately respond in the event of a fire to minimise costs and loss
• Facilitate for the development of cordial relationships between suppliers; their neighbours and the local business community through local farmer associations and Fire Protection associations membership to ensure collaboration and cooperation between stakeholders and improve response to disastrous events.
• Encourage suppliers to invest in equipment that is owned by farming community cooperation through farmers association or FPA to improve access and availability and profits to the growers.
• Ensure all operations comply with service level agreement by doing infield service audit checks to guarantee quality and delivery of value for money
• Ensure that all projects have the necessary required resources and capacity to achieve targets by determining the scope of annual activities and recruiting and or developing the required skills
• Ensure adherence to the chain of custody principles through spot audits on a proportionate percentage of supplied wood fibre volume for the month monitoring the source “infield audits” and the supplied volume versus contractual volume to combat criminal activity
• Monitor loan recovery by prioritising wood fibre on the annual harvesting APO before spot timber and monitor infield stocks versus sales and TCS recovery reports reducing loss to the company
• Monitor infield versus depots stock level reports to ensure rateable wood fibre delivery to the Mill and achieve targets
• Conduct interim in-field inspections to monitor and ensure adherence to safety and Mill quality specifications to proactively mitigate; save lives and ensure efficiencies
• Communicate with the Logistics office to optimize delivery against targets and attain customer satisfaction
• Monitor harvesting performance; scheduling of short-haul & loading operations to ensure grower service providers benefit from timeous interventions and achieve targets
• Ensure that relations with communities and other internal & external stakeholders are effectively maintained & managed to uphold the company image through proactive risk identification and mitigation, and enhanced relations through regularly planned engagements.
• Manage relationship with local offices of DAFF, DRDLR; DWAS; IDC; Traditional Councils and local municipalities by supporting interventions of common interests and extending invitations to stakeholder outreach programmes including grower days
• Ensure that a professional relationship with suppliers’ service providers is maintained by ensuring that quality, delivery and compliance standards as set out in the job instruction system and service level agreement are adhered to, concerns logged and actioned promptly, and incidents closed off formally to maintain company image.
• Facilitate rates negotiations between suppliers and service providers by ensuring that there is fair engagement and both parties are capacitated and helped to develop an appreciation of business principles
• Develop a supplier development programme with set delivery targets and timelines by working closely with the uLwazi team and the ESD programme to ensure sustainable wood fibre supply and prosperity for the suppliers
• Ensure technical knowledge transfer to the suppliers by encouraging maximised supplier involvement in their business operations through regular infield engagements and planning discussions “cover APO and budgets” at the end of seasons as well as grower field days
• Expand growing tons by identifying new areas with tree growth potential and recruit growers into the unit; determine suitable supplier contracts to increase sustainable wood fibre supply to own markets
• Ensure compliance to legislative and company policies & procedures by holding others to account and training where necessary to ensure fair trade and prosperity
• Analyse TCS reports and ensure that timber supply is aligned to contractual volumes and all suppliers have updated contracts in place.
• Audit TCS adherence, eCams and Forcelink by drawing system reports and analysing in order to ensure legal compliance
• Improve supplier loyalty by keeping them abreast of their deliveries, share monthly reports or statements; respond timeously to concerns and share the latest industry developments to enhance growth and empowerment
• Ensure that company assets such as buildings; vehicles are maintained & managed effectively according to to set standards (hygiene & legal compliance) and regulations and within budget constraints to curb penalties and loss
• Ensure compliance with all legislation regulating the work environment including SHEQ policies, Sappi procedures, best-operating practices and work instructions by suppliers through Stop and Think Before You Act (STBA)
• Educate suppliers on markets’ requirements and monitor adherence to standards, policies and procedures to ensure mutual benefit
• Work closely with safety and risk managers to monitor and manage risks and accidents to save lives and reduce loss
• Mentor and coach subordinates to manage performance and attain objectives; support; guide and inform understanding and execution to develop confidence and knowledge
• Develop future business leaders by identifying potential; awarding through facilitated realistic career paths choices premised on the Personal Development Plans to support the organization’s succession plans.
• Hold subordinates to account by reinforcing adherence to regulations and procedures to drive discipline and professionalism in the workplace and live company values
• Prepare and present the annual budget for the district based on APO; TUP; Spot timber supply contracts; travelling plans and other related engagements to ensure sustainable wood fibre supply and achievement of annual targets.
• Prepare Forecasts & monitor monthly operational activities, manage costs; analyse TCS and SAP reports and market performance data from the Logistics department to align performance to market demand and achieve targets.
• Ensure projects remain financially viable; suppliers enjoy maximum skills benefits and deliver according to business plans through regular engagements with the suppliers to enable effective skills transfer and economic growth 
• Facilitate water licence applications through direct engagements with DWAS; DEFF and EDTEA, get all necessary documentation available to ensure speedy resolutions to achieve annual planting targets
• Ensure that the following month's sales plan is compiled, confirmed and submitted to the Forestry Manager (FM) to ensure timeous communication with the Logistics manager
• Ensure weekly infield and depot stocks are communicated to the harvesting FM to ensure alignment of timber supply to market demand
• Prepare monthly progress reports to monitor all technical, financial and administrative resources made available to your unit to ensure seamless reporting requirements for senior management and suppliers are met.
• Report monthly on the district’s performance, ensure monthly performance is captured correctly in the reports and costs analysed to enhance costs efficiencies in the organisation
• Report safety incidents and near misses through the deviation system to ensure implementation of corrective action and information sharing  

What are we looking for?

• National Diploma in Forestry or related qualification
• Bachelors' Degree in Forestry or related disciplines would be preferred
• At least 8 years experience in timber procurement and/or forestry management
• Valid code EB driver's license

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
• Opportunities to travel (dependent on upon the role).
• Market leading leave benefits.
• Employee well-being benefits.