Top Roles 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’re on the lookout for an experienced Plant Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership for the Services Department by ensuring the safe, reliable and cost-effective delivery of utility services that support mill operations.
• The role is accountable for operational performance, engineering support, resource optimisation, statutory compliance, financial performance, and people leadership to achieve business objectives while partnering with the Reliability function to maximise plant availability and operational efficiency.

As a Plant Manager, you will be responsible for:

• Lead the Services Department to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient production and supply of utility services to the mill
• Ensure uninterrupted availability of steam, power, water treatment, effluent treatment, compressed air and other utility services required by manufacturing operations
• Optimise plant performance to achieve production, quality, energy efficiency and cost objectives
• Develop and implement operational plans aligned to departmental and business objectives
• Coordinate operational activities to maximise production continuity and minimise operational interruptions
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, reduce losses and improve overall plant performance
• Identify opportunities to optimise production processes, energy utilisation and operating costs
• Lead problem-solving initiatives to eliminate recurring operational issues
• Monitor operational performance indicators and implement corrective actions where required
• Promote operational excellence through effective planning, standardisation and performance management
• Participate in developing and executing the mill's maintenance strategy, ensuring equipment is available, reliable and efficient
• Monitor and improve facility maintenance efficiencies by implementing planned and predictive maintenance techniques
• Complete effective shutdown planning and execution, including coordination of multidisciplinary annual maintenance shutdowns
• Identify, motivate and justify capital expenditure projects for the plant or machinery upgrades
• Accountable for commissioning of new and decommissioning of old equipment
• Accountable for contract management including contract negotiations for major engineering contracts in addition to determining when engineering services should be outsourced
• Develop, implement and control departmental operational, variable and fixed cost budgets
• Monitor expenditure against budget and implement corrective actions where necessary
• Compile and submit motivation of required expenditure to the head of department
•  Identify and implement cost optimisation initiatives without compromising safety, production or quality
• Contribute to long-term business planning and departmental investment strategies
• Attain, develop and lead subordinates, adopting sound labour practices to ensure equity and fairness within the section
• Direct team in terms of performance management, talent management, goal alignment, career development and learning within area of responsibility
• Promote employee engagement and high-performance work practices
• Build organisational capability through mentoring and leadership development
• Oversee the development of equipment and process specifications and approve changes in the design of the plant
• Initiate, review and maintain appropriate standards to avoid plant breakdowns
• Manage the root cause analysis of deviations and formulate appropriate strategies to prevent recurrence
• Develop and maintain relevant mill documents and standards that ensure compliance with maintenance best practices and engineering standards
• Report on overall plant performance and cost controls to the engineering manager
• Build effective interdepartmental relationships
• Liaise with external stakeholders as required
• Ensure customer-focused delivery of utility services to internal manufacturing departments
• Ensure a safe and healthy work environment through compliance with legal regulations and mill procedures. Monitor and control compliance with OSHACT and SHEQ guidelines and rules

What are we looking for?

• NQF level 8 qualification (4-year Engineering bachelor’s degree / related equivalent) coupled with a relevant management qualification at NQF level 6
• Government certificate of competencies (Factories)
• Registration as a professional engineer would be considered advantageous
• 8-10 years of relevant experience in a heavy industry environment with proven people management experience
• Experience in the pulp and paper industry 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 (dependent on the role)
• Market-leading leave benefits
• Employee wellbeing benefits

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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 Draughtman to create detailed engineering drawings of machinery and plant using computer software to convert the concepts and plans of mill engineers into technical drawings which assist in the seamless implementation of new projects, modifications, and additions within the Mill.

As a Draughtsman, you will be responsible for:

• Complete an on-site inspection of the proposed work area and collect all relevant information by taking measurements and photographs of the work to be completed
• Inspect the position of the existing equipment or pipework to determine if the new installation can be completed without interference or disruption to the existing plant
• Assess the proposed concept and ensure the instructions are clear by communicating with the plant representative at all times
• Liaise with engineers and fabricators with the knowledge of the chief draughtsman to make the necessary improvements on designs and identify ways to make the design stronger, safer, and more cost-effective
• Assign a suitable number to the drawing to be created and enter it into the  drawing register and database with the correct drawing title
• Plan work to be completed according to the lead times set by the engineer requesting the work to submit drawings within the time frames
• Create technical drawings for all engineering disciplines on purpose-designed machinery and as-built equipment using Autocad, Inventor, or Plant 3D on a daily basis
• Create drawings as requested for piping, isometrics, bill of materials, plant layouts, structural, electrical, instruments, and mechanical parts, which are error-free, legible, and easy to understand
• Prepare a material take-off list with clear specifications of quantity, sizes, and material of construction required for tender purposes
• Complete drawings on time according to set Sappi standards and specifications
• Use creative sense to sketch and create drawings as per requirements outlined, if no concept exists, and refer for approval by the chief draughtsman and the requesting engineer
• Deliver drawings on time, adhering to customer requirements to prevent customer complaints and comebacks
• Review the final drawing and cross-check to identify any errors or oversights using the necessary checklists to assist
• Update flowsheets (P&ID) of specific installations, describing all equipment in the plant
• Modify drawings daily for plant, electrical, and instrument machinery on Autocad
• Update and input information on the  Data view system regularly to ensure data is accurate and always available for use
• Provide a service to the mill by creating PDFs and prints of drawings to be issued by the Chief Draughtsman to Engineers, Buyers, and contractors
• Align all drawings created to approved standards of fabrication and safety, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

What are we looking for?

• NQF level 5 (N5 in Draughting, Engineering studies, or related equivalent)
• 3 years of relevant experience in an engineering environment
• Plant 3D piping would be advantageous
• Proficient in the use of AutoCAD
• Computer-literate in MS Office suites 

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

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We are hiring!

• We’re on the lookout for an experienced Project Cost Engineer to participate in daily activities relating to cost and accounting functions that are necessary for a positive financial outcome.
• Mostly responsible for project cost control services on medium to large capital projects, including but not limited to project cost estimating, budget control, cost forecasting, cost reporting, and cost risk analysis. Main Responsibilities.

As a Project Cost Engineer, you will be responsible for:

• Maintain a healthy project within the project budget and ensure compliance with project governance
•  Maintain financial control for a project and develop and execute the cost management plan to provide the Project Manager with accurate, up-to-date cost information to facilitate sound project decision-making.
• Generate detailed costing for bill of materials utilising sourced market-related pricing.
• Finalise coding of all detailed estimate line items using baselined project control budget to establish package/control budgets.
• Monitor planning and progress of project achievements by using the project schedule to generate data and curves for each cost profile. Highlights any areas of concern with the cost owner for correction or comments thereof
• Participates in the financial aspects within the tender process
• Assign budget for procurement packages, perform budget reconciliation as per the scope and pricing, and produce reconciliation statement to support recommendations for award.
• Reviews payment applications in compliance with contract agreements and approves payment certificates. Highlights and resolves any payment applications not in line with contract agreements
• Record and maintain commitments based on procurement contracts, contract amendments, contract change notices, purchase order (PO) revisions
• Forecast project contingency requirements, escalation, forex, currencies, etc
• Import detailed actual cost and commitment data into the cost system and run a complete detailed baseline cost report by package
• Participate in the trending and change management process and incorporate approved trends into the project estimate at completion.
• Update and maintain budget with approved project change notices (PCN)
• Generate cost reports and report on variances.
• Generate data and curves for each cost profile (baselines and periodic updates

What are we looking for?

• Relevant 3-year degree (Engineering or BCom) and appropriate experience (NQF 7 qualification)
• Site construction experience would be advantageous
• A proven track record in FEED (Front-end engineering design) and EPC phases of pulp & paper, refinery, oil & gas, petrochemical, or similar facilities, including revamp projects
• Be fully versed with cost control principles, policies, procedures and financial systems
• PM2 is advantageous

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We are hiring!

• We’re on the lookout for an experienced Management Forester to plan, execute & achieve the operational estate management, harvesting objectives & targets for fibre production within resource & SHEQ parameters to ensure a sustainable and low cost fibre supply to Sappi mills and external customers.

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.

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.