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Process Controller Energy

Process Controller Energy

Sappi Southern Africa

Country:  South Africa
City:  Ngodwana
Location:  Mill Ngodwana
Division:  Utilities
Posting date:  4 Sept 2026
Closing date:  18 Sep 2026

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 Process Controller Energy to safely and efficiently operate the equipment under his/her control, and co-ordinate plant activities on a shift basis. Ensure optimum production output and quality within the set budget. 

 

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

  • Monitor and control plant operations to ensure safe, stable, and efficient production in accordance with operating procedures and production requirements.
  • Execute production activities, including plant start-ups, shutdowns, stoppages, rate changes, pump changeovers, and the management of operational exceptions on a shift basis.
  • Optimise plant performance within current operating constraints, including raw material and plant availability, while maintaining production and quality targets for all mill Utilities. (Steam, power, Demineralised water and compressed air.
  • Monitor plant conditions and process data by reviewing trends, QDM logsheets, exception reports, Operator log sheets, forecasts, and previous-shift information, and take appropriate corrective action to ensure uninterrupted supply of Utilities to all internal customers. maintain Demineralised water, Boiler water and steam quality parameters to set specifications. Address all non-conformances timeously.
  • Ensure effective shift handovers and communication by communicating plant status, operational requirements, risks, and emerging issues to the Shift Superintendent, Outside Operator, Plant Checkers and other relevant stakeholders. Capture plant downtime on OEE system.
  • Identify, manage, and resolve operational deviations and equipment defects, ensuring corrective actions are implemented promptly and non-conformances are effectively closed out. Ensure that all equipment defects are communicated and  reported via SAP notifications to the relevant discipline for attention.
  • Maintain a safe and compliant work environment by identifying and managing risks, adhering to SHEQ procedures and legal requirements, and completing required BBS observations, Near-miss reports and Plant Job Observations. Issue Works permits as and when required.
  • Manage shutdown and start-up activities by maintaining and prioritising shut lists, coordinating maintenance and cleaning requirements, preparing shutdown/start-up plans, and ensuring effective execution. Conduct Pre-startup checklists as required.

 

What are we looking for?

  • Matric (Grade 12) with Maths & Physical Science or N3 in Pulp and Paper.
  • Relevant National Diploma in Pulp and Paper/Chemical Engineering or related fields.
  • Minimum of two (2) years’ experience relevant plant experience. "Utilities/Boiler Environment"
  • Relevant plant licences. 

 

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.

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 Process Controller Energy to safely and efficiently operate the equipment under his/her control, and co-ordinate plant activities on a shift basis. Ensure optimum production output and quality within the set budget. 

 

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

  • Monitor and control plant operations to ensure safe, stable, and efficient production in accordance with operating procedures and production requirements.
  • Execute production activities, including plant start-ups, shutdowns, stoppages, rate changes, pump changeovers, and the management of operational exceptions on a shift basis.
  • Optimise plant performance within current operating constraints, including raw material and plant availability, while maintaining production and quality targets for all mill Utilities. (Steam, power, Demineralised water and compressed air.
  • Monitor plant conditions and process data by reviewing trends, QDM logsheets, exception reports, Operator log sheets, forecasts, and previous-shift information, and take appropriate corrective action to ensure uninterrupted supply of Utilities to all internal customers. maintain Demineralised water, Boiler water and steam quality parameters to set specifications. Address all non-conformances timeously.
  • Ensure effective shift handovers and communication by communicating plant status, operational requirements, risks, and emerging issues to the Shift Superintendent, Outside Operator, Plant Checkers and other relevant stakeholders. Capture plant downtime on OEE system.
  • Identify, manage, and resolve operational deviations and equipment defects, ensuring corrective actions are implemented promptly and non-conformances are effectively closed out. Ensure that all equipment defects are communicated and  reported via SAP notifications to the relevant discipline for attention.
  • Maintain a safe and compliant work environment by identifying and managing risks, adhering to SHEQ procedures and legal requirements, and completing required BBS observations, Near-miss reports and Plant Job Observations. Issue Works permits as and when required.
  • Manage shutdown and start-up activities by maintaining and prioritising shut lists, coordinating maintenance and cleaning requirements, preparing shutdown/start-up plans, and ensuring effective execution. Conduct Pre-startup checklists as required.

 

What are we looking for?

  • Matric (Grade 12) with Maths & Physical Science or N3 in Pulp and Paper.
  • Relevant National Diploma in Pulp and Paper/Chemical Engineering or related fields.
  • Minimum of two (2) years’ experience relevant plant experience. "Utilities/Boiler Environment"
  • Relevant plant licences. 

 

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.

Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

Sappi is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. At Sappi, we encourage and support vaccination.

ABOUT SAPPI

Sappi is a leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, we are building a more circular economy by making what we should, not just what we can.

Apply now »