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Process Controller - PM1

Process Controller - PM1

Sappi Southern Africa
Country:  South Africa
City:  Ngodwana
Location:  Mill Ngodwana
Division:  Production
Posting date:  1 Jul 2026
Closing date:  15 Jul 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 an Process Controller KLB to safely and efficiently manages the KLB process and operates equipment, to ensure optimum production output and quality at the best cost with minimum downtime, rejections and effluent.

 

As an Process Controller KLB you will be responsible for:

 

PLANT OPERATIONS

  • Safely and efficiently operate the PM1 process to achieve optimum production output, product quality, and cost-effective performance with minimal downtime, rejects, and effluent.
  • Perform pre-start inspections and execute plant start-ups and shutdowns in accordance with best operating practices.
  • Monitor and control paper quality characteristics, take corrective action on quality deviations, and optimise furnish mixes to meet production requirements.
  • Monitor plant performance, identify abnormal operating conditions, and report equipment defects and operational issues to the Shift Superintendent.
  • Complete production exception reports, verify process consistencies against laboratory results, monitor felt and wire cleaning sequences, and minimise effluent and fresh water consumption.
  • Perform shut tasks, isolate equipment in accordance with the Mill Lock-Out Procedure, safely operate overhead cranes, and accurately record downtime in the OEE system.

 

COMMUNICATION & SYSTEMS

  • Maintain accurate operational records through SAP PM notifications, work permits, OEE entries, and the electronic logbook.
  • Communicate plant status, operational issues, and production information effectively with the Shift Superintendent and relevant stakeholders.

 

SAFETY, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT & QUALITY (SHEQ)

  • Identify and manage workplace risks while ensuring compliance with all safety business processes, legal requirements, and BBS practices.
  • Report accidents, injuries, fires, and non-conformances immediately, complete PJOs as required, and maintain 5S standards within the area of responsibility.
  • Conduct regular plant inspections and implement corrective actions to ensure a safe, compliant, and efficient operating environment.

 

PEOPLE & RESOURCE UTILISATION

  • Provide operational support by acting in the Shift Superintendent role when required and coach and train employees to build competence and support continuous improvement.

 

What are we looking for?

  • Matric (Grade 12) with Mathematics and Physical Science, and relevant NQF Level 5 qualification.
  • National Diploma in Pulp and Paper Will be advantageous.
  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience working on a Paper Machine manufacturing process.
  • Valid Outside Operator licence.

 

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 an Process Controller KLB to safely and efficiently manages the KLB process and operates equipment, to ensure optimum production output and quality at the best cost with minimum downtime, rejections and effluent.

 

As an Process Controller KLB you will be responsible for:

 

PLANT OPERATIONS

  • Safely and efficiently operate the PM1 process to achieve optimum production output, product quality, and cost-effective performance with minimal downtime, rejects, and effluent.
  • Perform pre-start inspections and execute plant start-ups and shutdowns in accordance with best operating practices.
  • Monitor and control paper quality characteristics, take corrective action on quality deviations, and optimise furnish mixes to meet production requirements.
  • Monitor plant performance, identify abnormal operating conditions, and report equipment defects and operational issues to the Shift Superintendent.
  • Complete production exception reports, verify process consistencies against laboratory results, monitor felt and wire cleaning sequences, and minimise effluent and fresh water consumption.
  • Perform shut tasks, isolate equipment in accordance with the Mill Lock-Out Procedure, safely operate overhead cranes, and accurately record downtime in the OEE system.

 

COMMUNICATION & SYSTEMS

  • Maintain accurate operational records through SAP PM notifications, work permits, OEE entries, and the electronic logbook.
  • Communicate plant status, operational issues, and production information effectively with the Shift Superintendent and relevant stakeholders.

 

SAFETY, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT & QUALITY (SHEQ)

  • Identify and manage workplace risks while ensuring compliance with all safety business processes, legal requirements, and BBS practices.
  • Report accidents, injuries, fires, and non-conformances immediately, complete PJOs as required, and maintain 5S standards within the area of responsibility.
  • Conduct regular plant inspections and implement corrective actions to ensure a safe, compliant, and efficient operating environment.

 

PEOPLE & RESOURCE UTILISATION

  • Provide operational support by acting in the Shift Superintendent role when required and coach and train employees to build competence and support continuous improvement.

 

What are we looking for?

  • Matric (Grade 12) with Mathematics and Physical Science, and relevant NQF Level 5 qualification.
  • National Diploma in Pulp and Paper Will be advantageous.
  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience working on a Paper Machine manufacturing process.
  • Valid Outside Operator licence.

 

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.

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