We are hiring!

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Area Development Manager - Technical to promote, co-ordinate and facilitate the identification and development of technological solutions for Harvesting and Silviculture to best optimise the available resources in the KZN Region

As an Area Development Manager - Technical, you will be responsible for:

• Manage and guide implementation of ISO9001 (Quality Management System), ISO14001 (Environmental Management Standards), Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and OHSAS18001 (Health and Safety Management System) in Development projects to meet compliance standards.
• Oversee Fire Risk Management and ensure effective protection of people, plantation & other assets from forest fires through fire contract negotiation and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage corrective actions, to gaps identified in audit findings on all fire reports and fire post mortems and ensure that findings are closed out satisfactorily and timeously..
• Liaise and collaborate with various stakeholders to establish and manage ideas for technical innovation.  Communicate these ideas to management team and Contractor Leadership Forums.  Establish a Technical Review Forum.
• Consult with Forestry Managers and contractors with developing new and improved methods, systems and processes. 
• Disseminates information on operations to the regions by actively gleaning information from literature surveys, from people sent on overseas visits and from visitors visiting South Africa.
• Initiates and participates in relevant projects based on regional priorities.  Includes integrated management systems and multidisciplinary teams. Participates in and facilitates technical committees.
• Liaison with outside organisations such as The Institute for Commercial Forestry Research (ICFR), Forestry, chemical suppliers and equipment manufacturers, etc.   Investigate new technical issues and consult with outside specialists by initiating contact with these authorities and directing partnering relations with them. 
• Liaises with research for the maintenance of strategic trials and the updating of data by ensuring operational compliance and routine follow-ups. 
• Initiates the annual review of the productivity standards by eliciting response from operational, research and nursery authorities and forwarding these for consideration to relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain a quality measurement and reporting system and communicate these to the various stakeholders.
• Implements quality assurance through all stages of operations by frequent visitation and monitoring all quality assurance, cost, delivery, environment, safety and people related aspects. Notes deviations, highlights opportunities for improvement and monitors implementation in the region.  
• Ensure that the most effective cost control methods are identified and implemented for all regional operations.
• Support and oversee the formulating strategies and tactics for effective fire risk management to ensure the effective protection of people, plantation & other assets from forest fires.

What are we looking for? 

• National Diploma in Forestry, Agriculture or Horticulture
• Bachelors’ Degree in Forestry or related disciplines would be preferred
• At least 7 years relevant experience

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.