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