Technical Manager at Sappi

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Technical Manager to oversee the technical function of Saiccor Mill including departmental safety, budgets, strategy dissemination, work performance, standards, work allocation, employee management, and reporting.

As a Technical Manager, you will be responsible for: 

• Stay abreast with the latest technologies. Research, propose and motivate new capital investment to optimise current and/or new processes.
• Review mill processes for cost reduction, production increase and optimization by making use of the technical team onsite and external resources.
• Work with head office strategic department in assisting the development of strategic capital plans.
• Manage the process optimisation initiatives in the mill using analytical tools and external resources.
• Manage the product development initiatives in the mill through engagements mill and suppliers.
• Analyse and interpret data to investigate process problems and assist mill managers to formulate action plans.
• Evaluate all current and new processes to ensure environmental compliance and for achieving sustainability targets for the mill.
• Ensure customer support by liaising with marketing and directly with the customers to understand their exact needs and requirements. Where required, new equipment/test methods are implemented and/or developed.
• Ensure reliable process analytical support from mill laboratories and monitor the operations so that a continuous flow of accurate process data is supplied to the production section.
• Direct quality control and the mill laboratory so that products leaving the mill (pulp and paper) conform to relevant specifications.
• Though the mill laboratories, advise production sections on the suitability of raw materials received standards and documentation.
• Participate in the prioritisation and motivation for capital expenditure projects for new plants or machinery or upgrades of existing ones. Oversee the development of process specifications and approve changes in the design of the plant.
• Review and approve process changes and trials with a focus on integration between different areas of the plant.
• Drive the safety and other SHEQ objectives for the technical department. 
• Set and control the fixed cost budget for the technical department.
• Coach and provide guidance to the people with direct reports in the technical department function on how to effectively manage their teams.
• Oversee the recruitment, recognition, remuneration, development, and discipline of the technical team.
• Oversee the effective development of new engineers and EIT’s by participating in the selection of new trainees and monitoring the effectiveness of the training and mentoring support they receive.

B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering

• Management qualification (MBA/MDP or equivalent)
• 12 years’ experience in a relevant industry
• Pulp and paper experience would be advantageous
• Professional registration at ECSA would be advantageous