Job Openings at Sappi

As a Transport Officer, you will be responsible for:

• Ensure that contractor operations are optimized by planning fleet utilisation to ensure transport efficiencies and reduce downtime
• Inspect new and existing depots to determine suitability for transport contractor to eliminate potential downtime
• Verify transport routes for contractor to eliminate potential downtime and fleet efficiencies
• Generate daily operational plans for contractor for the dispatching of trucks and loaders in order to maximise fleet efficiency
• Assist Foresters by aligning transport plan with operational harvesting plan to ensure activities are aligned
• Liaise with operational staff on a daily basis with regard to mill performance which could impact fleet efficiencies
• Inspect contractors’ trucks and loaders regularly to ensure compliance to Sappi Risk Management System (RMS)
• Liaise with small market mills on daily load and product requirements to maximise fleet efficiencies
• Inspect roads and rail where issues are detected and advise on requirements to Forestry staff and Roads Engineer
• Calculate contractor route standards for trips (including backhaul information) by monitoring tracking information to ensure compliance to contractor KPI
• Enforce respective mill quality specifications through depot, woodyard, and sidings inspections to ensure no out of specification timber is delivered to receiving mill
• Assess mill rejections and report findings to Transport Manager and forestry staff to track non-conformance
• Report quality deviations on the Sappi Metastorm system and assign to relevant forestry staff to track non-conformance
• Conduct regular inspections on contractor loading points by observing loading activities to comply with RMS standards
• Investigate safety violations reported by Foresters/Safety Managers/third parties by conducting a Route Cause Analysis Trend (RCAT) investigation to ensure compliance to safety standards
• Report safety deviations on the Sappi Metastorm system and assign to relevant forestry staff to track non-conformance
• Educate contractors on how to maximise loading profiles and prevent underloads through field and awareness days
• Reconcile sales vs orders per contractor daily by drawing relevant TCS reports to ensure all contractor orders are completed
• Verify timber sales as per TCS report to ensure all loads are captured
• Manage transport contractor uptime reports weekly to ensure compliance to contractor KPI
• Verify depot to market leads with GIS/Contractors by monitoring tracking to ensure compliance with KPI’s
• Calculate rejection costs as and when rejections occur using the reject cost calculator to ensure the costs are recovered from the relevant contractor
• Verify delivery notes timber despatch advice (TDA’s) against small market sales reflected in Timber Control System (TCS) to ensure all loads are captured
• Verify uptime variance claims from contractor for monthly uptime reports in line with contract KPI
• Provide Transport Manager with verified uptime reports and loading tons timeously for monthly invoicing
• Compile daily report of rail wagon orders by drawing the relevant transport/rail reports

What are we looking for?

• National Diploma in Transport/Logistics or related qualification
• A Supply Chain Management qualification will be advantageous
• Up to 3 years’ relevant experience

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As a Senior Procurement Specialist, you will be responsible to:

• Ensure compliance with SHEQ policies and ISO standards in procurement.
• Communicate regulatory changes to contractors as necessary.
• Assess and manage supply chain risks effectively.
• Collaborate with technical stakeholders for procurement standardization.
• Develop and implement strategic procurement strategies.
• Evaluate vendor performance against SLAs and manage contracts.
• Drive enterprise and supplier development initiatives locally.
• Contribute to mill profitability through strategic procurement inputs.
• Provide reports to the Senior Procurement Manager, that includes preferential procurement and contracts.

Required Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in commercial, engineering or legal, or equivalent experience
• 5 Years procurement experience in a manufacturing or heavy industry environment
• Supervisory experience will be advantageous

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As a Process Controller, you will be responsible to:

• Ensures that plant is prepared for start-up.
• Starts the NSSC Digester and auxiliaries on instruction from the Foreman NSSC.
• Monitors and Controls the NSSC pulping process by running the digester in balance with cooking and extraction liquors ensuring that a uniform quality pulp is produced within the laid down parameters.
• Carries out calibration test on cooking liquor and buffer liquor flow controllers is carried out.
• Supervising plant cleaning staff (contractors) on day shift (i.e., liquor spills, split chips) ensures that plant is kept clean.
• Implements Foreman’s shift plan by carrying out and delegating tasks to achieve steam requirements.
• Implement production activities (shuts, starts ups, checks, log sheets, graph trends, resources, etc.) to sustain quality standards and plant efficiency.
• Communicate effectively using appropriate channels to achieve the desired results regarding the shift plan.
• Coach team members toward a better understanding of plant operating procedures.
• Provides accurate information/ inputs for the production statistics and appropriate action taken, (rework, comebacks, breakdowns, defects, downtime losses, start-up and yield losses, idling and minor stoppages, adjustment losses etc.)
• Identify inefficiencies in Best Operating Practices and propose changes.
• Records all shift running conditions in the shift log book, re, process changes, alterations to plant and equipment, all repairs carried out and problems experienced during shift
• Comply with all relevant SHEQ requirements of the job.
• Identify and take corrective action in terms of SHEQ conditions and hazards.
• Maintains a high level of good housekeeping in the workplace at all times.

What are we looking for?

• Matric and N4 Pulp & Paper Certificate (4 subjects) and/or relevant NQF Level 5 qualification.
• Computer Literate (MS Office Package).
• Minimum (3) years Plant Operations Experience.
• Supervisory Experience Advantageous.

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As a Technologist, you will be responsible for:

Perform experiments and laboratory work

• Perform laboratory and pilot-scale experiments and small projects using predefined work procedures in the laboratory in support of product quality, control, research or product development and routine analysis.
• Set up and formulate experiments for routine work in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Participate in the compilation of research project proposals by providing technical input to the supervisor and conducting desktop studies of previous research done in-house or externally.
• For the assigned projects, supervise, optimise and coordinate the daily activities of the project team for the duration of the project. Conduct root cause analysis for unusual test results.
• Coordinate and execute experiments and chemical analyses based on a project schedule as per established test procedures, work instructions and prescribed experimental conditions.
• Prepare project reports by conducting trend and outcome analysis using the test results obtained in the lab. Create basic recommendations and summarise findings and outcomes. Recommend repeat testing if results are inconsistent.
• Perform equipment calibrations and verification using manufacturer standards or arrange for external companies to perform calibrations if required.
• Create maintenance notifications for laboratory maintenance that needs to be performed by Sappi or external maintenance personnel.
• Participate in the generation, review and audit of ISO procedures and work instructions and make edits as required. Obtain approval from the Scientist for changes before communicating the new standards to the team.
• Resolve queries from suppliers related to orders, goods receipts and service acceptances.
• Continuously look for ways to reduce waste and usages of chemicals and materials – without compromising the quality of the results and make recommendations to the Scientist.
• Oversee the day to day compliance of the project team to quality and safety standards for each project. Report deviations immediately. 

What are we looking for?

• Diploma or equivalent NQF level 6 qualification in a relevant field such as Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology or Pulp and Paper.
• Minimum 2 years experience in a research or quality control laboratory.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience in chemical pulping and bleaching processes would be an advantage.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience in SANAS accreditation and the ISO 1725:2017 standard would be an advantage.
• Studying towards a science degree would be an advantage.
• A basic project management qualification would be advantageous (such as Prince II Foundation or CAPM).

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As an HR Consultant Operations, you will:

• Promote HR High Performance Strategy and values.
• Manage effective recruitment, onboarding, and employment offers.
• Handle absenteeism, disciplinary procedures, and industrial relations.
• Initiate succession planning and conduct stay/exit interviews.
• Manage departmental budgets and headcount.
• Coordinate disability management and support wellbeing programs.
• Facilitate High Performance Organisation processes and performance assessments.
• Ensure compliance with HR legislation and compile HR reports.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• NQF6 – HR Qualification.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in HR Generalist
• Proficient in MS Office and SAP HR.

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As a Process Trainee, you will be responsible to:

• Complete the development plan in the allotted time of 6 months from the date of commencement.
• Complete section specific training curriculum as per the requirements of the position profiles in the section within the agreed timeframe.
• Meet performance standards as defined in the development plan and curriculum.
• Complete general and plant specific induction.
• Complete legal training as per mill and section requirement.
• Maintain a high level of good housekeeping in the workplace at all times.
• Conduct regular Behavioural Based Safety observations.
• Achieve plant licensing competency within the agreed timeframe of the training plan.
• Maintain good working relationship with assigned coach and mentors in the section.
• Keep the training program up to date and communicate any barriers that hindered the progress of the training program
• Adherence to Code of Ethics
• Participates in shift activities when required

Required Minimum Qualifications: 

• Matric with Maths and Science or N3 Pulp and Paper or Relevant N3 Engineering Studies.
• No work experience required.
• You should be unemployed.
• Age between 18-25 years.
• Permanently reside within 50km
• Attach your original latest proof of residential address, certified copy of RSA ID & highest qualification. 

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As a Senior Electrical Technician, you will be responsible for:

• Administer and ensure compliance with accepted standards
• Responsible for the maintenance of all PLC and SCADA Installations and Profibus Networks.  Perform system backups. Implementation and commissioning of electrical and PLC system-related projects
• Ensures that all modifications/projects conform fully to Mill Change Management Procedures, Mill Standard Specifications, Mill Safety Standards, and the OHS Act
• Optimisation of plant performance and control characteristics to maintain high plant availability
• Review equipment in line with technological advancement within the industry on an ongoing basis
• Explore quality products at reduced costs in the event of replacement
• Fault-finding malfunctions of field devices and system components with the aid of electrical drawings and test equipment
• Proficiency in specialist areas such as BQS, BCU, PLCs, VFD’s, HV and LV reticulation and Protection Equipment, Power Generator, and Auxiliary Equipment
• Provides on-going training to personnel to perform specific tasks on new equipment, completed projects, and maintenance of equipment. Operator training (limitations due to system interlocks/sequences explained).
• Manages varied multi-disciplinary plant modifications/project work from concept to commissioning and closeout

What are we looking for?

• National Diploma or B Tech in Electrical Engineering
• 5 years of industrial experience in PLC / Profibus knowledge and experience in heavy industrial electrical equipment and systems
• Project Management Experience
• Supervisory experience

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As a Production Intern, you will be responsible to:

• Complete the development plan in the allotted time of 24 months from the date of commencement.
• Complete section specific training curriculum as per the requirements of the position profiles in the section within the agreed timeframe.
• Meet performance standards as defined in the development plan and curriculum.
• Complete general and plant specific induction.
• Complete legal training as per mill and section requirement.
• Maintain a high level of good housekeeping in the workplace at all times.
• Conduct regular Behavioural Based Safety observations.
• Achieve plant licensing competency within the agreed timeframe of the training plan.
• Maintain good working relationship with assigned coach and mentors in the section.
• Keep the training program up to date and communicate any barriers that hindered the progress of the training program.
• Adherence to Code of Ethics
• Participates in shift activities when required.

Required Minimum Qualifications: 

• Diploma in Chemical Engineering or Pulp and Paper or S4.
• No work experience required

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As a Human Resources Business Partner, you will be responsible for:

• Partner with business leaders to develop and execute short- and medium-term HR plans aligned with regional and business unit priorities.
• Serve as the primary HR contact for middle and junior management, providing expert guidance on a wide range of people management issues.
• Coach line managers on best practices in employee relations, including handling disciplinary matters, grievances, and disputes.
• Ensure compliance with labour and employment laws within your assigned departments.
• Proactively manage employee relations risks, ensuring compliance with relevant labour laws, union agreements, and industry regulations.
• Drive performance management processes, coaching managers on setting effective goals and conducting performance appraisals.
• Analyse HR data to identify trends and proactively address potential issues.
• Champion diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees.
• Manage headcount budgets, approving and monitoring recruitment requests.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection process.
• Manage change initiatives to minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition.
• Identify and address organizational development needs within your assigned business area.
• Partner with the learning and development team to provide targeted training and support to employees.

 What are we looking for?

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as an HR Business Partner or similar role, with a strong focus on employee relations.
• Proven experience in a global business environment is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and relationships at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and HR information systems (SAP a plus).