Job Vacancies at Sappi

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Senior Procurement Manager to lead and drive strategic sourcing projects to leverage cost competitiveness and secure a stable and sustainable supply base for the business. This involves the development and rollout of category strategies for critical, high-value goods & services for the mills. The Senior Procurement Manager must achieve stretch cost reduction/containment and value improvement targets to support the business plan and to ensure effective and standard systems for managing the tendering, negotiation, contracting, and supplier performance activities.

As a Senior Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for:

• Ensure strategic and center-led commodities for the area of responsibility are procured at optimal cost, time, quality, and quantity.
• Develop & implement category strategies, ensuring supply security while reducing Total cost of Ownership (TCO).
• Conclude and approve major framework agreements and contracts.
• Set and review supplier performance against agreed KPIs.
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Consider and enforce B-BBEE, local procurement, code of ethics, and other relevant transformation-related legislation in procurement decisions.
• Conduct global supply market analysis in order to identify potential supply sources.
• Submit Value-add reports and/or dashboards for their own category to various internal stakeholders for collation and distribution.
• Manage internal customer relations, drive remedial action, and provide feedback where service levels fall short of SLAs.
• Identify sustainable supplier development opportunities and assist the Transformation Manager with supplier development efforts.
• Support Transformation strategy by engendering value-added supplier diversity.
• Ensure compliance to procurement policies and contracts.
• Establishing category cost/price benchmarking frameworks involving detailed spend analysis, industry/supplier price deconstruction modeling and deep understanding of relevant category supply chain and product cost drivers.
• Optimizing/leveraging sourcing synergies to achieve specific, sustainable cost reduction, containment, and value improvement targets on an annual basis.
• Leading and supporting Procurement teams in the development and rollout of strategic source plans for key categories of operational spending in order to secure a low-cost supply base that supports the company’s operations with an uninterrupted supply of best-value goods, spares and production inputs.
• Supporting Procurement teams in negotiating and concluding competitive commercial/legal agreements to drive sustainable performance.
• Achieving optimum commercial outcomes in the context of competing political and socio-economic imperatives (local procurement, enterprise development, low-cost country sourcing).
• Leading and coordinating efforts of Procurement/Strategic Sourcing and Operational Teams in ensuring innovation and compliance with respect to minimum safety standards, quality, and product specifications.
• Effectively managing stakeholder relationships involving strategic suppliers and internal parties.
• Identifying and progressing continuous improvement and innovative approaches to sourcing and contracting, maintaining focus on cost and value whilst disseminating best practic

What are we looking for?

• Minimum of a three (3) year relevant bachelor's degree (Financial, Procurement, Supply Chain).
• Postgraduate business qualification will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in Negotiation, Project Management & Supplier Management
• Strong Leadership Skills
• The Incumbent will be required to travel and work flexible hours with the possibility of shifts as and when required.

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

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Buyer to ensure a smooth transactional process of purchasing goods and services for multiple mills as governed by the procurement policy and/or sourcing strategies.

As a Buyer, you will be responsible for:

• Ensure that all materials and services are sourced and procured according to specification, in accordance with the procurement policy and/or as detailed in the sourcing strategy
• Category Management support and information assistance to be given to Commodity and Sourcing Managers
• Ensure that quality control procedures are implemented and adhered to by the suppliers.  Certificates of conformance are to be supplied where required
• Negotiate supplier payment terms unless already negotiated by Commodity and/or Sourcing Managers
• Liaise with the Technical department regarding specifications or samples tested, if any variance to specification the supplier is notified immediately, and action is taken to rectify
• Assist with achieving functional PIP objectives
• Highlight potential opportunities for items to be placed on contracts with the Commodity Specialist
• Ensure that contract and/or consignment stock are updated on the SAP system
• Implement and/or follow effective expediting procedures and monitor
• Assist in the Issuing of invitations to tender and assist in the evaluation and adjudication of tenders

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor's degree/Diploma/NQF Level 5-6 in Supply Chain/Procurement or relevant field
• A minimum of 3 - 5 years experience in an industrial, procurement, or materials management environment
• SAP MM experience
• Experience in the technical and/or manufacturing environment would be an added advantage

  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

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for a Foreman: Millwright Will Cutter to ensure plant equipment is operated according to best operating practices, to maximise productivity and is maintained and repaired to acceptable standards to maximise availability and efficiency.
As a Foreman- Millwright Will Cutter, you will be responsible for:

• Leads a shift-based team assigned to his/her plant.
• Carries out instructions of Superintendent.
• Keeps Superintendent informed of plant requirements on an ongoing basis.
• Maintains safety, concentrates on the prevention of accidents, and enquires fully into reasons for injury and takes steps to prevent re-occurrence.
• Gives clear instructions and ensures that all instructions are understood and that all subordinates know what their jobs are and how to do it.
• Arranges that all the necessary paper to be cut is in position behind cutters and ready for loading according to Production Schedule.
• Ensures that the broke generated from the machines are timeously removed for continuity in the production processes.
• Assists operators with the change out or re-setting of knives on sheeter.

What are we looking for?

• Matric + Full N3 Mechanical Engineering or N3 Pulp & Paper / NQF L4 Paper Board
• Mechanical or Electrical Trade Tested 
• Trade Tested Millwright (is preferred)
• SAP knowledge would be an advantage
• 5 to 7 years’ experience as a Trade Tested  Artisan in a heavy industry environment, with relevant supervisory/ leadership experience including in acting roles.

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Global Service Team Lead: SAP Logistics to be part of the Global SAP O2C team and primarily responsible for the Logistics part in SAP. In this role, you will report directly to the Global Service Team Mgr. SAP O2C.

As a Global Service Team Lead: SAP Logistics, you will be responsible for: 

• you will be responsible for creating technical concepts with a focus on standardizing processes in SAP modules SD, TM, and EWM.
• you are in supporting global changes, extensions to existing functionality, and new developments in the area of Logistics.
• you will be in close contact with the internal SAP development team and Support teams – additionally, you will represent the first point of contact for Global Process Owners, Global Process Leads and Business Process Engineers.

What are we looking for? 

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or appropriate experience
• Experience in SAP Logistic modules (SD, TM and EWM)
• Multiple years of ABAP and ABAP objects experience
• Strong analytical and design thinking
• Ability to review business requirements and provide technical design
• Proficiency in debugging to troubleshoot issues
• Proficient in English language
• Experience in working within international global teams
• proficiency in other Sappi site languages e.g. German, Dutch

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Global Service Team Lead: SAP Supply Chain to be part of the Global SAP O2C team and primarily responsible for the Supply Chain part in SAP. In this role you will report directly to the Global Service Team Mgr. SAP O2C.

As a Global Service Team Lead: SAP Supply Chain, you will be responsible for:

• creating technical concepts with a focus on standardizing processes in SAP modules S4 Hana
• supporting global changes, extensions to existing functionality, and new developments in the area of Supply Chain.
• contact with the internal SAP development team and Support teams – additionally, you will represent the first point of contact for Global Process Owners, Global Process Leads and Business Process Engineers.

What are we looking for? 

• Experience in SAP SC & MM modules (S4 Hana)
• Strong analytical and design thinking
• Ability to review business requirements and provide technical design
• Proficiency in debugging to troubleshoot issues
• Proficient in English language
• Experience in working within international global teams
• Proficiency in German or Dutch

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Instrument Technician to provide high level technical support to the instrument maintenance department, specifically to plant optimization and fault diagnosis in order to maximise plant availability.

As an Instrument Technician you will be responsible for:

• Maintenance and configuration of DCS system, process Instrumentation and Control
• Interpretation of P& ID, Instruments and Electrical drawings
• Fault finding of instrument loops and preventative maintenance
• Trouble shooting of system peripherals that constitute the DCS system
• Ensuring that project work and shut activities are completed within planned schedule and budget
• Ensuring that all designs comply with safety regulations and industry standards

What are we looking for?

• Matric plus a Diploma in Instrumentation (N6/S4)
• Knowledge & Understanding of Profibus Networks, Field Devices and architecture
• 3 years’ experience in the field in an industrial environment industry
• SAP knowledge would be advantageous
• The ability to work under pressure while following all procedures and standards

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Maintenance Manager - Electrical to participate in developing and implementing strategic and tactical alignment with business unit objectives by ensuring reliability and availability of electrical equipment, services, and allocation of resources. 

As a Maintenance Manager - Electrical, you will be responsible for/to: 

• Participate in developing and executing the Mill maintenance and improvement strategy to ensure equipment availability and efficiency.
• Accountable to provide Mill wide service in engineering installation, maintenance plan, and fault finding on DCS, QCS, and VSD Drives.
• Accountable for the integrity of the protection on the 132kV yard and 11kV electrical power reticulation system.
• Accountable for Mill wide engineering, fault-finding, and maintenance plans on all hydraulic installations.
• Accountable for control of instrument valve repairs, during normal Mill operations and Mill shutdowns (Instrument Valve Workshop).
• Accountable for Mill wide air-conditioning maintenance and installation.
• Accountable for the Main Electrical Workshop.
• Accountable for the development and maintenance of the relevant Mill document reliability and standards.
• Apply Sappi standard project management and process standards for capital projects and ensure sound change management practices are used for all changes to the plant.
• Accountable for Mill-wide identification of reliability risks, improvement programs, and implementation.
• Accountable for Mill wide electrical engineering support for Capex and Renewal project implementation.
• Responsible for the identification and management of relevant major upgrade projects.
• Represent the Mill in regional standardisation processes.
• Ensure a safe and healthy work environment through compliance with legal regulations and mill procedures (e.g. OHS Act, ISO systems)
• Effectively direct electrical engineering and project team members, in terms of performance management, talent management, goal alignment, career development, and learning.
• Compile and implement annual (electrical budget) and participate in long-term (5-year plan) financial business plans to execute the maintenance and improvement strategy.

What are we looking for?

• 4 Year B degree in Sciences or Engineering or National Higher Diploma in Electrical Engineering (heavy current), with Recognition of Previous Learning or experience
• Government Certificate of Competence (Factories)
• Relevant management qualification 
• Registration as a professional engineer would be advantageous
• Relevant experience 8-10 years
• Pulp and Paper Industry experience advantageous

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Environmental  Manager - Mpumalanga to provide Sappi Forests' with environmental knowledge, thereby enabling it to manage its environmental performance to international standards and thus achieve FSC and PEFC certification and accreditation to other relevant standards.

As an Environmental  Manager, you will be responsible for:

• Identify, assesses and evaluate the potential environmental risk to Sappi Forests' through the risk assessment process to recommend mitigatory actions to manage these risks
• Investigate current impacts of forestry operations on the environment by assessing and analysing audit and assessment information to reduce and minimise these impacts.  
• Conduct internal environmental audits through a standard audit process to identify conformance with environmental policies and procedures
• Develop strategic and tactical plans (weeding plans, environmental burning programmes, catchment management plans etc) for districts and plantations   by providing technical environmental knowledge to ensure environmental standards are maintained
• Provide technical input to EIA's, wetland delineation, weed control, problem animal control, burning of permanently unplanted areas, waste management and any other activity by applying environmental knowledge and expertise to ensure that forestry activities are legally compliant 
• Provide technical environmental support by liaising with managers in preparation for and during external (FSC and PEFC) audits to ensure certification is maintained
• Maintain and promote environmental awareness to internal and external stakeholders through regular consultation and environmental reporting to keep stakeholders informed
• Participate in government/NGO initiatives by contributing and participating in broader landscape projects that promote Sappi as a responsible custodian of land (Stewardship, catchment management programmes) 
• Provide technical environmental knowledge by contributing to technical working groups to guide the development and implementation of forestry-related regulations and certification standards

What are we looking for?

• An MSc degree  in the natural sciences of Botany, Zoology, or Environmental Management
• Registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)
• 5 years relevant experience
• Valid Driver’s license

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Shift Millwright to provide first line breakdown maintenance on a shift basis in order to maximise production and minimise plant downtime and to support plant maintenance teams during planned shutdown work.

As a Shift Millwright, you will be responsible for:  

• Diagnose, fault find and repair all mechanical breakdowns and defects mill wide
• Perform mechanical repairs by removing and replacing mechanical equipment and any other mechanical equipment in area of responsibility
• Overhaul equipment and change seals and bearings where required
• Remove and replace solenoid valves and directional control valves and block valves on pneumatic and hydraulic systems
• Repair and unblock pneumatic lines and rotameters
• Perform PVC welding and construction
• Install, repair or replace automated lubricators, oil and air filters and breathers, pressure regulators and hydraulic cylinders
• Perform fault finding on electrical systems during breakdowns and effect the required repairs to keep downtime to a minimum
• Trace electrical faults in electrical motors and control circuits by using relevant testers and meters
• Perform electrical repairs by removing and replacing electric motors and the driven machinery
• Perform fault finding on PLCs and VSDs and effect required repairs where required
• Understand and comply with the safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) requirements.

What are we looking for?

• Grade 12 or N2 Engineering
• Recognised Trade Test certificate as Millwright
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience post trade test in a heavy industry environment whilst 5 years industry experience will be advantageous

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Foreman: Mechanical who will coordinate Mechanical maintenance program(s) and related activities; supervise assigned skilled trades people; implement and maintain mechanical maintenance services within established guidelines and standards; and perform skilled mechanical maintenance as needed.

As the Foreman : Mechanical, you will be responsible for: 

• Assesses equipment, materials and labour needed to complete large and/or complex maintenance tasks for the purpose of ensuring that maintenance activities meet district standards and resolve defined issue(s) while reducing wasted resources.
• Collaborates with others (e.g. contractors, vendors, etc.) for the purpose of implementing and maintaining services and/or programs.
• Coordinates the services and activities of outside contractors as assigned for the purpose of ensuring that contracted work is completed in a safe, effective and timely manner that it meets Mill’s standards and objectives.
• Directs assigned maintenance staff in resolving complex and/or difficult maintenance issues for the purpose of ensuring that Mill sections are maintained in a safe and effective working/learning environment.
• Maintains a variety of manual and electronic files and/or records for the purpose of providing up-to-date references and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Maintains assigned tools, equipment and vehicle(s) for the purpose of ensuring their availability as needed to meet assigned maintenance objectives.
• Performs a wide variety of skilled (and sometimes complex) maintenance activities for the purpose of ensuring that maintenance issues are resolved and projects are completed in a safe, effective and timely manner.
• Prepares a variety of program-mandated documents and reports for the purpose of documenting activities and complying with Mill and/or legal requirements.
• Prioritizes and assigns mechanically related work orders to skilled maintenance staff for the purpose of ensuring that sections are maintained in a safe working/learning environment and meeting guidelines within the approved budget.
• Required to work standby and overtime as required.
• Assists in the personnel management of department employees (e.g. selection of new hires, promotions, terminations, transfers, supervising, disciplining, training, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining staffing needs and productivity of the work force.
• Evaluates and directs performance of team and team members against goals and standards of conduct to ensure maximum performance.
• Understands the SHEQ requirements of the Section.

​What are we looking for? 

• Full N3
• Mechanical Trade test Certificate  
• Minimum 3 years’ plant operations experience
• 2 years’ Supervisory experience would be advantageous  
• Computer Literate (MS Office Package)
• SAP knowledge will be advantageous

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Global Linux Systems Engineer in our Group Information Technology team. 

As a Global Linux Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for:  

• Installation, configuration, maintenance, and support of infrastructure on-premises and in the cloud, including virtualization.
• Offering expertise to resolve technical incidents and systems.
• Creating robust business case proposals for the improvement of systems from a reliability, stability and efficiency point of view.

What are we looking for? 

• A good problem solver who thrives on continuous improvement
• 5 years + of experience in Linux technologies in enterprise IT environments
• A Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or Red Hat Certified Systems Engineer (or adequate)
• Adept in scripting and automation
• Ability to support Linux operating systems
• Experience with Containers, Databases and Google Cloud Platform or other Cloud Hyper Scalers will be advantageous.
• Experience with server and network technologies including Clustering, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP and load balancing

go to method of application »

we’re on the lookout for a Production Intern Utilities & Services who has completed their S4 with the view to qualifying in Pulp and Paper or Chemical Engineering.
As a Production Intern, you will be responsible for:

• Complete section-specific training as per the requirements of the position profiles in that section within the agreed timeframe
• Complete a General and Plant Specific induction
• Complete legal training as per mill and section requirement
• Maintains a high level of good housekeeping in the workplace at all times
• Commit to a training program for 2 years

What are we looking for?

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

go to method of application »

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Cost Analyst to effectively contribute in maintaining an accurate production costing function within the Mill for Pulp and Ligno and provide sound decision-making by gathering, compiling and communicating costing information at the right time in the correct format.
As a Cost Analyst, you will be responsible for:

• Internal orders (Creation, maintenance, settlement & monitoring).
• Recording and allocation of material consumption to production orders in SAP for the Pulp circuit.
• Compiling and sending out a weekly/monthly process cost report.
• Monitoring and verifying of cost allocations. Rectifying incorrect general ledger postings for Pulp and Ligno.
• Ensuring Pulp and Ligno costs are fully accounted for (incl. contracts).
• Pulp stock verifications and counts when required.
• Mill’s fibre balance.
• Monitoring trends historical raw material consumptions for Pulp and Ligno.
• Production Costing.
• Ensuring production data on Light hammer is balanced.
• Preparing operational graphs for Pulp Plant.
• Compiling Production Statistics (Production, OEE).
• Reporting on fixed and variable cost variances to Pulp and Ligno managers.
• Preparation of GL recons (Fibre and WIP).
• Ensuring the tasks within the costing department given by supervisors are adhered to.
• Customer Service Request - CSR
• Assisting in preparation of Budgets (Pulp and Ligno Boms, fixed, variable, internal orders).
• Assisting in ad-hoc exercises requested by the Management Accountant & support to the operation.

What are we looking for?

• BCom Accounting Degree or equivalent
• A minimum of (0 – 2) years’ continuous experience within a manufacturing environment will be advantageous.
• Must be computer literate (MS Office)
• SAP Experience, an added advantage