Engineering Manager

dsm-firmenich; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning & growth

Global impact

Collaborative culture

Leadership opportunities

Job summary

dsm-firmenich in Midrand, South Africa, is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead large-scale Capex projects within Electrical, Civil, and Mechanical disciplines, driving a multi-year refurbishment program and transformative engineering initiatives.

You will ensure GMP, FSSC, and site standards compliance while coordinating contracted teams and internal groups to deliver high-quality results on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical, Chemical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Proven experience in the food processing industry.
• Project Management certification (required).
• Lean Six Sigma qualification (preferred).
• GCC – South Africa (required).
• Strong organizational, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage contractors and ensure timely, high‑quality project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute large-scale Capex projects (>1 MCHF) across Electrical, Civil, and Mechanical disciplines, from scope development through completion.
• Ensure all engineering and project activities are delivered in compliance with GMP, FSSC, SHE, and site engineering standards.
• Manage and coordinate contractors, internal teams, and external partners, ensuring alignment on project scope, priorities, timelines, and safe working practices.
• Maintain high standards of engineering compliance and documentation, including as-installed drawings, Operating & Maintenance documentation, purchasing, stock control, and Permits to Work.
• Collaborate closely with key site stakeholders to resolve technical challenges, coordinate project activities, and ensure efficient project execution.
• Oversee testing, commissioning, MOC, FAT, snag resolution, and project close-out, ensuring a smooth and successful handover to Production and Maintenance teams.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Organizational skills

Education

Electrical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

GCC – South Africa

Tools

Project Management Certification

Job description

Engineering Manager

Midrand, South Africa

Working alongside the Project Manager and with the Operations management team, as our successful Engineering Manager you will have the Midrand site Master Project responsibility.

You will lead large-scale projects at our Midrand Operations site, varying from the current site upgrade project to larger cost savings initiatives involving major Capex work.

This role is central to the successful execution of a multi-year plant refurbishment program, involving complex improvement and expansion initiatives. You will drive engineering excellence, ensure compliance with industry standards, and deliver high-impact solutions that support our purpose of enhancing lives through sustainable innovation.

Your key responsibilities:

• Lead and execute large-scale Capex projects (>1 MCHF) across Electrical, Civil, and Mechanical disciplines, from scope development through completion.
• Ensure all engineering and project activities are delivered in compliance with GMP, FSSC, SHE, and site engineering standards.
• Manage and coordinate contractors, internal teams, and external partners, ensuring alignment on project scope, priorities, timelines, and safe working practices.
• Maintain high standards of engineering compliance and documentation, including as-installed drawings, Operating & Maintenance documentation, purchasing, stock control, and Permits to Work.
• Collaborate closely with key site stakeholders to resolve technical challenges, coordinate project activities, and ensure efficient project execution.
• Oversee testing, commissioning, MOC, FAT, snag resolution, and project close-out, ensuring a smooth and successful handover to Production and Maintenance teams.

We offer:

• A transformative journey of learning, growth, and innovation.
• The opportunity to shape the future of sustainable food technology.
• A collaborative and purpose-driven culture focused on improving lives.
• The chance to lead breakthrough engineering projects with global impact.

You bring:

• Degree in Electrical, Chemical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Proven experience in the food processing industry.
• Project Management certification (required).
• Lean Six Sigma qualification (preferred).
• Government Certificate of Compliance (GCC) – South Africa (required).
• Strong organizational, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage contractors and ensure timely, high-quality project delivery.

About dsm-firmenich

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement

At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement

We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.